His Daughter's Mistletoe Mom by Elizabeth Mowers

Author:Elizabeth Mowers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-07-14T19:36:40+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CAROLINE STARTLED AWAKE the next morning. She had tossed and turned for most of the night trying to get comfortable on the couch. All the while she’d tried to repress thoughts of pulling off the gala and hiring Sheila’s replacement and, of course...

Dylan.

Every time she stirred awake and readjusted her pillow, she remembered the look in his eye before he’d tickled her over the edge of the couch. As kids she’d always been prepared for whatever he instigated. She would come back swinging and as he was older, faster and stronger than her, she’d usually end up mad that she couldn’t best him. He’d usually laugh his head off, thrilled to get a rise out of her, and then they’d tear off on another round of it.

On the living room floor, with Dylan cozied against her, he’d certainly gotten a rise out of her again. And she was pretty sure she’d gotten one out of him.

Caroline blinked fully awake. She hoped that no one, especially McKenna, was wandering around the house in the dark. While spending the night was completely innocent, she still didn’t want to face a three-year-old’s innocent interrogation.

After a quick glance around the room, she breathed a sigh of relief that it was empty.

It was still dark, the early winter sunrise still a long way off. She figured it was still a bit early to wake Dylan, but with so much to do that day, she was desperate to get her car running.

Snagging her phone off the coffee table to check the time, she discovered that Dylan had already texted her.

I’m awake. Ready when you are.

Caroline grabbed her purse and toiletry bag and sneaked into the bathroom as she sent a reply.

Thanks. Be ready in a few.

Once freshened up, Caroline went out to the kitchen and found the coffee already percolating. Dylan stood against the counter. In old Levi’s and a navy flannel shirt, he looked like the perfect wake-up call. He grinned and offered her a cup.

“Two sugars and a cream,” he said. Caroline accepted it, pretending that she wasn’t completely impressed he had remembered.

“You’re good at keeping me hydrated.”

“I’m good at a lot of things,” he said. His response was unexpected, and she knew the surprise flashed on her face because he faltered before powering on to explain. “I got your car started.”

“Already?”

“You said you wanted an early start.”

“Yeah, I did. I didn’t hear you open the front door,” she said, now wondering if he had seen her sleeping after all. The thought caused her to flush. Why was she suddenly so self-conscious around him?

“I went out the back door so I could clear the walkway.”

“Oh.” She sipped her coffee. “How responsible of you.”

“Eh. I grew up.”

Caroline couldn’t help but agree. He had grown into a dedicated father who took good care of his daughter. He also seemed interested in taking care of her. That kind of attention was certainly a first for her. She wasn’t sure what to do with it.

History had taught her that people weren’t reliable enough to count on when she needed them.

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