Page 64 of Broken Daddy

“A movie?” I mouth, brows raised. Nate’s eyes practically twinkle.

* * *

Forty-five minutes later,the three of us are curled up on the couch watchingThe Godfather.

“Are you sure this is age appropriate?”

I murmur the question when Eva ducks out quickly to find paper towels, keeping the burger-and-fries mess to a minimum.

Nathan gives me a flat look. “Justtryturning it off. This girl is obsessed with Marlon Brando.”

I make a face and he chuckles. Eva climbs back on the couch between us, feet dangling as she takes another bite out of her burger. Unsurprisingly, Nate finished his in the first few minutes. I’m delicately working my way around the double-stacked deliciousness, even wiping the corners of my mouth. It’d be a shame to ruin this couch, which I’m sure cost more than I could ever afford.

“Here, try this.” Nudging Eva to get her attention, I pop the top off my milkshake and dip a fry in. She scrunches up her nose, but Nate encourages her to give it a shot.

Begrudgingly, Eva dips a single fry in her Oreo shake and takes a tentative bite.

Her whole face changes.

It’s like watching someone discover nirvana, and Nate and I share silly grins.

“This is amazing!” she yelps, dipping two more in.

“Don’t eat too quickly,” her dad warns, an arm slung over the back of the couch. We’re crammed in so close together, with the lights off, that his fingertips graze my shoulder. I hold my breath; was that intentional?

Once she’s finished her burger and managed to wipe away most of the ketchup, Eva snuggles up into my side and watches the film with rapt attention. At a slow part, she comments, “Mom lovedThe Godfather.”

Questioningly, I look to Nathan. Part of me expects sadness to fall over his features. Or even a tightness, shutting out the past.

But he just smiles softly, the light flickering across his face.

“She did.” Glancing at me over the top of Eva’s head, he adds, “Pretty sure that’s where she gets it.”

* * *

By the timethe last twenty minutes of the movie play, Eva is barely able to keep her eyes open. Nathan is only semi-paying attention, his eyes faraway.

I’m…comfortable. More comfortable than I have been in a long time, actually. Snuggled up on the warm couch with Eva’s head lolling against my shoulder and Nate’s slow, easy breathing, I feel safe. It’s a new feeling for me.

Even before the stalker, I was always stressed-out. Or running on fumes and caffeine. I can’t remember the last time I justrelaxed,stayed in, didn’t give myself work to do, ate junky food.

“I’m going to get her up to bed,” Nate whispers, carefully getting up.

I nod and help maneuver a groggily-protesting Eva into his arms. Nathan hefts her easily and once again, I’m filled with that warmth—the feeling of wanting something like this.

This isn’t yours,the little voice warns.This isn’t permanent.

My heart sinks as I watch him carry her to the stairs and start up them. His lips are pressed to her blond hair, muscles taut to keep her safely enveloped in his arms.

When he returns, there’s only a few minutes left of the movie. I’m holding my breath again like a scared animal, wondering what will happen next.

Nate sits back down, the distance between us almost nonexistent. I can hear each breath he takes and feel the brush of his shirt sleeve against my bare shoulder.

Somehow, naturally, we fall into one another. He slings his arm carelessly over the couch and I tuck in against him. The credits roll and the room darkens.

Is he going to kiss me now?

Do I want him to?

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