Page 49 of Off Limits Daddy

I turned and tossed the controller back to Duncan. "I have three younger sisters. We used to love this game."

We only had it because for a brief time, my mother had been dating a man who, while not rich, did have some money, and he bought me and my siblings a gaming system for Christmas. For a time, we all hoped that Mom and he would stay together, maybe even get married. It wasn't because of the gaming system that he bought us. I think we all hoped that if Mom could marry, she wouldn’t have to work so many jobs and she’d be able to spend more time with us. I hoped it would free me from my duties in caring for them so I could go out with my friends and maybe even have a job after school. Unfortunately, by Valentine's Day, he’d moved on to another woman.

"Are you hungry? Aiden and I made a bunch of snacks."

I nodded. "I wouldn't mind having something to eat."

Duncan left us in the living room to get the food.

“Can I drive?” Aiden asked.

“I don’t see why not.”

Aiden switched out the game and started playing. Duncan returned with a tray full of food. "We’ve got pigs in the blanket baked in the shape of the new year.”

I studied the little hot dogs wrapped in pastry carefully assembled in the pan to form2024.

"We've also got chips and dip, reindeer munch left over from Christmas, and New Year's cookies.”

"It all looks delicious."

“Can you pause the game, Aiden? Let’s eat.”

“Can I finish the lap?”

“Sure thing.” Duncan watched Aiden for a moment. “I think that’s the first time he hasn’t hopped to it.” He grinned. “It’s a good sign, I think.”

I nodded.

“Do you mind sitting on the floor around the coffee table?”

“Nope.” I wondered if these traditions were ones that Duncan had grown up with. In my household, New Years had very little notice or fanfare.

“How about a game of Uno?” We sat around the coffee table eating and playing Uno. After that we played Hungry Hippo, followed by Twister, until Aiden finally practically fell asleep standing up.

“I guess it’s time for bed.” Duncan picked up the boy, who draped himself around Duncan. Duncan’s smile was sweet as he curled into the boy and patted his back. “Happy New Year, buddy.” Then he looked at me. “I’ll be right back.”

As Duncan left to put Aiden to bed, I cleaned up the food and put away the games. When Duncan returned, he was carrying a bottle of champagne and two flutes. "I figured we could have a little adult celebration. And by adult," he added quickly, “I just mean champagne and conversation."

My mind was relieved at that, even as my body was disappointed.

Duncan popped the cork and poured the two flutes. He handed me a flute and held his up and toast. "Here's to a happy and successful new year."

I clinked my glass with his. The golden bubbly tickled as I swallowed.

"I'm glad you joined us, Veronica. I mean, I know that you're doing it to help build a bond with Aiden for the case, but still, it was fun."

I realized that I hadn't joined in the fun to build a bond with Aiden. I did it for no other reason than just to enjoy myself.

"It was fun."

Duncan motioned for me to sit on the couch. He took a seat there as well, although at an acceptable distance. I expected him to ask me about my day, or more accurately, the case, and if I knew anything new, but he didn't. Instead, he asked me more about my sisters and my brother and growing up. I gave him theCliff Notesversion.

I asked about him, even though I’d done a background check and knew a great deal about him. What I didn't know was his experience growing up and becoming a self-made man, building an empire with his friend.

"One thing's for sure, my life has been a whole hell of a lot better than little Aiden's. Sometimes, I worry that I won't be able to offset his first few years."

I reached out, resting my hand on Duncan's forearm. "Children are resilient. And from what I see, if Aiden doesn't blossom, it won't be because he didn't get enough from you. If you can’t help him overcome his years, no one can.”

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