Page 17 of Baby For The Billionaire Silver Fox

“Okay, I’m confused. I thought you were interested in her.”

He wasn’t the only one confused. But whatever was or wasn’t going on with Nicole wasn’t everyone’s business. And as much as I liked Lexi, I didn’t need a matchmaker.

“I’ll let you know when I know,” I admitted, walking him back to the living area.

We assembled around the table, and the cards with a side of friendly ribbing were handed out.

“Okay, so how about this… every time you fold, you have to take a shot,” Charlie suggested. He leaned back and stroked his beard, looking satisfied with himself and his rules.

Charlie, a friend who worked for the county, brought out the whiskey bottle and shot glasses. His emphasis was always more on the alcohol part of poker night.

I guessed it was going to be one of those nights. I’d rather lose money than fold too often. Otherwise, I would regret it tomorrow, and I didn’t particularly like having regrets in my life.

As the evening progressed, Matt’s smile grew broader and broader. “You sissies aren’t doing so well tonight. Is all that whiskey going to your heads?”

“No shit,” Bennett said. “I’m bowing out. I gotta think about tomorrow. I’m too old to deal with a hangover and my daughter in the same room together. It’s too much.”

“I am making poor choices, but dang, it’s fun,” Charlie declared. “Deal me another hand and make it a good one this time.”

“I admire your determination to finish that bottle, Charlie,” I chuckled.

“Here, Matt, take the rest of my money. I’m done.” I pushed it all to him. Stretching, I made my way over to the couch.

Bennett joined me, and we looked out at the lights of the town. I had a pretty sweet view at night.

“I’m out of here with my winnings. I hope I can carry all your money,” Matt said. “Charlie, can I drop you off?”

Charlie grinned and wobbled a little as he followed Matt out the door. “Later, boys. It’s been fun, I think.”

Bennett made no move to go, and I knew he would start asking me questions again.

“So…” he started, but I held up my hand to stop him.

“Is this going to be like Dr. Phil, where I have to share my feelings?”

“Dick,” he answered. “I’m not holding a gun to your head.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Okay. You just seemed a little preoccupied tonight, and I know you had dinner with her last night.”

“I’m good. Nothing there to concern yourself with,” I said lightly.

Bennett nodded and chugged down a glass of water before leaving.

I walked him to the door. “Let me know when I can babysit again. Chloe is a sweetheart.”

Bennett beamed. “Yeah, she is a pretty special girl, isn’t she? I know someday she will turn into a teenager, but until then, she’s sweet.”

“I bet when she’s a teenager and moody and constantly angry at her dad, she’ll still have time for Uncle Dan,” I teased.

“No doubt. But you’ll have to switch your bribery tactics from sugar to cold hard cash. Seriously though, you’re great with her. You’d make a good dad,”

“Cash, not sugar. Got it. Now get going so I can lock my door.”

I turned out the lights and went back to the couch. I stared, seeing nothing, as I thought about his words. I wouldn’t mind being a dad. I loved Bennett’s daughter, and she wasn’t even mine. It boggled my mind to think how much I would love my own child. But I didn’t see that happening since I was gun-shy about having another serious relationship. Besides, I was in my 40s, and wasn’t that getting too old?

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