Page 123 of Silver Fox Puck

"Yeah, baby," I murmur, reaching over to brush her face with the back of my hand. "We’re home."

She hums, her tiny face pressing into the side of her car seat.

But then, just as I start to move—

"Kenzie’s nice."

My whole body stills.

Because she says it so casually.

Like it’s just an observation.

Like it’s not about to detonate something inside me.

I swallow, shifting slightly in my seat.

"Yeah?"

She nods. Sleepy. Sure.

"She’s funny. And pretty. And she let me have some of her ice cream."

A small smile tugs at my lips, even as my chest tightens.

Because this? This is why I don’t do this. This is why I don’t bring women into Olivia’s life. Because it’s not just me who gets attached.

"You like her?" I ask, my voice careful.

Olivia nods. No hesitation.

"Yeah."

Then she yawns, stretching her arms over her head.

"Do you like her?"

Fuck.

I grip the steering wheel, my jaw clenching.

Because what am I supposed to say to that?

"Daddy?"

I force myself to relax, turning back to face her.

"Yeah, Liv?"

She tilts her head.

"Will I see her again?"

I blink.

Because that?

That’s the question I wasn’t ready for.