Page 16 of Summer Fling
Dalton frowned. "We might need to revisit things as we go, but I would think handholding, maybe some kissing, my arm around your shoulders. That kind of thing."
He seemed to be unaffected by the thought of pretending to be with me. He obviously wasn't attracted to me, and why would he be? I was here to do a job, not lust after my new boss.
"Is that okay?" Dalton asked, his tone laced with concern.
"Of course. I just wanted to know what I was getting into."
"We'll need to go to family get-togethers. That will be the real test. My family hasn't seen me with anyone since Oakley. I think they assume we'll eventually get back together."
"Sharing a child isn't a reason to be with someone. In the practices I interned at, I've seen many couples stay together for the sake of their children when they would have been better off apart."
"At first, I thought I should try, but it became clear she enjoyed the drama of an on-again, off-again relationship more than working a real connection."
"You shouldn't have to work at a connection. That should come naturally."
"And maybe that was my mistake. I got caught up in the idea of a relationship."
"I wouldn't beat yourself up over your failings. We all have them," I said.
"I intend to be single until Lilliana's eighteen. She needs to be my focus," he said seriously.
As a clinician, I could say that was something he couldn't promise with any confidence now. But I wasn't treating him, and it was a good warning. This fake relationship was temporary. I wouldn't get any ideas of it becoming something more.
Dalton wasn't looking for anything real, and neither was I. I'd seen what a breakup did to a family. I wouldn't do anything that could hurt Lilliana.
Chapter Five
Dalton
The next morning, I went to the Kingston Construction office for a meeting. I waved at Kinsley who was on the phone, then proceeded into the conference room.
My brothers were all seated at the table, and it felt good to be here. I'd missed most of these meetings since Lilliana was born. Even though my family said it was fine, it made me feel like I was letting them down.
I was eager to get back into the swing of things. I wanted to be a good dad and a reliable employee again.
"We weren't expecting you," Dad said from his spot at the head of the table as I entered.
Our schedule for the next few months was projected onto the wall behind him.
I pulled out the chair and sat down. Since I was one of the younger brothers, I sat toward the doorway across from Brady. "I have a live-in nanny now."
"Everything's working out with Blake then?" Cooper asked.
"She's a lifesaver. I've been able to go to work on time and not worry about how I'm going to care for Lilliana," I said with pride in my voice. It felt a lot like I was getting my life back. I was finally navigating this single-dad thing with ease. At least until Oakley came up with a way to shake-up my new arrangement.
"I'm glad she's working out," Dad said.
"I thought Blake was your nanny," Hudson said to Cooper.
Cooper inclined his head slightly. "We only need her part-time, so we're sharing her with Dalton."
"She needed a place to stay, and with the unpredictable visitation schedule, it made more sense for her to live in my house. She still watches Henry. I think it's easier when they play together," I added.
"Henry loves his cousin time." Cooper pulled out his phone to show everyone some pictures of them playing together. It looked like what Lilliana was wearing yesterday when I came home. I loved that Blake had thought to send pictures to Cooper and Ivy. She was a thoughtful person.
"I really hope that this arrangement with Blake is going to work out. I want to be more present at work and at home." I was already worried that Oakley would throw a fit and pressure me to get rid of my nanny.
"Does this mean you're finally going to do something official about custody and visitation?" Dad asked from his spot at the head of the table.
