Page 100 of Never In My Wildest Dreams

“Well, sure you are. Who wouldn’t be? You never wanted kids. Worse, you avoid relationships and only focus on things you can control. Like your career. So, it might be ironic. It might be karma. But you just got tossed a curveball, and nothing will ever be in your control again. You have a kid.”

“A daughter.”

“You’ve got a daughter, and you have to step up.”

“Step up how?” He braced his feet on the banister. “What does that mean? I live two thousand miles away. I work eighty-hour weeks. I don’t have time to be a dad. Not to mention, I like what I do. And I don’t want to give it up to move out here… And do what? Get a job at the local outfitters? You want me to run fly-fishing expeditions?”

“Yes. Let’s look at job listings. And while we’re at it, let’s buy her a prom dress, too. Maybe tomorrow you can go into town and visit a few car dealerships? Because at sixteen, she’s going to need a car.” George laughed. “Dude, you just found out. She’s two. Slow down and take it one step at a time. The only thing you have to do right now is spend time with her.”

“I’m leaving on Sunday.”

“Great. For the next two days, sit on the floor and build shit with her. Color with her. Whatever this kid does, just do it with her. That’s theonlything you have to do right now. Did you tell your mom yet?”

“No. She’ll want to come out here. I need a minute to wrap my head around this.”

“Look, you’re not used to asking for help. You’re the one who gives it. But your mom’s there. I’m here. Plenty of other people would be there, too, if you let them.”

“Yeah.”

“You know, asking for help doesn’t make you a weak man. Anyone would be freaking out in your shoes, so give them a chance to help you. Try it. You might be surprised at the result.”

“Are you done lecturing me?” he asked, grinning.

“Do you feel better?”

“I do. Thank you.”

“Good, now leave me alone. I’m having dinner with Kowalsky.”

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry.” He sat up, planting his feet on the ground. The quarterback was one of the biggest gets in the business. “You should’ve told me.”

“See, now, that’s the thing you don’t get. Friends take each other’s calls. That’s how it’s done.”

“You’re not my friend. You’re my partner.”

George laughed. “You keep telling yourself that. Talk later.”

“Later.” Now that he was alone, he grew restless again, edged out.

Because he knew, right down the hallway, there was a little girl with green eyes and wild blond curls who didn’t know she had a dad.

He needed to see her. Just a peek.

Pocketing his phone, he headed out into the hallway. Standing in her doorway, he listened to her steady breathing. The room smelled like clean sheets and baby shampoo. Maybe he could just go in for a second. He’d be quiet. He wouldn’t wake her up.

But as he approached the bed, he could see her watching him.

“Mister wead to me?”

He supposed he could do that. But should he text Lorelei? Ask if it was okay?

The little girl sat up. The nightlight was bright enough that she could sort through the books on her nightstand and choose the one she wanted. “Dis one.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?”

“Mister wead to me, I fall asweep.” She spoke with a sweet sincerity, her eyes wide and eager.

How could he refuse? “Okay, then. If it’ll help you get to sleep.”

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