Page 117 of Silver Fox Puck

Like this isn’t a massive, terrifying moment. Like he’s not just casually introducing me to his daughter. Like it’s normal.

Olivia tilts her head at me, assessing.

And I feel it—that little spark of panic. Because this wasn’t planned. Because I don’t know how to do this.

Because I don’t know what the hell I am to this man, and now I’m standing here, face to face with his six-year-old daughter.

And she’s watching me.

Like she’s trying to figure me out.

Like she’s trying to decide whether she likes me.

"Hi, Olivia," I say, my voice softer than I intended.

She blinks. Then she grins. And just like that—everything inside me melts. Olivia’s grin is pure mischief.

The kind that reminds me way too much of her father. And I’m not prepared for it. Because I was expecting shyness. Hesitation. Wariness.

What I wasn’t expecting?

Her grabbing my hand like we’re already best friends.

"Do you like ice cream?" she asks, tilting her head.

I blink.

"Uh… yeah. Of course."

Her grin widens.

"Good. Because Daddy promised me ice cream after this."

Daddy.

That word hits me in a way I wasn’t ready for.

Because hearing it? Hearing her call him that? It shifts something in my chest.

Something deep. Something terrifying. Something that makes me look at Grant—really look at him.

Grant’s eyes are on me. Watching. Waiting. Seeing if I’ll pull away. If I’ll run.

But I don’t.

Because I can’t.

Because Olivia is still holding my hand.

And I don’t want to let go.

"Can Kenzie come too?" Olivia asks, swinging our joined hands.

My stomach flips. Because holy shit.

I glance at Grant, heart pounding, because this?

This is not what I was expecting today.

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