The Single Dad (The Dalton Family, #3)

by Marni Mann

“Daddy, I’m going to be so sassy.” “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“You want to kiss me”—her voice was soft, breathless—“in the middle of the bar?” With my hand still on her cheek, I aimed her mouth up to mine. “It’s not just that I want to.” I lowered my face until we were only inches apart. “It’s that I have to.”

“You’re tempting me to take you home.” I laughed. “To wrap an apron around my waist and make you cookies that will rival anything you’ve ever tasted?” “Sydney …” His hand returned to my mouth. This time swiping across my lip. Slowly. “I said nothing about putting you in my kitchen.”

“This might sound simple and overused, but I’ve always believed that things in my life happen for a reason. I didn’t want to go to the bar that night. I was exhausted, jet-lagged. Grouchy, if I’m being honest. But there, I met you, and then Everly the next morning, and that could quite possibly be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She said nothing. And then, slowly, a devilish grin came across her face. “Daddy, are you gonna smooch Syd like Uncle D smooched Kendall at my birthday party?” This kid. I couldn’t possibly adore her more. And if that was how she defined our situation, if she saw love as affection, then that was perfectly acceptable to me. “Yes, baby, I’m definitely going to smooch Syd the way Uncle D smooched Kendall.” “Ewww.”