Daddy Next Door by Carol Voss

Author:Carol Voss
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2013-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Alyssa lay staring at the ceiling. How could she sleep with so much confusion rattling around inside her about Ben? They’d shared a lot over the past few days. They were becoming close friends. But he’d kissed her hand. It was...surprising. In a good way, but unexpected just the same. He’d looked a little surprised himself.

But then he’d smiled, thanked her for listening and told her he thought she was special, too. Of course, he was referring to her earlier comment about him. And he’d seemed genuinely touched by her encouragement. That was all it was. No need to make any more out of it than that.

But he’d kissed her hand. No man had ever done that before. Who knew he was such a romantic? She sighed with the sheer pleasure of it.

Hadn’t she had issues with her erratic pulse almost from the beginning? And there was that mysterious connection she’d felt right away. And his smile that always claimed her attention. Hadn’t she enjoyed his closeness? Even caught herself flirting with him?

Hmm. She blew out a breath, her confusion dissipating and allowing serious concerns to crowd her mind. Extremely important concerns like her boys and Hope and Ben himself.

And if she needed further discouragement to her thoughts of romance, what about her need to learn to stand on her own and pull her life and her cottage together before her parents came for Christmas? How would romance keep her on track with that?

It wouldn’t. Romance was nowhere in the picture. Giving in to a hearty sigh, she turned on her side and repositioned her pillow. She was ready for some serious sleeping now that she had her priorities clearly in place again. No matter how romantic Ben’s gesture had been.

* * *

Returning from town with a few needed groceries, Alyssa stopped at the cottage mailbox to see if any mail had been forwarded and was surprised there were several pieces, including the monthly envelope from her parents.

The school bus passed her and dropped Hope off. Alyssa got back in her car and drove into Ben’s drive.

As soon as Joey was out of the car, he ran to Hope. “Let’s play in the snow.”

Alyssa watched the exchange a little uneasily. She didn’t know where she stood with the girl, and she wanted to be sure Hope didn’t take out her anger on Joey.

“Okay,” Hope answered. “But we need our snow clothes first.” Clasping Joey’s hand, they jogged for the house.

She was relieved Joey still seemed to be in Hope’s favor. Carrying Robbie in his car seat, Alyssa followed them. She walked into the laundry room and almost ran into the kids scrambling to get into boots and snow clothes with Digger doing his best to help by wagging his entire body for attention smack in everybody’s way. “Need anything?”

“We’re good.” Hope helped Joey switch his boot to the correct foot.

Hope took good care of Joey. No wonder he trusted the girl. By the time Alyssa had unbundled

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