Meet Cute(72)

“How was dance drop-off?”

“I have no idea how fathers do this. Between the makeup, the screeching, the perfume, and the boys, I’m surprised any parent survives this. And did you know Emme’s already had her first kiss?”

Kailyn laughs. “You were probably the same age when you had your first kiss.”

“My first kiss was on a set in front of a camera crew, and it was not awesome. My costar had just finished eating a Big Mac and didn’t think brushing her teeth was necessary after extra onions.” I slap the steering wheel. “That’s what I should’ve done! I should’ve fed Emme garlic and onions for dinner.”

“It’ll be fine. It’s a school dance. There’s nowhere for them to hide and make out.”

“I hope not, or I’m going to spend a few years in prison. Oh, and thanks for letting me know you’d had the sex talk with Emme.”

“I told her she was special and all of her firsts should be with someone who cares about her.”

“Oh, well, that was a lot better than what I would’ve said, and it’s a little disturbing that you’ve already had that talk with her and she’s only in eighth grade.”

“There are a couple of girls in her class who have had sex already.”

“Please don’t tell me things like this when I’ve just left her in a gym full of hormonal boys.”

“She’s not interested. You’re safe. For now.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. I’ll have a beer waiting for you when you get here to offset the anxiety.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

“I might need something stronger.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Less than ten minutes later I pull into Kailyn’s driveway. It’s not too far from my place, but in a more modest subdivision. She lives in a bungalow with pretty flowers lining the front walk. Everything is neat and well maintained, as I’d expect from her. Her cats eye me suspiciously from the windowsill inside the house.

The anxiety over Emme and the dance is forgotten as soon as the door swings open. Kailyn is wearing a very sexy royal-blue dress that hugs every single one of her very lush, very hot curves. She’s barefoot on the hardwood floor. She holds out a wineglass. “Sadly wine is the strongest thing I have.”

“This right here is the ultimate in archaically sexist male fantasies.” What I wouldn’t give to be greeted every damn day of my life by this exact sight.

“I’m sorry?”

“Nothing. Thank you. You look incredible and I care about you and I think you’re very special.” I pluck the glass from her hand and set it on the side table so her hands are free and I can kiss her. “I also think it would be a very good idea to call the restaurant and push our reservation back so I can show you exactly how special I think you are.”

Kailyn grins against my lips. “Don’t think you can manage making it through dinner before you see what kind of panties I’m wearing?”

“Are they cheekies?”

She laces her fingers through mine. “Why don’t you come upstairs and find out.”





Chapter Nineteen





Dinner Date Disaster


Kailyn



Dax does a very thorough job of showing me exactly how special he thinks I am. We don’t leave for the restaurant until almost nine. My hair is a little wild from his hands having been in it, but he’s much more relaxed and I’m feeling pretty damn fantastic myself.

He takes me to a lovely, very exclusive restaurant that I would never be able to afford. We talk about my pro bono case and how excited I am that it looks like this little boy will have a permanent home soon. I love Dax’s attentiveness and enthusiasm for the things I’m passionate about. He makes me feel like I’m the only person in the room when we’re together like this. Despite the attention he sometimes gets, I never have to fight for his. As difficult as the road ahead of us may be, I can see a future unfolding with him.

We’re halfway through our meal when he gets a call from Ainsley’s mother. I assume it’s to let him know they’re home from the dance. At least until his expression becomes incredulous.

“They got caught with what? Where did they get it? Emme? Are you sure? We’re on our way. No. No. I’m so sorry. We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

He throws his napkin on the table and shoves his chair back.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“They got caught with alcohol at the dance.”

“The girls?”

“Yes. We have to go. I need to settle the tab.”

I put a hand on his arm. “You get the car, I’ll settle the tab.”

His phone rings again; this time it’s the school. He purses his lips and nods, bringing the phone to his ear as he heads for the door. I quickly pay the bill, leaving our half-eaten dinner at the table, and meet him in front of the restaurant. If I hadn’t been on my second glass of wine, I would offer to drive. I check my phone and find the school has also called me.

Dax grips the steering wheel. “I can’t believe this. How is this happening? How the hell did I miss this?”

“What happened? Where did the girls get alcohol from in the first place?”