Page 13 of Fake To Forever

“Forward?” I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

She rolls her eyes and scoffs. “Oh, please, you’re one of the most confident people I know. You just have to be yourself and let him know you’re interested. I wouldn’t bother being subtle, either. Most guys don’t pick up on subtlety. The bulldozer method is usually best to get your message across.”

I chuckle and sigh. “I’m not sure I’m the bulldozer type, but I get your point.”

She tilts her head to the side and studies me for several moments. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this, you know.”

“Like what?”

“Light,” she explains. “Optimistic. Looking forward rather than focusing entirely on the present.”

My stomach clenches, and my grip on my wet rag tightens.

“Marie, I don’t want you to get your hopes up too high,” I tell her. “I’m interested in getting to know Chris better, but dating is still not something I can focus on right now. I need to keep my priorities as they are.”

Her face falls and her shoulders droop in clear disappointment.

“Come on, Haven,” she says. “You can enjoy Chris’ company and spend time with him without lowering your family as your number one priority. It’s a balancing act, but I know you can do it.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” I reply. “But no guy deserves to be dragged into my chaos. Especially not a nice guy like Chris.”

“Haven, you are saintly to a fault,” Marie grumbles. “You don’t have to live like a celibate monk, you know.”

I chuckle. “I’m aware, my dear. It’s just how things are right now.”

“Well, I think you should flirt with the hot new dad,” Marie declares.

“Chris,” I say again.

“You should flirt with Chris,” she replies. “You don’t have to date him. Just have a little fun.”

As much as I hate to admit it, that’s actually a pretty appealing idea. I do think Chris is attractive, and I like talking to him. What’s the harm in a little flirting?

“I’ll see,” I tell Marie with a nonchalant shrug. “Chris is nice, so… maybe I’ll just see what happens.”

Marie winks at me. “That’s my girl. Let loose a little bit.”

It’s not something I’m used to doing anymore, but I’ve also never been as tempted to indulge as I’ve been since meeting Chris.

***

The next morning, I stand by the door, greeting my kiddos as they come in. I keep glancing down the hall, waiting with bated breath for Chris and Oliver to appear. After my talk yesterday with Marie, I’m actually nervous to see Chris. It’s silly, I know, but since I decided to give flirting a chance, I’ve had butterflies in my stomach.

Smoothing down the front of my dress, I smile at the kids walking through the door, but then feel my breath leave me in a rush when Chris finally comes strolling down the hall. He catches sight of me and grins.

“Hey, Miss Haven,” he says as he draws near.

“Hello,” I say, trying to sound natural. I glance down at Oliver, who’s standing next to his dad, holding his hand. “Good morning, Oliver. How are you today?”

“Good,” the little boy murmurs, sticking his finger into his mouth.

I smile, feeling a warmth blossom in my chest as I gaze down at him. He’s still shy when he first arrives each morning, but I know he’ll warm up once he’s playing with the other kids. He’s so adorable and is really such a sweetheart. Even though he’s only been in my room for a few days, he’s already won a special place in my heart.

“Go on in, buddy,” Chris says gently, urging Oliver forward.

The little boy looks up at his dad reluctantly, but then slips past me to go play. I watch him join up with some of the other kids and then turn my attention back to Chris.

“How’s he doing?” he asks.

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