Page 65 of Manhattan Kiss

“Hey,” I say as she answers.

“Hey,” she replies, her voice croaky with sleep.

“Did I wake you?”

“I have to be in at ten. What time is it?”

“Eight,” I reply.

The rustle of covers comes down the phone. “Okay, now I’m awake. Oh. You’re calling me. You’re canceling.”

Disappointment swirls in my gut. “I’m sorry. Gabby has a vomiting bug, so she can’t come and take over here.”

“It’s okay,” she says. “I understand.”

To someone who doesn’t know her, she sounds like she gets it. Like she’s unbothered. But there’s a hint of forced breeziness that tells me she’s disappointed.

“I’m disappointed,” I say.

“You get to hang out with Willow. I think you’ll live.”

“What are you going to do?” I say.

She pulls in a breath. “Go to work.”

“Tonight though?”

“I don’t know,” she says. “Something. Don’t worry about me.”

“I’m not worried. I’m just…” I want to split myself in two and spend the evening with Aurora and also not leave my daughter.

Actually, maybe I could.

There’s an obvious solution to this.

Aurora could come here.

I swallow. Can she? Do I want her to?

I’ve never come close to introducing a woman to Willow. Never even considered it. A romantic relationship has just not been a focus for me. I’ve been focusing on my business and how to be the best dad I can be. All I’ve cared about for years is my daughter.

But now? Now I hate knowing that Aurora is upset.

And I want to spend the evening with Aurora. Willow will be in bed anyway. Not that I would sneak Aurora in. I would hate for Willow to wake up and find a stranger in her house.

No, if Aurora came round, she’d have to meet Willow. Of course, I’d have to get the okay from Gabby, but I know my ex well enough to know she wants me to meet someone, settle down, and be happy.

Introducing Aurora to Willow feels big.

But it doesn’t feel wrong.

“Come over to the townhouse tonight,” I say.

Silence.

“Tonight?” Aurora says finally.

“Tonight. If you come at six thirty, you can meet Willow, and then after bedtime, we can order in and have dinner at home.”