Page 29 of The Dating Mishapp

Outside, we part ways with a hug, a kiss, and an “I love you.”

I don’t release her right away. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. You know that?”

She squeezes me tighter. “I know, but I’ll always feel bad for stealing your teenage years.”

I pull back and look her directly in the eyes. “Kylie Ann Foster! Don’t you ever say that again! I wouldn’t change a thing. Not one thing! Understand?”

She nods.

I wave and watch my daughter cross the street to join her friends. I search the faces to see if there’s an unfamiliar one, but there isn’t.

Sitting in my car while it warms, I open the app and read Tre’s message.

DanDad007: Sorry to do this, but I have to cancel tonight. Something unexpected came up. I’m not sure if you still want to meet. Maybe we can grab a drink at the event.

Anger seeps through my pores because I know exactly whatcame up.A date with my daughter!I reign in my temper as I reply.

Stella214: A man who cheats is of no interest to me.

DanDad007: What are you talking about?

Stella214: Don’t lie and say that this doesn't have to do with another woman.

Three dots bounce across the text line then stop.

DanDad007: It’s complicated, but I can explain.

Stella214: Don’t bother.

I drive home with blurred vision. I’m unsure if the tears are because I’m hurt or I’m afraid Kylie will learn the hard way that Tre is… an asshole. Yes, I said it. He’s an asshole of epic proportions.

After a hot shower, I grab a bottle of beer and curl up on the couch with Diogi. He and my father are the only two males I like these days. And Jack, I like him, too.

* * *

The rest of the week is relatively quiet. I didn’t check the app and I didn’t see Jack. Kylie went out with her friends, and I’ve started the fifth season of White Collar. Shortly before midnight, my phone chirps with a text message, and for a split second, I think it might be Tre, but he doesn’t have my number. I reach for the phone and see an unknown number. I tap the screen.

Don’t ask how I got your number. Just another perk of being Chief. :)

I chuckle at Jack’s message, save his number then tap a response.

Me: I think you have the wrong number.

JP: No, I don’t.

Me: What do you need?

JP: You really want me to answer that?

Me: Seriously. I have to get up early for work.

JP: I just wanted to be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Jack Perkins is not only sexy, but he’s incredibly sweet, too.

Me: Thank you! That’s very thoughtful of you, Jack.

JP: Don’t think I’m a pussy for saying this, but I thought about you all day today. All week, actually.

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