My mind kept wandering from what Kyle was saying and focusing on the fact that after giving up ever seeing Sofie again, she’d dropped back into my life. I’d been in a funk for months, both preparing for and dreading leaving the Navy. It was all I’d ever known and the uncertainty of the future had me in knots. Suddenly, the anxiety disappeared, and I had a new purpose in life.

I couldn’t say I was in love with Sofie. We had only spent that one night together, but I definitely wanted to explore the off-the-charts chemistry that skyrocketed between us. Emotions that intense were bound to lead somewhere, and I was ready for the journey. My gaze constantly roamed to where she sat on the beach with another woman. Both were good looking, but it was Sofie I couldn’t keep my eyes off of.

After a while, I gave up even trying to have a conversation with Kyle and his friends. My focus remained entirely on Sofie until she and her friend eventually packed up and headed inside their house.

* * *

The next morning dawned, and I was up with the sun, taking my daily run. After twenty years in the military, certain habits were ingrained. Getting up at the crack of dawn and running five miles was my habit. I couldn’t say I enjoyed running, but it gave me time to reflect on my life and make plans for the future. After I met Sofie, those plans somehow seemed to include her. Even after I’d given up hope of ever seeing her again, she always factored into them. There had to be a reason why she’d come back into my life.

After my run, I showered, ate breakfast, and started planning our date. I researched restaurants around the area and picked a nice, but casual, seafood place. She had seemed more than embarrassed, almost skittish, yesterday, and I wanted to put her at ease. I found a local florist and grabbed a small bouquet of fresh flowers. I stayed away from roses because I didn’t want to come on too strong or act like I was trying too hard.

When I got back from the florist, all I could do was pace back and forth as Kyle slowly made his way to the living room, grumbling good-naturedly about “stupid morning people.” I took his ribbing in stride. It was like this every time we got together. He’d poke fun at the fact that I was always up and dressed, ready to start my day before he ever woke up. It had been a running joke for years. Even years in the military hadn’t made him a morning person.

After what felt like days of waiting, it was close enough to eleven-thirty that I bounded out the door and walked the short distance to the yellow house next to ours. My step was light as I trekked up the short flight of stairs and knocked on the door, shifting my weight back and forth. My foot tapped impatiently as I waited for someone to answer. My heart leapt in my chest when the door opened, but sank when I saw it was Sofie’s friend.

“Can I help you?”

Jesus, I felt like a teenager on his first date meeting the girl’s parents. The tone in her seemingly innocent question reeked of interrogation.

“I’m here for Sofie.” No need to go into any further explanation.

“And you are?”

Because I knew she probably only had Sofie’s best interest at heart, I didn’t take offense to her questions. I’d be on the cautious side too if some stranger showed up at my door looking for my friend.

I gave her my most friendly smile. “David Marshall, ma’am. I’m an acquaintance of Sofie’s. She knew I was coming today.”

“Good grief, don’t ma’am me. C’mon on in. I’ll get Sofie.”

I stepped into the foyer, ignoring the head to toe once over she gave me before she walked down the hall. She didn’t invite me to follow her so I stayed where I was, anxiously awaiting Sofie’s arrival. I heard muffled voices coming from the other room and was curious to know what was being said.

Before long, Sofie made her way toward me. Was it wrong that I couldn’t help but eye-fuck her as she strolled down the hall looking more beautiful than I remembered? Two years ago, she was luscious and curvy. Since then she’d changed. Her hips were a little wider, her breasts a little fuller. Regardless, she was still absolutely stunning.

“These are for you.” I handed the bouquet over to her almost stupidly.

She ducked her head, and a blush crossed her cheeks while a shy smile appeared on her lips. It was an expression that had me wondering if no one had ever brought her flowers before. I’d change that. I’d bring them to her every day if it made her this happy.

“Thank you, David.”

“You’re welcome, Sofie. I hope you’re hungry. I found this great seafood restaurant down the street. Oh shit, I hope you like seafood or you’re not allergic to it.”

Her tinkling laughter echoed through the foyer. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh, but the horrified look on your face is priceless. Yes, I like seafood. No worries there.”

Relief spread through me. “Thank God. It didn’t even occur to me that you might not like it. Anyway, are you ready?”

“Let me go put these in water, and then I’ll be ready.” I watched the sway of her hips as she walked away. Within moments, she returned carrying her purse. I escorted her over to my car where I opened the door for her. Once she was settled, I closed the door and hopped into the driver’s seat, backed out of the driveway, and started heading toward the restaurant. Once I found a parking spot, I helped her out of the car and escorted her inside.

We made small talk once the server took our order. Every once in awhile, it seemed as though she would start to say something but then change her mind. I was curious what had her so ill at ease. That was the only way I could describe it.

“Is everything okay? You seem a little nervous.”

Just then, the server brought us our food, and she held back her words. Finally, the server left, and I continued looking at her expectantly. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Her eyes were closed, and when she opened them and stared intently at me, I knew what she was about to say would change my life completely.

“I have a daughter.”

Shoulders tight with tension eased at her confession. I’d been bracing myself for a bomb to drop. Her having a daughter was no big deal. I loved kids. I didn’t see what the problem was.

“I don’t mind seeing someone with kids if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“God, this is harder than I thought. She’s not just my daughter.” She paused again, taking another deep breath. “She’s also yours.”

Boom, there it was. Well, shit.