Page 8 of Fallynn West

I walked them to Aunt Faith’s car, then headed back inside to my office. Payday was coming up, so I needed to make surepayroll was complete and answer some emails about upcoming events we were catering before going to work the floor.

Daily Fix turned out to be bigger than I expected, and I had no one but God to thank for that. What started out as a small drive-through only spot quickly turned into something major. My love for cooking and serving others put me in position to be successful. It put me in a position to bless my daughter with a life where I could provide and give her anything without having to blink an eye.

At first, it was a bit overwhelming trying to juggle being a single dad and business owner. I wanted to pour my all into both, but sometimes, my business had to sit on the back burner. It wasn’t until my parents sat me down and told me it was okay to put my all into my dreams.

I knew it was. My problem was I was overprotective of Kehlani.

The last thing I needed was anyone else hurting her. I hardly trusted family with her, since the woman who’d brought her into the world hurt her the worst in life. Kehlani wasn’t able to comprehend, but eventually, she would. I wanted to shield her from anything and anyone who possibly could do her wrong, and it was hard letting that go.

Once I did, the shift happened. Things started thriving for me, and Kehlani seemed happier being around other family members and kids. I fully let my guard down and let things be.

Life became simple on the outside, but on the inside, I was still scarred. I wanted a woman in my life and Kehlani’s. I wanted to love again and build a family, but the thought of someone walking out on my baby girl made me shut off. I’d tried dating once before, and it didn’t go well. Off rip, I let any woman know Kehlani came first in my life. If they couldn’t handle that, then they weren’t the one for me.

So, I continued pouring my all into my daughter and business, while praying God would send the right woman at the right time.

The day had beena long one.

Between traveling back and forth for Daddy’s procedure and work, I was swamped. All I desired to do was go home, shower, and get in bed, but I promised Olive I would close the center tonight so she could handle her business.

Center of Love closed at six o’clock. It was going on seven, and Kehlani was the only one there. When I asked where her aunt was, she informed me that her father would be picking her up. I let it get to fifteen minutes after six before calling him. He promised he’d be on his way within the next ten minutes, but it was obvious, that was a lie.

I was growing irritated. While I loved Kehlani, I needed to go home. She wasn’t doing anything but playing with the toys andtalking my head off. Every so often, I’d zone out, thinking about my father.

“Ms. Miles, are you okay?”

Her sweet little voice snapped me from my thoughts. A small smile spread across my lips as I bobbed my head. “Yes, I am. Just a little tired.”

“Was your daddy ever late picking you up?”

“Sometimes. It happens. Do you think your daddy is almost here?”

She lifted her shoulders to her earlobes. “He works a lot, so I’m not sure.”

Sticking my tongue to the roof of my mouth, I carefully thought on what I wanted to ask her next. I didn’t want to trigger her or anything, so I decided against it. Instead, I got up and went to sit next to her. She scooted closer to me and started explaining her interaction with the dolls.

Another fifteen minutes passed before I heard the doorbell ring. Kehlani hopped up with the biggest smile on her face. She rushed to grab her things before grabbing my hand and leading me to the front like she was the boss.

“I bet that’s my daddy.” She gushed. “I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s really nice, and he’s the best cook in the world.”

I didn’t think Kehlani was lying, but I wasn’t in the mood for a nice interaction with him. Her father was the reason I wasn’t at home, and he needed to know it was unacceptable being as late as he was. With a little force, I swung the door open. Kehlani released my hand and flew into her father’s arms. I looked up to give him a nasty but nice greeting and found myself speechless.

That man was too damn fine for his own good.

The way he smiled at Kehlani, showing off his beautiful teeth, hardened my nipples. I was grateful I had on some thick fabric, or he would’ve easily noticed.

His inked skin was the color of a perfectly toasted pecan. I could see tattoos on every exposed part of him and wondered if his covered parts were the same.

And for him to have just gotten off work, his scent was heavenly. The mixture of cocoa and musk embedded into my nostrils, something I’d recognize even if he wasn’t around.

“Daddy! What took you so long?” Kehlani pouted with her arms folded as she grilled him.

“I’m sorry, KeKe. Daddy had an extremely long day at work, and I lost track of time. I promise you, it won’t happen again.” He kissed her nose, and Kehlani visibly melted. To my surprise, her father turned to me with his hand out. “I’m Keondra Daily.”

I gently placed my hand in his, feeling prickles of electricity shoot up my arm. His hands were so soft that I almost didn’t want to let go.

Giving him a firm handshake, I introduced myself. “I’m Colony Miles. You’re quite late, Mr. Daily. You do know there is a late fee, correct? You’re over an hour late from the designated pick-up time. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it is. How much is it?”