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13
MARLOW
MY MIND IS STILL REELING from the fact that Dylan Stafford called me beautiful again last Friday. Not to mention that almost kiss lived rent free in my mind all weekend.
I can’t explain the impulse, but a part of me longed for him to kiss me, curious about what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against mine. Images of him gazing at me with those chocolate brown eyes as he traces my jawline torment me. The scent of mint and cedar still lingers on my coat—a reminder that we really did almost kiss.
Seeing him at the speed dating event stirred a pang of jealousy within me. The prospect of him engaging in playful banter or meaningful conversation with someone else bothers me.
I was under the impression that he doesn’t care for me, and it didn’t cross my mind until recently that he could actually be attracted to me.
At first glance, we have little in common. He’s a disciplined thirty-three-year-old billionaire, the dad to a darling little girl, and a literal genius. I’m a twenty-three-year-old free-spirited artist, the owner of an unruly dog, and I have a penchant for new adventures.
Our mutual love and concern for Lola is what’s brought us together. That little girl has us both wrapped around her finger.
I was anxious about coming over to his house this morning, unsure how things would play out between us considering our last interaction. It turns out I was worried for nothing.
He called me last night and asked if I could watch Lola for three days while he was gone on a last-minute business trip. He asked his parents first, but they’re visiting his aunt in Spring Haven this week.
I’m staying at his house overnight, and during the day I’ll hang out with Waffles and work on my paintings at my place.
Dylan was running late when I got here this morning so our conversation was brief and used to review a few sections from The Manual related to Lola’s bedtime routine. While we avoided making eye contact during our exchange I didn’t miss him cracking a smile when he saw how many paragraphs I highlighted in a rainbow of colors.
I let out a whistle when I open the fridge to grab something for breakfast while I wait for Lola to wake up. Dylan certainly outdid himself in the food department. There are enough healthy meals to last while he’s gone, along with his signature sticky notes attached to each breakfast container. However, there’s been a slight modification to the notes addressed to me.
Good morning, sunshine,
I hope you enjoy your breakfast. Have a great day.
-Dylan
I press my hand to my mouth, unable to suppress the grin that crosses my lips. I might have told him not to call me sunshine, but secretly I loved it, especially coming from him.
I take out my phone to send him a text:
Marlow: I just checked the fridge. You outdid yourself.
Dylan: Consider it insurance. It’s one less chance you’ll burn down my house while I’m gone. ??
Marlow: Dylan Stafford, did you just use an emoji? I’m shocked. ??
Dylan: Did you check the guest bedroom yet?
I hustle out of the kitchen and hurry upstairs, tiptoeing past Lola’s bedroom. When I step into the room Dylan prepared for me, I squeal like a little kid when I spot the giant box of Cheez-Its on the bed. His sweet gesture sends a flurry of butterflies dancing in my stomach. I’m touched that he went out of his way to do something so thoughtful, especially considering his aversion to junk food.
Marlow: Cheez-Its?!? Are you trying to butter me up??
Dylan: You’re taking care of Lola while I’m gone. I figured it was best to stay on your good side.
Marlow: You’re doing an excellent job. ??
Marlow: Btw, I’m also a big fan of Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts.
Dylan: I’ll keep that in mind for next time.
Dylan: I’m stepping into a meeting. I’ll check in with you later.
Marlow: Sounds good. Have a great day!
