I was in a dreamy mood as Derek drove us home, it had been such a great night, a wonderful atmosphere surrounded by good people. I began to feel hopeful about the little town I’d decided to plant my roots. And as if to prove the point, Bernie’s farewells when we’d finished at the restaurant were accompanied with big friendly hugs, calling out that he couldn’t wait to see us all again.

Kadee was such a joy, so well behaved and funny, and she was only overshadowed by Derek’s eyes, his looks of longing. It had felt so right with the three of us together despite the short time I had known them both. It was like we were already becoming a close-knit unit, and I was very sure I didn’t want the night to end. Though I didn't think asking to come in for coffee was appropriate in front of Kadee, so I bit my tongue.

“How about a movie?” Derek asked me to my relief and delight when we got out of the truck. “What do you say Kadee?”

“Yes, please stay, Georgie,” Kadee implored.

“I’d love to honey.”

Derek offered me an arm for support as I made my way over the stepping stones on the lawn in my heels, then kicked them off once we got inside. Derek instructed Kadee to get changed into her pajamas before we could watch the movie.

“Come see my room, Georgie!”

“I’ll give her a hand,” I offered, heading upstairs with her as Derek got busy tidying up a little, shifting some paper work and his laptop from the coffee table.

When we returned downstairs Kadee dragged me to the sofa.

“Can I get you a drink?” Derek offered as he headed into the kitchen.

“Hmm what have you got?”

“Well, actually only beer. Or coffee…”

“Beer is fine with me.” I had only had a small glass of wine at dinner, I would happily have another drink.

He returned with two nice cold ones and settled into the sofa as well. Kadee leaned into him as she sat between us. He ruffled her hair lovingly.

“Question is what do we want to watch, cause I’m easy.”

“Oh really?” I immediately said followed by a mischievous glance at him.

“Nemo!” Kadee squealed out as Derek flicked through the options.

Pausing he looked over to me, seemingly for my opinion. “Just keep swimming!” He frowned at my response and Kadee wiggled pretending to be a fish. “Sure, I’ve always loved it, I’m sold,” I added for clarity.

We all snuggled down to the movie and listened to Kadee’s giggles. She got steadily sleepier and before we were halfway through she was sound asleep, her head resting on my lap, her feet pressed up against Derek’s thigh.

“I’d better get her to bed,” Derek said, scooping up the sleeping darling.

“Need any help?”

“No you stay, I won’t be a moment.”

My mind wandered as the movie continued while Derek was upstairs. He was the perfect father, maybe a little over protective but he had a such a sweet endearing quality to him that made my insides yearn, an ache for this simple, yet charming life he led. I wanted to be a part of it.

Biting my lip, unable to stop my train of thought, I wondered if maybe I would be scooped up next.

A second later I dismissed the wayward thought. I was getting ahead of myself. Involving myself with a single-dad had not been what I came here for. I was supposed to be taking care of myself not falling head over heels in…

Distracting myself, I got up with the sense that the night was over and looked around the immaculate room. The interior was all crafted beautifully, but on further inspection it was all a little bare. There was no real color or personal character to the place. Where were all the soft-furnishings, the art on the wall, the little knickknacks? It needed a woman’s touch to become a proper home, maybe more kids toys too. I shook my head again. Wanting the thoughts to stop, but not having the heart to completely push them away. And then the thought I’d spun around in my mind became more literal. Would Derek like a woman’s touch tonight? My touch…

As I strolled the room I glanced over the papers that he had shifted to the sideboard. There were some letters regarding mortgages and a stack of listings printed out. It seemed rather private, but I glanced through houses with curiosity, I couldn’t resist looking at great houses. I just caught the street name on the last one when I heard Derek heading downstairs. Quickly, as if I’d been caught robbing a bank, I dropped the papers back where I found them.

That was our street. Chestnut Grove. Why was he looking at houses on our street? The only house that had been put up for sale recently, as far as the agent had told me, was mine.

“I should probably get going, I have plans early tomorrow,” I said as he came into view.

“Really? But—” he replied not finishing, unsuccessfully masking the disappointment in his voice. He stepped toward me where I stood beside the sofa.

“It was a pretty great night though, thank you. We should do it again. It was lovely being with you two. All three of us…”

“It may not be that easy,” he said with a hint of sadness.

Puzzled, I was about to question him, when his arms slid around me and I was again held in his divine embrace. Our lips met slowly. Tentatively finding their groove. Oh, who was I kidding? I wasn’t going anywhere. But before my body and mind was completely lost to him, two considerations demanded my attention.

“What about Kadee?” I hesitated, breaking the kiss for a second.

“Fast asleep. She sleeps like a rock. But just in case, we can be quiet can’t we?” he said, pinching my bum as a taunt.

“Depends on what you do to me. I can’t promise anything, but I can try,” I said batting my lashes. “We better be safe this time, too.”

“You’re perfectly safe with me, Georgie,” he replied and stopped me from stalling anymore. I slid my arms around his neck and dove back into the pool of desire.