Page 32 of Hat Trick Daddies

But then I see her.

She peeks out from one of the front windows, her face framed by the soft glow of the interior lights. Her expression is a mix ofcuriosity and warmth, and something about it puts me at ease instantly.

I take a deep breath, my nerves settling as I step out of the truck.

Whatever happens tonight, I know one thing for sure: I want to be here.

I step out of the truck, the cool night air brushing against my skin as I make my way to Ally’s front door. My boots crunch softly on the gravel path, and my heart beats a little faster with every step.

The door swings open before I even have a chance to knock.

She stands there, her blonde hair loose around her shoulders, and a soft, shy smile on her face. She’s wearing a simple sweater and leggings, but she looks incredible.

“Hey,” she says, her voice quiet but warm.

“Hey,” I reply, stepping inside.

The apartment is cozy, the kind of place that immediately feels like home. She gestures toward the small kitchen, and I follow her in.

We pour a couple of glasses of wine, and I trail her to the living room, where we settle on the couch.

It’s a little awkward at first. We talk about nothing in particular, the day, the weather, her cat, who watches us curiously from the windowsill. But as we sit there, our legs touching, I notice she’s not pulling away.

The warmth of her leg against mine is enough to make my nerves dissolve.

She’s here. She wants this. And so do I.

I take a sip of my wine, glancing at her. “So,” I say carefully, “why’d you wait so long?”

She exhales softly, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. “My brother’s kind of…a sporty jock jerk,” she says with a laugh, though there’s a hint of bitterness in her tone. “He was alwaysso cavalier about women, and I hated it. I dated a few guys who treated me the same way, like all they wanted was sex. I wasn’t ready for that as a younger woman.”

I nod, understanding more than she realizes.

“So, I threw myself into school instead,” she continues, her voice softer now. “I focused on my career, told myself I wasn’t missing out. But sometimes…” She trails off, her blue eyes meeting mine.

I tilt my head, studying her. “Sometimes you feel like you did miss out?”

She nods slightly, and I see a vulnerability in her expression that hits me harder than I expected.

I lean back, resting my arm along the back of the couch as I think about what to say. “I get it, in a way,” I finally say. “I’ve only been in one serious relationship. My ex-wife.”

Her eyebrows lift slightly, surprised.

“We were high school sweethearts,” I explain, a blush creeping into my cheeks. “Married for years, but…it didn’t work out.” I pause, glancing down at my glass. “She cheated, and that was the end of it.”

“I’m sorry,” she says softly, her hand brushing against mine for a moment.

I shrug, managing a small smile. “It was a long time ago. Since then, I’ve, uh…had a little fun.” The words come out awkwardly, but I grin to show I’m not too embarrassed.

Ally laughs, the sound light and genuine. “Good. Because I have no idea what I’m doing.”

I smile, shaking my head. “You’re doing just fine, Ally.”

I set my glass down on the coffee table, leaning closer to her. “Do you at least know the first steps?” I ask, my voice low as my lips hover near hers.

Her breath hitches, her eyes flicking to my mouth before meeting my gaze. “I think I’ve got a vague idea,” she whispers.

I close the distance, capturing her lips with mine.

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