Page 13 of Tempting the Single Dad
"More than okay," I confirm, relief washing through me. We're navigating this together, finding our way with Diana's feelings in mind.
"Can we make spaghetti?" Diana asks, perking up. "I can help with the sauce."
"Spaghetti sounds perfect," Miranda agrees, tucking a strand of hair behind Diana's ear with such natural tenderness that my chest aches.
As we walk toward the parking area, Diana between us, my phone buzzes again. This time it's Maggie from the clinic, and I hand the phone to Miranda.
"Probably for you," I say.
She takes the call, her expression shifting to professional concern as she listens. "Yes, I understand. No, it's not a problem. I can be there in twenty minutes."
When she hangs up, her apologetic look tells me everything. "The Reyes baby has a high fever. Maggie says it's probably nothing serious, but the parents are first-timers and pretty scared."
"Go," I say immediately. "We understand."
"Duty calls," she says with a rueful smile, then kneels to give Diana a quick hug. "I'll see you tomorrow for spaghetti, okay? Save your pumpkin designs to show me."
Diana nods, surprisingly accepting of the change in plans. "You have to help the sick baby. That's important."
Miranda stands, her eyes meeting mine over Diana's head. "Rain check on that ride home?"
"Definitely," I say, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms in front of everyone.
The sounds of the festival fade, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant hooting of an owl. Diana is quickly distracted by a nearby display of carved pumpkins, giving us a moment of privacy as we step away.
When we reach Miranda’s car, she turns to face me, her back against the driver's door.
"So," she says, looking up at me with those incredible eyes that seem to see straight through me.
"So," I echo, suddenly unsure what to do with my hands. I settle for resting them lightly on her waist, relieved when she doesn't pull away.
"Today has been..." She trails off, searching for words.
"Unexpected?" I offer.
She laughs softly. "That's one way to put it."
I lean closer, drawn to her like gravity. "In the best possible way, though."
"Definitely the best possible way," she agrees, her hands coming up to rest on my chest.
In the silver moonlight, with fallen leaves crunching beneath our feet and the scent of woodsmoke in the air, I kiss her. Not with the desperate hunger of earlier, but with slow, deliberate tenderness. Her lips are soft beneath mine, tasting of chocolate and caramel, and when she sighs into my mouth, I have to force myself to remember we're in a public parking lot with Diana just a few steps away.
When we part, her eyes remain closed for a heartbeat, her lips slightly parted. Then she looks up at me with such warmth that it steals my breath.
"For the record," she whispers, "I don't do casual either. And this, whatever it is, feels anything but casual to me."
"Good," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because I'm already in too deep to pull back now."
She smiles, pressing one last swift kiss to my lips before reluctantly stepping away. "I should go. That baby won't examine itself."
"Doctor humor," I tease. "Very professional."
"Oh, I can be very professional," she assures me with a wink that promises anything but. "Just not around you, apparently."
I watch her drive away, taillights disappearing down the road toward town. The absence of her feels physical, like a sudden drop in temperature. But unlike other goodbyes I've experienced, this one carries no dread, no fear of abandonment. Only anticipation of seeing her again.
When I return to Diana, she slips her hand into mine without comment, but the knowing look in her eyes tells me she understands more than I give her credit for.
