Free Third Date by Leah Holt Page A

to make me feel a freaking thump of emotion for him. But it was there, and I didn't know what to do with it. I kept trying to tell myself that I only felt the way I did because he was the first man to touch me since I lost my husband.
    It had been two days since the embarrassing and horrible date with Taylor. But it wasn't the date that stood out, it was Layne brushing my elbow, touching my fingers, scooping me under his arm.
    His muscles were steel, arms strong and possessive as we left the restaurant. And I wanted more, more of what I could only imagine he could give.
    Stop being crazy, Kin. You're just emotional.
    What I felt was normal, right?
    It was normal to feel a little heat when you played with fire, it was normal to suffocate when you held your breath, but it wasn't normal to let it consume you.
    And Layne, he had infiltrated and consumed my thoughts.
    Tucking Fay into bed, she smiled up at me with closed lips. “Mommy, tell me another story about Daddy.”
    “Another story about Daddy... Alright, let me think.” I loved this part of our day. Sending Fay off to sleep with dreams of her father in her head. Thinking really hard, I searched my memory for a good story. “Okay, did I ever tell you the story about the raccoon?”
    Fay shook her head no, smiling big. “No, what raccoon?”
    Slipping my fingers over her head, I said, “Well, one time, long before you were even in my belly, your Daddy and I were going out. So, we had left the house and were walking to our car, and your Daddy...” Pointing a finger and brushing her nose, she giggled. I loved her giggle, it was the sweetest tiny laugh in the world. “Your Daddy yelled really loud, like really really loud.”
    “He did? Why did he yell?” Her eyes grew large, wonder filling her gaze.
    “Well your Daddy yelled really loud because he had gotten scared, but I didn't know why he was so scared. And then he pushed me into a bush as he ran by me really fast.”
    “He pushed you, why did he push you?” Fay's brows turned in, her little face twisting with a hint of anger. “You said pushing wasn't nice, Mommy.”
    “Yes, Honey, pushing isn't nice. But Daddy was frightened, and he didn't really do it to be mean. But, do you know why he shoved me into the bush?” Shaking her head no, the curiosity flooded back into her eyes. “He pushed me into the bush because there was a giant raccoon standing on the garbage can, and it scared him so much he just wanted to get away.”
    Fay started to chuckle, her small hands flying to her mouth to cover her lips. “He was scared of a raccoon?”
    “Yup, he was. So you know what I did? I chased the raccoon away, and saved Daddy from the big furry animal.”
    “That's funny, Mommy. I can't believe Daddy was afraid of that, that's so silly.”
    Swooping my hand down her cheek, I kissed her forehead. “It was silly, but that was only one of the times I got to save your Daddy. There are a few more, but now it's bed time.” Folding her blanket over her shoulders, I tucked her in tight. “I love you, Honey, sweet dreams.”
    “I can't wait to hear another story. Daddy was funny, huh?”
    I could feel my eyes start to fill with tears, as I said, “He was, he was very brave, but he was very funny when it came to animals and bugs. Now get some sleep.”
    “I love you, Mommy, good night.”
    Flipping the switch off, I left her door open a crack, and headed out to the living room. Wiping away the hovering tears on my lids, I sucked in a deep breath and couldn't help but smile.
    I loved telling my daughter stories about her father. It made me feel like she knew him, even if she didn't remember him. Those stories meant everything to me now, and sharing them with her was a blessing.
    Walking around the room, I cleaned up some toys, tidied up the coffee table, and flipped on the television. Fay usually fell asleep without any issues, and it gave me time to just sit and relax.
    Having a child took up so much of my day, and now