Page 8 of Scarred

“Me too,” Emma giggles as they all wait for my response.

“Hell, why not. If one drops in my lap, I’m not going to say no.” I clink my glass to theirs as they all cheer.

God knows I’ve tried to find that spark in those I’ve dated.

Taking a sip of my wine, I stare out into the dark waters waiting in the distance. A cool breeze sifts through my hair as the conversation around me fades into the background.

I can’t explain it, but I feel a subtle energy change in the air. Warmth floods my body like tiny sparks nipping at my skin, just waiting to catch fire. A yearning starts to form deep in my core…an excitement of the unknown that I can’t explain.

It’s as if my body is preparing me for something that is coming.

Something or someone.

THREE

CAYDEN

“Daddy!”

Setting my coffee down, a blur of golden curls and pink ruffles rushes into my arms as I bend down and pick up my daughter.

“Hi, baby girl. Did you sleep good?” Her small head bobs quickly as I brush her wild bed hair out of her eyes. My heart swells as I stare at my entire world.

“Today I dance?” She excitedly points to her tutu that she’s wearing over her pink unicorn pajamas, her Stormy dolphin matching her skirt in her arms.

“Today you dance,” I smile. “Nana Mae is going to watch you until I get back from practice, and then I’ll take you.”

“Yay!” She bounces excitedly in my arms, and a laugh rumbles out of my chest.

“Someone is super excited,” I grin.

“I dance like a fairy!”

“How about you show me some of your moves while I make you some breakfast?” I set her wiggly bottom down, and she immediately twirls on her toes.

“Nice moves. Maybe Daddy needs to try that on the ice.” I reach for the pancake mix and start to measure out the ingredients as her giggles filter through the air.

“Daddy’s an ice fairy.”

“Do you think they make pink tutus that could fit me?” I look over at her with a raised eyebrow, and she busts out in laughter.

“No, Daddy,” she giggles. “You too big.”

“Hmm. That’s a shame.”

“What’s a shame?” I look up as Mae walks into the room, her eyes instantly lighting up when she sees Scarlett doing a small leap in the air.

“Daddy’s too big for tutus,” Scar declares with another twirl.

“Someone is excited for dance tonight,” Mae chuckles, reaching for a coffee mug in the cabinet. “I’m glad you found a place you like.” She fills up her cup and sits down at the big kitchen island.

“That’s to be determined. I need to meet the teacher first.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t stalked her social media page and already run her through a background check,” she grins as I roll my eyes.

“People show you what they want you to see on social media. I’d rather go in blind and get a feel for the place myself. Knox’s wife, Savi, did recommend her, so that does make me feel better.” I slide the finished chocolate chip pancake onto a plate before cutting it up into tiny bites. “Don’t worry, though, I’ve got my guy on standby if I need to run a background check.” I grin at Mae, and she snorts in her coffee.

“Time to eat, baby girl.” I swoop her up and place her on the stool next to Mae.