Page 64 of Single Chance

Quick, heavy footsteps sounded on the basement stairs. Chance reacted before I did, ending the kiss abruptly, whipping his hands from under my shirt, standing straighter. Just before the basement door creaked open, I stepped away from him, putting space between us and leaning against the counter, hoping like hell I looked calm and casual instead of flushed and turned on.

“Sam,” Chance said as she took the last step up to the kitchen. “What are you doing up?”

His daughter pressed a hand to her chest as her gaze bounced between us. “You scared me.”

“Sorry about that. You should be in bed, shouldn’t you?” he said.

“History test tomorrow. I’m studying. Need a snack.” She narrowed her eyes and looked from him to me and back again. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing,” Chance said.

Terrible, guilty-sounding answer.

“Cupcake run,” I said, grabbing the container from the counter and holding it out to her, hoping sugar would distract her from her flustered father.

She glanced at the container and shook her head. “I’m in salt mode.” As she headed toward the pantry, she eyed us suspiciously again. “So you’re both just hanging out in the kitchen, having a midnight snack?”

“I was lying there thinking about the cupcakes,” Chance said, finally seeming to snap into nonguilty mode. “Rowan was here when I came down.”

She hadn’t noticed the Valentine gifts yet. I debated using them as a distraction now. It would ruin the surprise for the morning but offer an explanation for why we were in the kitchen.

“How much studying do you have left?” Chance asked.

I put the cupcakes back in their corner on the counter, then washed my hands, striving for nonchalance and normalcy.Just finishing up my midnight snack. Not kissing your dad at all.

“Oh, just a review of the Civil War,” she answered.

My brows shot up.

“Is that all?” Chance asked dryly.

“A review, Dad. I’ve read the chapters.”

“Need someone to quiz you?” I offered as I turned around from the sink.

Sam seemed to consider it briefly, then said, “I’m almost done, but thanks for offering.”

“If you ever want help, especially with science”—I raised my hand—“I’m your girl. I miss teaching.”

“Biology is my favorite class,” Sam said.

Chance looked surprised.

“What?” Sam asked. “You know I like science the best.”

“It’s just that you haven’t talked much about your classes. I’m glad to hear you like biology. Cells and mitochondria and DNA, right? Good stuff.”

Sam grinned. “You’ve told me before you didn’t like any science classes.”

Chance flicked a nervous glance my way, and I laughed.

“Really?” I asked.

“I was better at writing and reading,” he said, shrugging. “I’m a word guy.”

“Just a word guy living with two STEM girls,” I said, smiling at Sam.

“This is my lot in life,” he joked. “I’m just happy my daughter’s studying.”

---