Page 14 of For Fox Sake

Not the time. Not to mention the question of her paternity.

And with that thought, the lust exits as quickly as it rushed in, leaving me lightheaded.

I clear my throat. “Do you want me to do that? My arms are longer.”

“I got it.”

I keep my eyes focused on the corner of the stove while she finishes plugging it in and hops off the counter, wiping her hands on her pants. “That should do it.” She turns one of the knobs, and the red light on the cooktop lights up. “There it is.” She grins at me, the motion lighting up her whole face.

My heart stutters in my chest.

Literally, the organ shivers and then resumes beating like she just reached inside my ribcage and squeezed with the strength of her smile alone. What the ever-loving hell is going on?

“Uh, great. Thank you so much.” I move toward the door, not wanting to prolong this conversation for a minute longer because I really want to extend it as long as I can.

“No problem.” She blinks in surprise, following behind me. “Just send a message if you have any other issues.”

“Absolutely.” I open the front door and plaster a smile on my face as she brushes past me. “Thanks so much.”

She waves and jogs down the porch steps.

I shut the door and lean back against it. I cannot even consider being mildly attracted to this woman until I know more. It’s not like I can control it, but damn, if we’re related, that’s gross. Maybe only Mia was related?

There is no way to get Mia’s DNA, since she’s passed, but I have a plan to access her medical records if needed.

I groan and rub my head. How am I going to get Ryan’s DNA now? I still have options. She does live right across the street.

I have visions of sneaking around at night in a trench coat with a fake mustache and bowler hat.

That might be my best option.

My phone dings and I slide it from my pocket. It’s an email from Elaine, the business manager at the hospital, welcoming me to the team and outlining where to show up tomorrow, a reminder of the documents I need to bring, and some attachments to review.

I can’t believe I’m doing this.

The information Dwayne obtained included where Mia worked before she died. She was a patient representative at the local hospital. I looked up the place online, checking job openings for months, and the minute there was an open maintenance position, I applied, had a phone interview with Elaine, and got the job.

Is this whole idea bananas? I moved to a new town—temporarily, sure—but clear across the country, obtained a job specifically where Mia used to work, and rented a unit specifically because Ryan manages it.

I move to the window, peering through the blinds.

Ryan is crouched down, talking to her daughter on the sidewalk. The little girl has chalk smudges all over her hands and smeared on her face.

I scan the side yard and driveway, and then arrive at the perfect plan.

Eureka.

Two garbage cans rest on the side of the house, one so full the top is propped up.

I truly am a trash panda.

Chapter Five

Ryan

“Hey, Ryan. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

We only made it two steps past Elaine’s office door.

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