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A burst of laughter escaped him. “Not yet. Livie can tell you about it.”

He let the screen door slam behind him as he started whistling and headed down the steps. Painting never bothered him, but there was no way in hell he was going to stick around with those questioning eyes on him. His body was still revved up from that simple, yet gut-churning kiss.

Why did every taste of her leave him even more needy than the last? Why did it have to be this woman who got him in knots? Since his wife left, he’d sworn not to get involved with another woman unless it would lead somewhere—mainly because of Piper, but also because he didn’t want his heart crushed again.

Even at the bottom of the porch steps, he heard the chatter inside the house. He rounded the corner and headed down the driveway. With a glance at his watch, he realized he had just enough time to get home for Cash to drop off Piper, but not enough time for that shower. Oh well. Some things were worth a disrupted schedule and kissing Livie Daniels was certainly one of them.

Chapter Twelve

With the kitchen and living room painted, the bathrooms up next, Olivia was pleased with the progress they’d made in just a few short days. She had stopped to get flooring samples this morning, so with those taking up the trunk of her car, she focused on another project. The birthday party.

She guided her car toward Jackson’s house. He’d explained that he lived in the subdivision behind the school at the end of the cul-de-sac. As she turned onto his road, she glanced to her red sundress and wondered if she’d gotten too dressed up. She’d only brought a limited supply of clothes because she hadn’t planned on staying too long, so she’d had to go buy something for this toddler spa party.

What grown adult went and bought a dress for a child’s birthday party? Olivia didn’t know any of the people who were going to be there.

Dread curled in her belly as she realized that she most likely would know people. As Jackson’s two-story house came into view, Olivia had to fight back a panic attack. Haven wasn’t a large town by any means, so most likely there would be people there she went to school with. What had she gotten herself into?

She wasn’t an extrovert—she lived in her office in Atlanta and cranked out killer marketing deals for companies. Her interaction with others tended to be via e-mail or social events with associates. What did she know about children?

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself as she pulled into the drive.

She wasn’t sure what she expected out of his home, but the porch swing and the bright flowers along the sidewalk were a pleasant surprise. His home nestled back against the woods, almost giving it a feel of being all alone and away from neighbors. Old mossy oak trees surrounded his property and for a moment, Olivia envied the quiet, peaceful setting. She didn’t have plants or trees or flowers at her condo. She certainly didn’t have a porch or a swing. She did have a killer view of the city, though. That was something . . . wasn’t it?

Olivia pulled in a deep breath. She’d clearly been in this town too long if she was growing envious of her surroundings. She needed to remain focused on getting some concrete decisions made and getting out of Haven.

As she stepped out of her car, Piper ran onto the porch. “You’re really here,” she squealed. “I didn’t know if you’d actually come.”

The way Piper ran off the porch and raced down the drive had Olivia smiling and bracing herself. Tiny arms flew around Olivia’s waist as doe-like brown eyes stared up at her.

“You’re going to be the prettiest one there,” she said. “I don’t own a dress, but I wore my favorite new sandals.”

Didn’t own a dress? Because she didn’t like them or Jackson just didn’t buy them? She never thought too much about the dynamics of a single father raising a little girl. Were there things she wanted and missed out on simply because he never thought of such things?

“Of course I came.”

Olivia leaned over to look Piper in the eyes. She was well aware Jackson had stepped onto the porch and stood looming over them. Her heart kicked into high gear, but she ignored that automatic reaction and the curl of desire.

“I can’t wait to spend the day with you,” Olivia stated, surprised that she was being completely honest.

Seeing Piper’s excitement was well worth the doubts and turmoil she’d experienced moments ago.

“I need to get the present.” Piper raced back up onto the porch, but turned around and pointed at her father. “Don’t forget my booster seat.”

He laughed and gave a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

As Piper went inside, Olivia straightened her dress because Jackson was heading her way and she . . . well, damn it, she was fidgety.

“You look amazing,” he told her as he stopped directly in front of her. “Would you get this dressed up for me if I took you out?”

The flirting, the kisses, the heavy-lidded glances were all getting to her. She was having a difficult time trying to remember why being near him was a terrible idea. Because each time he came close, she got swept up in those dark eyes, that devilish grin, and that sweeping glance he’d give her that told her he was ta

king in every inch of her in one swoop.

“We aren’t going out,” she countered, thankful her voice sounded strong.

“Maybe not,” he agreed. “But let’s say I asked you out. Would you wear something like this? A little dress that showed off your shape? Or would you go back to those stuffy clothes that scream CEO?”

She swallowed. “I’m not a CEO.”

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