Page 16 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Cowboy

Now it feels like even this solid ground beneath my feet is shifting, all because of the woman walking beside me.

"Vincent?" Charlotte's voice breaks into my thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for showing me the stars. It was..." She pauses, searching for the right word. "Perfect."

Something tightens in my chest. "You're welcome."

As we approach the house, I notice a light still on in the living room. Probably Aaron—he often stays up later than the rest of us, his sleep patterns permanently disrupted by his time overseas.

Sure enough, my brother is sitting in our father's old armchair, a book open in his lap. He glances up as we enter, his eyes moving between Charlotte and me with quiet assessment. I know that look. He's reading the situation, drawing conclusions that make me want to squirm like a teenager caught sneaking in after curfew.

"Just showing Charlotte the stars," I explain, though he hasn't asked.

Aaron nods once, his expression neutral. "Clear night for it."

"I've never seen anything like it," Charlotte says earnestly. "Where I'm from, you're lucky to spot a handful of stars through the light pollution."

"Another reason cities are overrated," Aaron says.

Charlotte smiles. "I'm starting to agree with you there."

She turns to me. "I should turn in. Thank you again for... everything today."

"Goodnight, Charlotte," I say, keeping my voice even.

"Goodnight, Vincent. Goodnight, Aaron."

Both of us watch her walk down the hallway toward her room. Once she's out of sight, Aaron looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't," I warn.

He holds up his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes hold a knowing look that irritates me precisely because he's right. There's something happening here that I didn't anticipate and don't know how to handle.

"She seems good with Lily," is all he says.

"She is," I agree, dropping into the sofa across from him. "Kid's already attached."

Aaron closes his book, marking his place with a finger. "And you?"

I scowl at him. "She's Lily's nanny."

"Didn't answer my question."

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated. "I don't know, alright? She's not what I expected."

"Things never are," Aaron says cryptically.

"You're a real font of wisdom tonight," I mutter.

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "Just calling it like I see it."

"Well, don't. It's nothing. It can't be anything." I stand up abruptly. "I'm going to bed."

Aaron nods, reopening his book. "Night, Vince."

I make my way to my bedroom, annoyed with myself and with Aaron for seeing right through me. Once inside, I sit heavily on the edge of my bed, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

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