Page 23 of The Single Dad Project

“No,” he finally ground out. “The architect, not the homeowner.

Well...damn.

“The architect,” she slowly repeated, a part of her insisting on clinging to denial. “Which means you’re...”

“Heading this renovation, and you are?”

The last wispy remnants of that stubborn denial blew away like wind sweeping away the fog.

“The photographer,” she murmured, her stomach bottoming out. “As of today.”

It didn’t seem possible, but that full, sensual mouth flattened even farther, and his nostrils flared with the audible breath he inhaled. Her skin flamed under the heat in his golden-brown gaze.

And not the consuming, lust-filled heat she’d been on the receiving end of for hours.

No, this was anger.

At her? Himself? The situation neither of them could’ve seen coming?

Oh shit. A new, humiliating and horrible thought crashed into her mind, and it refused to shake loose. Instead, spreading like poisonous, strangling vines.

Did he...? Did he think she’d deliberately approached him and had sex with him for this job? That she’d lied about not knowing his identity? That she would somehow contact him and use their night against him to secure her spot on this televised project?

That’s bullshit, her mind yelled in protest. She’d never use someone like that. Never put them in a “play ball” position similar to the one Paul had placed her in. That wasn’t her.

But even as the objections resounded in her head like a screaming gale, the truth of the matter was hedidn’tknow her. Until a few minutes ago, he hadn’t even known her name.

Even though she didn’t have anything to apologize for, she inexplicably still felt the need to explain.

“Listen, I didn’t—”

“I’ll see you on Thursday, then,” he cut her off. “I’m looking forward to seeing your work.” With a nod as terse as his voice, he switched his attention to his daughter. “I’m ready to go, baby girl. Time to head back and get some dinner.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Jussy moved forward, but then stopped short, tilting her head back to peer up at Flo. Through the embarrassment and shock continuing to swirl inside her, Flo rummaged up a smile for Jussy. She couldn’t be faulted that her father was a lying, rude asshole. “Can Flo have dinner, too? She’s my friend,” she reminded her dad, jabbing a small finger at Flo. “Are you hungry, Flo?” Jussy asked, not waiting for her father’s reply.

Wow. The strain melted from Flo’s smile, and it warmed. This little girl should never learn the power of the cuteness she harnessed. She would be a terror. Bad enough Flo had to battle back the urge to capitulate, and all because she didn’t want to see disappointment on the child’s face. Damn, she was a sucker.

A sucker? Yes. A masochistic fool? No.

No way she could sit across from this big, brooding giant and share a meal as if she hadn’t seen him naked. Especially with him glaring at her as if she’d personally offended him.

Nope. Not even for a five-year-old’s smile that could rival the sun.

“Sweetie, I—” Flo began, intent on letting her down gently with an excuse. But she didn’t get the chance.

“Another time, Jussy. I’m sure Flo already has plans.”

The words might’ve been casual and directed at his daughter, but the tone and message were all for her.Go away. You’re not wanted here.

She was damn near bilingual in the language of rejection.

Why it should have pain twinging in her chest—especially when she’d been about to turn down Jussy—she couldn’t explain. And didn’t care to analyze.

Swallowing the absurd hurt, she dragged her gaze from Adam and returned it to the little girl whose mouth had already started to curl down at the corners.

“Your dad’s right, sweetie. I’m sorry, but I have dinner plans with my family tonight. I’m sure we’ll see each other again. Friends, right?” Flo held up her pinkie finger, and after a moment Jussy’s beautiful, gapped smile broke free on her face, and she hooked her finger around Flo’s.

“Right!” the little girl cheered.

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