Page 7 of Filthy Rich Single Daddies

"Dad!"

Just like that, the rage melts away. Lucas barrels toward me, his little arms outstretched, and I scoop him up without hesitation. His familiar scent of apple shampoo and fruit snacks floods my senses, grounding me in a way nothing else can. For a moment, I let myself breathe him in, holding him close.

"Hey, buddy," I murmur, my voice softening, fighting the lump in my throat. "Everything okay?" I’m not sure if I’m asking him or trying to reassure myself.

Before Lucas can answer, a high-pitched squeal pierces the air, sharp and excited. "Uncle Austin! Where’s Daddy?""

I look up to see Elodie perched in Miss Deveraux's arms, her golden curls bouncing as she wriggles with excitement. For a moment, I'm struck by the sight of them together—Miss Deveraux's long, dark hair a stark contrast to Elodie's fair locks.

"Your dad's still at work, Elodie sweetheart," I explain, trying to keep my voice light. "He'll be home soon."

As I set Lucas down, I can't help but marvel at how quickly these kids can diffuse my anger. One minute I'm ready to breathe fire, the next I'm melting like ice cream on a hot sidewalk. I run a hand through my hair, realizing it's probably sticking up in all directions now. So much for the controlled image I try so hard to maintain.

"So," I say, locking eyes with Miss Deveraux, "want to tell me whatreallyhappened here?"

Her hazel eyes flash with indignation, and I can practically see the flames dancing in them. Her jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think she might actually breathe fire.

"Excuse me?" she says, her voice low and dangerous. "Are you implying that I lied to you, Mr. Rhodes?"

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can get a word out, Elodie pipes up from Miss Deveraux's arms, her voice shrill with excitement.

"Oh, Uncle Austin! It was awful!" she exclaims, her blue eyes wide with excitement. "The nanny was yelling at Lucas for spilling his juice, and she said such mean things!"

I feel my eyebrows shoot up. "Really?" I ask, glancing between Elodie and Miss Deveraux, trying to gauge the truth in her words. Elodie isn’t known to fib, but she is six and impressionable.

Elodie nods vigorously, her golden curls bouncing. "Uh-huh! And then Miss Skylar came in like a superhero! She told the mean lady to stop being so nasty, and the lady got all red in the face and stormed out!"

I can't help but picture Miss De—Skylar, in a cape, hands on her hips like Wonder Woman. The mental image is both amusing and...oddly appealing. A strange flutter stirs in my chest, and I quickly push it aside, trying to focus.

"Is that so?" I ask, looking back at Skylar. Her expression has softened slightly, but there's still a hint of defiance in her eyes. She’s not backing down, and I can respect that. Even if it makes me want to dominate her in every way.

"That's...a pretty accurate summary," Skylar admits, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips as she turns her attention to the little girl in her arms. "Though I'm not sure about the superhero part."

I feel a twinge of guilt for doubting her earlier. I open my mouth to apologize again, but the words don’t come out right. "I...I’m sorry for implying you weren’t truthful," I say, runninga hand through my hair again, wishing I could take back my earlier assumptions. "It’s just been a hell of a day, and I—"

"It's fine," Skylar cuts me off, her tone clipped but not unkind. "I understand. These things happen."

I nod, feeling a mix of relief and lingering tension, but also an odd sense of familiarity. I’ve only met this woman a few brief times, and yet, it feels like there’s something more here, something beneath the surface I can’t quite reach. As I watch Skylar gently set Elodie down, I can’t help but wonder what other surprises this woman might have in store for us.

I meet Skylar's eyes, and suddenly I'm back at the pool, watching droplets of water cascade down her smooth skin. The name Skylar suits her perfectly. She’s wild and untamed, like a storm-tossed sky. I clear my throat, willing away the inappropriate thoughts before they become entirely too obvious.

"Thank you, Miss Deveraux," I manage, my voice a bit rougher than I'd like. "I appreciate your help today. I'll take it from here."

Skylar nods, her hazel eyes still burning with that fierce intensity. "Of course, Mr. Rhodes. Happy to help."

“Austin. You can call me Austin.”

“Fine, then. Austin. I guess I’ll see you around.”

She crouches low to the ground, her hands briefly resting on her knees as she looks down at Lucas and Elodie, a soft smile tugging at her lips. It's like she’s a different person when she’s with them—gentle, warm, genuine.

"Goodbye, you two," she says, her voice warm and sincere despite the awkwardness hanging in the air. “If you ever need anything, I’m right next door. You can come find me or Birdie, okay? Always.”

Lucas gives her a shy wave, his big brown eyes resting worshipfully on her face, while Elodie babbles happily, oblivious to the tension. Skylar gives both a gentle pat on their heads before standing up again, her posture confident and graceful.

As she walks toward the door, I can't help but feel that pull, like an invisible thread tugging me closer to her. There’s something about Skylar—something I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s the way she commands attention without even trying. Or maybe it’s the sass, the defiance that radiates from her like an electric current. I bet she’d be a brat in bed.

Jesus, Austin.Stopthinking about her naked.

---