Page 30 of Faking It With the Single Dad

“Glad to hear it.” My eyes flick back to Bella. “Didn’t realize you’re running a personal tour service now.”

Her brows shoot up, irritation sparking in her gaze. “He’s just a customer, Ryan.”

“A very friendly customer,” I mutter.

James clears his throat, looking increasingly uncomfortable. “Maybe I should—”

“Yeah, maybe you should,” I interrupt, my eyes never leaving Bella.

Bella’s face flushes with anger, her voice low and sharp as she says, “James, I’ll have your order ready in just a second.”

James nods, muttering something under his breath as he steps away to wait at a nearby table.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, Bella rounds on me, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “What was that?”

“What was that?” I shoot back, gesturing toward James. “You were practically letting him crawl over the counter.”

She glares at me, her voice cold. “He was being polite. You, on the other hand, were being—”

“A complete jerk?” I offer.

“Yes,” she snaps. “Exactly that.”

I exhale sharply, trying to rein in the sudden surge of jealousy that’s taken me completely by surprise. “I just…didn’t like the way he was talking to you.”

Her eyes narrow. “Why? He wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

“Because you’re way better than that,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

Bella blinks, her anger momentarily replaced by confusion. “Better than what?”

“Better than…than guys like him. Guys who waltz in here thinking they can charm you with a few compliments and a smile.”

She crosses her arms, her voice flat. “And you’re the authority on what I deserve now?”

“No,” I admit, my voice softening. “I’m not. But I care about you, Bella. And I guess seeing him act like he has a chance with you…it gets under my skin.”

Her expression shifts slightly, her arms loosening as she studies me. “Why?”

The question catches me off guard. A plethora of thoughts rushes through my head. Maybe because I don’t want anyoneelse to have her. Because the thought of her smiling at someone else like that makes something inside me twist painfully. But I can’t say that.

“I don’t know,” I say finally, my shoulders sagging. “I wish I did.”

Bella’s gaze softens, though her tone is still firm. “Well, figure it out. Because whatever that was? It was not okay.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

She watches me for a moment longer before sighing and turning back to the counter to finish James’s order.

I sit at a corner table with Alice, pretending to listen as she rambles on about her plans for the weekend. I’m trying to gather my thoughts and fully process why I acted that way.

What in the world was I thinking? Barging in here like some possessive…what? Boyfriend? The word feels too real, too close to something I’m not ready to admit.

“Dad, you’re not even listening.” Alice’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Sorry, princess,” I say, forcing a smile. “What were you saying?”

She rolls her eyes, but grins. “Never mind. Can I get another brownie?”

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