It was early, and I was driving into the city to meet Fiona for lunch. I glanced over to Derek’s, the house still looked all quiet. Before dawn I’d managed to sneak out without waking him or Kadee and hurried back over to my own bed. And surprisingly, the walk of shame wasn’t all that shameful. The whole night had been heart-thumpingly good. Especially the tail end, in his bed, our hands and bodies yearning to be close again. God, I could’ve fucked him all day—from morning noon and night—rubbing myself raw on his cock.

It was undeniable how much I longed to see him again already. Later, I told myself, envisaging sneaking over to him after my jaunt in the city. I couldn’t let Fiona down, I’d already blown off several of her lunch date requests. So with a slight sigh and a pang of regret, I jumped in my truck and set off.

Seeing Fiona was probably the best thing to do right now anyway. I needed an outsiders perspective, I needed her to tell me I was fucking crazy for getting involved with a single-dad who obviously had problems of his own, not to mention the added baggage of his ex. Kadee however, was far from baggage… she was a cute little accessory, adorable in every way. But was I ready to become so involved in their lives… in her life? That was a huge responsibility. And no doubt, dating Derek meant knowing she was part of the deal too.

Could I be a stepmom?

The thought zapped me from out of nowhere. See, this was why I needed Fiona, I was already traveling faster than light, letting my brain off the leash. Being a stepmom would mean marriage, and hell, we’d not known each other for long! Fiona needed to tell me to slow my roll.

Fiona met me outside the restaurant with a cheery greeting and hug.

“Well, someone looks bright and breezy this morning. You’re all glowy and shit.”

“Hey, lunch with my BFF, of course I am.”

She looked me over quizzically when we were sat, menus in hand.

“I call bullshit. No, something’s definitely up with you. You never smile this much… unless.” She paused for effect. “You’ve been getting some! Haven’t you? Back on the horse are you? Tell me, tell me. Which cowboy are you riding now?”

I glanced around, nervous at the volume of her voice and tried to shh her.

“Don’t you shh me,” she said giggling. “Oh, don’t tell me, I know who it is. The hunky neighbor, right? Well played. It was the faded Levi’s that did it, wasn’t it? And all those bulging muscles… one in particular I bet. So, spill the beans.”

“God you are incorrigible,” I hissed. “And just because I happen to have a healthy glow, doesn’t automatically mean I’m getting fucked five ways from Sunday.”

“But you so are, you dirty little hussy! Details, now.”

“Oh a lady never tells.”

“Good thing you aren’t a lady then.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, I got some. Happy now?”

“Not yet but I will be once you tell me more.

“But I’m not sure what there is to tell.”

“You don’t get off that easy. If there’s nothing to tell, why are you glowing, you’re practically on fire! Like damn, I want some of what she’s having!” Fiona said pretending to flag down a waiter.

“Okay god. Are you determined to let everyone in the restaurant know that I got laid? Fine,” I said again, resigning myself to her interrogation. “I don’t really know, it all just sort of happened. I think it was gonna be this one-night thing but then yesterday… We had a great day together, and then…”

“And then you had another great night?” Fiona butted in.

“Yes, a great night too. Maybe too great. God he did this thing, and Fiona… oh my god, I nearly screamed the house down. But I had to keep quiet cause you know, he has a daughter who’s staying with him right now. Then I kinda had to sneak out this morning, I couldn’t stay. Kadee might not be ready for seeing me coming out of her dad’s bedroom, and Derek and I haven’t really discussed it. Hadn’t had the chance.” Noticing Fiona’s furrowed brow I quickly added, “His daughter, she’s five. Cute as a button and he’s very protective of her.”

Fiona nodded knowingly. “Ah, single dad. I think my little Georgie’s falling hard here, and maybe not just for him, huh?”

“It’s not so simple.”

“Is anything?”

“I just don’t know what’s happening. We started this thing, and it’s amazing, but I can’t fall for him.”

“Why ever not?”

“I think he’s planning on moving. And I don’t mean just around the block. He’s in a real mess with his daughter. She lives out west and I think he’s going to leave soon so he can be a proper dad, you know full-time.”

“Have you asked him?” asked Fiona bluntly.

“Well no, there’s a lot going on, what with the house as well.”

“Sure, I know. And you’ve been a little busy jumping his bones,” Fiona joked lightly. “If only there was a simple way you could find out what’s going on.” She stroked her chin, impersonating a thoughtful scientist. “You know, like fucking asking him! You like him don’t you, so just ask him already. Don’t beat around the bush. Life’s too short for that bullshit.”

“Maybe,” I replied hesitantly.

“No maybe, go for it girl!”

“God, I hate it when you’re right.”

Lifted by her confidence and straight forwardness I shrugged and nodded my half agreement.

“Meanwhile, how’s the house going?” she continued.

“Ergh, don’t ask. I don’t seem to be getting anywhere. So much for my dream home. There’s so much to do. But I’m determined to get it done. I’ll turn the house into a home soon enough.”

“Didn’t you tell me this neighbor of yours was pretty handy? Sounds like you could be putting his hands to good use in more ways than one.”

“No, Fiona. The whole point was I was doing this for myself. This was my dream. Put down roots, stand on my own two feet, and put the work in. I want to do it myself, it wouldn’t be right if I gave up and suddenly got him to do the work while I sat back and twiddled my thumbs.”

“Oh, I don’t see the harm. What if you worked on it with him, together? You can hang out and fix up your place. Kill two birds with one stone, nail him to the wall a few times… you know, let him inspect your carpeting.”

I burst out laughing, my mind suddenly back to my very first night with Derek. We’d almost knocked down my bedroom wall.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you have a filthy mind?”

“Only every time we see each other,” Fiona said laughing. “I’m serious though, it’s so much to take on by yourself. A little help never harmed anyone.”

I considered this, and the prospect of hanging out with him and Kadee as we all worked on a project did sound like a heap of fun and a jolly good mess.

“I just don’t want him taking control. He’s totally the know-it all type, my way or the highway kinda guy when it comes to his profession, his passion. But maybe you’re right-“

“Score two for me!”

I ignored her and continued my train of thought, “I could ask him to help out. I have been helping out with Kadee, god she’s so sweet, and I could do more of that. A small trade. Actually, speaking of which I also wanted to talk to you about something that might give me an edge, what do you know about child custody agreements?”

“Hmm, family law, a little but not enough. I know a guy, why?”

“He never gets to see his daughter, and they are great together. She lives with her mom, in California and he’s going to be heartbroken when she has to go home. Which will be soon from what I’ve gathered. Kadee is only here cause his ex got married and dumped the kid on him at the last minutes so she could go honeymooning.”

Fiona frowned, “I can reach out for sure, this guy owes me anyhow.”

“Thank you, you’re a star.”

“How about we fill our faces now. Look at this stuff,” she said, brandishing the menu dramatically, then turned to find the nearest passing waiter. “Please bring us a couple of screwdrivers, a double for me, ‘cause my friend can’t be the only one getting laid,” she said waggling her eyebrows.