Page 32 of Faking It With the Single Dad

“I’ve spent so much time building walls around myself,” she says finally, her voice soft. “I don’t know how to let them down.”

I lean in slightly, my heart pounding. I’m not trying to rush her. I’m not trying to push her into something she’s not ready for. But I need her to know that I’m not going anywhere.

“You don’t have to do it all at once,” I say gently. “I’m not asking for everything. I want you to know that you don’t have to carry everything alone. You don’t have to protect yourself from me. I’m here. Iwantto be here.”

Her eyes soften as she looks at me, and for the briefest moment, I see something flicker in them—a glimmer of trust, maybe. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make my heart skip a beat.

I don’t know where this is going. I don’t even know if she’s ready for a relationship. But in this moment, sitting by the lake with Bella, I realize that I’m willing to take the chance. I’m willing to step into the unknown.

For the first time in a long time, I’m ready to stop running.

And I hope that she is, too.

Chapter Eleven

Bella

Since there isn’t a flurry of customers, I decide to use this opportunity to engage in a little cleaning. I busy myself with wiping and dusting the counter for what feels like the hundredth time. My hands move on autopilot because my mind isn’t on the spotless surface in front of me. My thoughts are focused on Ryan. More specifically, on how much time we’ve been spending together—and how easy it’s been to fall into a rhythm with him, Luke, and Alice.

I sigh and try to stop thinking about it, trying my best to push the unwelcome thoughts and emotions away. “It’s all make-believe, Bella; get ahold of yourself!” I mutter under my breath. But my heart isn’t listening. Ignoring my feelings won’t explain the way my stomach flutters whenever he walks into a room, or how my chest feels lighter when he’s near, or make the warm fuzzy feeling I have whenever he looks at me dissipate.

The doorbell rings, pulling me out of my thoughts, and I look up just in time to see Ryan walk in with Luke and Alice. Luke’s laughter rings out, his little arms wrapped tightly around Ryan’s neck as he clings to him. Alice, on the other hand, walks beside her dad, grabbing his hand tightly.

“Mommy!” Luke calls, his face lighting up as he wriggles free of Ryan’s arms and runs toward me.

“Hey, buddy!” I say, crouching down and scooping him up so I can press a kiss to his cheek. “Did you have fun today?”

Luke nods enthusiastically, his curls bouncing with the motion. “Yeah! Uncle Ryan taught me how to throw a football! It was the most funever.”

I look over at Ryan, who’s standing by the counter with one hand resting lightly on Alice’s shoulder. His smile is warm and inviting, and in this moment, it feels like the whole room is tilting.

“He’s certainly exaggerating,” Ryan says with a chuckle. “But he’s a born natural. He’ll be throwing perfect spirals in no time.”

“Great,” I say with a laugh. “Just what I need—Luke getting ideas about joining the NFL before he can even tie his shoes properly.”

Ryan lets out a deep, rich laugh, the kind that makes my heart do an uncomfortable little flip in my chest. “It’s never too early to start planning for greatness, Bella. We might have the next Tom Brady right here!”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the cheesy smile that starts forming on my face.

Alice starts tugging Ryan’s hand, her voice soft but insistent. “Daddy, can I get a grilled cheese?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Ryan says, looking at me. “Make that two grilled cheeses. And I’ll take my usual coffee.”

“You got it.” I set Luke down and head to the kitchen, grateful for the distraction. My thoughts come bursting out again, and I just can’t stop them.

While preparing their orders, I see Luke pull Alice over to the corner where the kids’ books are stacked. As I glance over my shoulder at them, my heart squeezes at the sight. They look so natural together…like siblings.

I come back with their food a few minutes later. Luke and Alice are still seated together at one of the tables, flipping through a picture book I keep in the café for kids. Ryan leans back in his chair, watching them with a soft expression that makes my chest ache.

“She’s really taken to him,” Ryan says softly, his voice pulling me back.

“Yeah,” I reply, keeping my eyes on the kids. “Luke adores her.”

I set the plates and coffee down in front of him.

“Thanks,” he says, his voice warm. “You didn’t have to go all out, you know.”

I shrug. “It’s just grilled cheese, Ryan. Don’t make it seem like a grand meal.”

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