Page 19 of The Dating Mishapp

My dad ignores the comment and extends a hand in my direction. “Look at this girl. Isn’t she a beauty? But watch out, she’s a firecracker.”

Jack suppresses a smile. “I can’t argue there.”

“Hello!Standing right here!”

“Between you and me Jack,” my father whispers, “she’s the son I never had.”

My eyes bulge and my cheeks redden. “Thanks a lot, Dad!”

Jack’s amusement releases in laughter and I hate that I like the sound.

My dad seems perplexed as he shrugs in defense. “What? I’m just saying you’re a beautiful girl who likes to throw axes, play in the woods, and can beat the pants off any man in billiards.”

An image of Jack naked fills my mind and I swallow nervously.

“Is that so?” the new chief says, his voice deepening.

“Dad, I’m sure he,” I say, nodding in Jack’s direction, “doesn’t want to hear this.”

“Oh, but he does.” His devious smile matches the mischief in his eyes.

My father continues, as he reaches for the grocery bag in Jack’s hand.

“You should see the way she slides the stick between her fingers when she’s taking a shot. The harder she rubs, the better she shoots.”

Jack laughs.

“Oh, my God!” I flash my eyes at my mother. “I’m leavingnow.”

Jack holds the door open for me, but with the size of his body, there’s little room for me to move. I look up and thank him again.

“Drive safely, Savannah,” he whispers as I pass. “If you need anything, call 911. Consider it a perk of knowing the chief.”

“I can take care of myself,” I reply sharply. Just like I did last night I want to add.

“But you don’t have to,” he counters, leaning in and giving me another whiff of his cologne. God, he smells divine! “I’m here if you need me.”

I wonder what he’d say if he knew that he starred in my erotic dream.

ChapterSix

It’s almost midnight and I haven’t stopped thinking about Jack. I don’t want to think about him. He’s too handsome and sexy and he smells way too good. I bet it’s a diversion because he’s hiding something. Does he have a Napoleon Complex? He’s a huge guy and the natural bulge in his pants confirmed that he isn’t lacking inthatdepartment.

I roll over and bury my nose in my pillow and feign a cry. Why can’t I just meet a regular guy? Why does the only normal guy I’m compatible with and enjoy talking to after my daughter? Why does Jack have to work with my dad? He seems like the type of guy who has women falling at his feet; I doubt he’d be interested in a single mother with an adult child.

Ping!

I open the app and find a message from Tre. Seeing Jack at the firehouse left me feeling nervous and flustered.

DanDad007: I can’t believe you blew me off today.

Stella214: Didn’t mean to blow you off.

DanDad007: Blowing me off…now you’re talking.

Stella214: I was referring to the walk!

DanDad007: That’s unfortunate. ;)

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