Page 52 of Broken Single Daddy's Baby

“Ten years isn’t sixteen years,” I point out.

She shakes her head. “I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“Maybe not,” I sigh. “But you’re also my employee, and generally that’s frowned upon.”

Kenna scoffs. “It’s not like we work in some corporate office.”

“No, it’s worse. You take care of my kids.”

“I love your kids.”

“I know,” I say softly, and take in a deep breath before standing up.

Kenna sits up straight, something like panic in her blue eyes. “Derek, I’m sorry, please don’t—”

I turn to look at her. “Please don’t what? I’m just going to make us some lunch.”

She breaks out into a big smile. “Oh.”

Kenna follows me into the kitchen as I make us some roast beef sandwiches, toasting the bread and melting some Swiss cheese on the meat.

She has a mouthful of sandwich when she moans. “How did you learn to cook so well?”

I snort. “This isn’t exactly cooking, but I learned after Suzanna left. The kids don’t really like fast food, so I sort of had to.”

“Well, you’re really good at it,” she praises. “All I can make are pancakes.”

“Delicious Mickey Mouse pancakes,” I correct her.

Kenna laughs. She’s been laughing a lot this weekend, and she looks so pretty when she laughs. I look away, my heart beating too hard.

“I do my best. Been around kids most of my life. My sister is ten years younger.”

I smile. “She must have been a surprise for your mother.”

“You have no idea,” Kenna says, picking a spear of pickle off my plate.

“You little thief,” I mutter, and she crunches the pickle, smiling. God, she’s cute. I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a weekend.... well, maybe ever. Certainly not since high school, when I had less responsibilities and more fun.

Panic starts to rise in my throat, my heart pounding, but I try to push it down, try to ignore it. I clear my throat and look down at the sandwich I’ve nearly finished.

“What do you want to do next?” Kenna asks excitedly, and I grin at her.

“We’re watching Big Trouble in Little China.”

She groans. “That sounds like such aguymovie.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kenna looks at me. “You know, lots of action, no real plot.”

“That’s what’s wonderful about it. You’ll see.”

She gives me a sly smile. “Do we get to cuddle on the couch?”

“Naturally.”

She pops up from her seat. “Then I’m in.”

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