Page 30 of Wild Hearts

I shrugged. "Isn't that my job? It's a dad thing."

Her eyes widened. "You won't be embarrassed?"

"I mean, I might be, but I'll get over it." In a way, I feltprivileged to provide her with what she needed. I never got the opportunity to do that before, and it was oddly satisfying.

"Please, get the exact ones in the picture. I don't like the others. I've tried them—" Her voice broke off as she headed into the bathroom.

"I'll get them. Put anything else you need on the list. Snapping pictures if you think I'll need help," I said as I turned to go.

"Are you sure you want to do this? I can call Addison," she called from the bathroom.

My jaw tightened. "Addison is not doing a grocery run for us. I've got this."

"Yeah, okay." Her voice was filled with disbelief.

I went downstairs in a bit of a daze. I couldn't believe I'd agreed to do a pad run, but at the same time, this was what it was like being a girl dad. I didn't have anyone else to pawn these responsibilities off to, and I didn't want to. This was my opportunity to be the dad she needed.

At the store, I grabbed a cart because she'd added more things to the list: a razor, shaving cream, and some hair products. Thankfully she'd added photos for each item. This should be a breeze.

I got everything else first. I was feeling pretty good about myself before I walked downthataisle. Was everything in here pink and purple, or was it just me? I was the only man in the aisle browsing with several women.

I tried matching the picture to the boxes, but there were a billion options and my vision was getting blurry.

Addison appeared at my side. "Do you need help?"

"I'm shopping for Dakota," I said immediately as if it wasn't obvious.

She grinned. "I figured that."

I showed her the screen of my phone. "I told Dakota I could handle this. She told me to buy this one, and I don't want to come home with the wrong thing."

She took the phone from me. "I'm impressed you're here at all."

"She wanted to call you."

"But you didn't want her to?" Addison asked, her head tipping slightly to the side as she considered me.

"I'm her dad. I can handle a little shopping. But I can also admit when I need help." I tapped the screen of my phone.

Addison laughed, and the sound hit my chest. When she recovered, she zoomed in on the picture. Then she scanned the rows of boxes, and pulled one out. "It's this one."

"Thank you. I'm not sure I would have gotten it right. How many should I get?"

She handed me two boxes. "Just in case. Make a note of which one this is so you can get it again. Maybe just keep it stocked so she doesn't even have to ask you."

I nodded, making a mental note. "That's a good idea."

"How are things going otherwise?"

"She came home with a little attitude today because she wasn't sure how to ask for what she needed. But otherwise, we've had a good week. I cook for her, and she hides in her room doing homework or reading."

"Just be there for her. When she sees that you're making an effort, she'll know she can count on you. That's the outcome you want. Otherwise, she'll seek those needs out with boys."

Alarm rushed through my body. "Isn't thirteen young for that?"

"She might like boys at this age. Has she said anything?"

"No." I scrubbed a hand over my chin.

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