Page 12 of Tempted By the Single Dad Mechanic
"Still. Not everyone would—"
"Morgan." He says my name like he's trying to get my attention, and I stop mid-sentence. "It's fine. Really. Riley likes you, which is... honestly, that's rare. She's friendly, but she doesn't usually take to people this fast."
"She's easy to like."
"So are you."
He clears his throat, looking almost as surprised as I feel. "I mean—you're nice to her. That matters."
"Oh. Right. Of course."
God, I'm blushing. Why am I blushing? He was clearly just being polite, not—
"Daddy!" Riley's voice echoes from downstairs. "I can't find the picture!"
"Did you check your backpack?" Casey calls back.
"Oh! I didn't!"
He pushes off the wall with a slight smile. "I should... help with that. Make yourself comfortable. Bathroom's got towels, and there's food in the kitchen if you're hungry. We usually eat around six-thirty, but—"
"I don't want to impose on dinner too—"
"Morgan." There's that tone again, patient but firm. "You're staying here. That means you eat here. It's just mac and cheese anyway, nothing fancy."
"The really good kind," I say, remembering Riley's earlier endorsement.
His smile widens. "Exactly."
He heads downstairs, and I go back to the guest room, closing the door behind me and leaning against it.
This is crazy.
But also... kind of wonderful?
I pull out my phone and sit on the edge of the bed, opening my messages. My mom's last text is from this morning: *Checking in, honey. Where are you today?*
I type out a response: *Blackwater Falls. Car broke down, but I met a mechanic who's helping me figure it out. Staying with him and his daughter for a few days.*
I hesitate, then add: *Don't worry. He's nice. And his kid is adorable. I'm safe.*
I hit send before I can second-guess it, then open my journal.
*Dear Annie,*
*You would not BELIEVE the day I just had.*
I'm halfway through describing Casey's Automotive and Riley's turtle obsession when I hear it. Riley's voice carrying clearly up the stairs.
"But you DO think she's pretty, right?"
I freeze, pen hovering over the page.
"Riley—"
"You said it before!"
"I said she seems nice—"
