Page 29 of Small Town Daddy

I shook my head. Maybe I was crazy for thinking she’d actually want a relationship with me. Probably. I pulled myself out of bed, mind still swirling. Needed coffee to sort through this mess.

The aroma hit me halfway down the stairs. Toast too. And . . . humming?

Lucy stood at the counter, swaying slightly as she poured two mugs. She turned, flashing that megawatt smile. "Morning, sleepyhead."

"Morning," I managed, suddenly self-conscious in my ratty t-shirt and bed head. "Didn’t expect you to be up already. You didn't have to do all this."

She shrugged, pushing a mug my way. "Least I could do after last night.” Was that a blush on her cheeks? “Did you sleep okay?"

I nodded, sipping the perfectly brewed coffee. "Like a rock. You?"

"Mmm, eventually." Yep. She was definitely blushing. "Had a lot on my mind."

Join the club, I thought.

We settled at the small kitchen table, an easy silence falling between us. I watched her spread jam on her toast, struck by how natural this felt. Like we'd done it a hundred times before.

"So," Lucy said finally. "About last night . . ."

My stomach clenched. Here it comes. The regret, the backpedaling.

But she just smiled softly. "I had a really nice time. Like,reallynice."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Me too. I just . . . I hope I didn't overstep."

Lucy reached across the table, her fingers brushing mine. "You didn't. At all. In fact, I kept thinking that there was one more step I wished we’d take."

Electricity shot through me at her touch. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to feel her lips on mine again. But doubt crept in.

"Lucy, I'm not sure this is a good idea. The age difference . . ."

She rolled her eyes. "Marcus, I'm a grown woman. I know my own mind."

"I know, I know. It's just . . . people will talk. And I don't want to hold you back or—"

Lucy cut me off, leaning in close. "Let them talk. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks. Do you?"

I hesitated. Did I? The town gossips would have a field day. But looking into those green eyes, I realized I didn't care either. In that moment, I knew that I’d feel proud to have people talk about us, not ashamed.

"No," I said finally. "I don't. Not even a little bit."

Her smile could have lit up the room. We finished breakfast, laughing and talking like old friends. But underneath it all, a current of electricity hummed between us.

Whatever this was, wherever it led . . . I was all in.

As we cleared the breakfast dishes, Lucy glanced at me thoughtfully. "You know, I'd like to repay you for all you've done," she began, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "Maybe I could help out at the hardware store today? I don’t know anything about DIY, but I can use a till. Or I can just restock shelves if that’s useful? Whatever you need."

My heart skipped a beat. The idea of spending more time with her was tempting as hell, but alarm bells rang in my head. Was this moving too fast? Blurring lines we shouldn't cross?

"That's really kind of you to offer," I said carefully. "But you know you don't owe me anything, Lucy."

She rolled her eyes. "I know that, Marcus. I just kinda want to help. It’s fun! Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "it'll give me a chance to see you in action. Mr. Hardware Store Owner."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. If you're sure."

"I'm sure," she said firmly.

Twenty minutes later, I opened up the store. The familiar jingle of the bell above the door welcomed us, but today everything felt different. Lucy was by my side, her presence both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

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