Page 6 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Single Dad

I shrugged. “You weren’t exactly friendly…I didn’t want there to be any awkwardness between us.”

His features relaxed. “I was a dick. I’m sorry. I can be sort of…a grump.”

I chuckled. “You don’t say. Plus, the please never message me again bit was sort of harsh.”

“It was my harsh. I’m sorry, I’m an asshole. Can we start over?” He held his hand out. “I’m Ronin, nice to meet you.”

When I slid my hand into his, it disappeared under his big large paw, and a shiver ran down my spine. “Imogen. Nice to meet you as well.”

Our hands stayed entangled as if neither one of us wanted to let go. Ronin held my gaze as the seconds passed between us, Amylee laughing happily in the background as the birds tweeted. “Loving animals is beautiful. But you know what else is?”

He didn’t wait for me to answer.

“You.”

I almost collapsed on the spot.

His words took me by surprise, and I clutched at the wall, suddenly needing support.

“Can I take you out sometime?”

“Wait,” I swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat. “You’re not married?”

He shook his head no. “Single dad.”

Yes!

“Perfect,” I nodded eagerly, like a little kid getting a toy.

I couldn’t believe it.

The grumpy single dad was asking me out.

All from a misdial…

“How’s Willow today?” Ronin asked his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders after we walked back over to her. He shot me a grin and I almost melted.

Our date couldn’t come soon enough.

Tomorrow night! I had nothing to wear! Ah!

I’d have to enlist Donna’s help later.

“She’s good, daddy. But I think I changed my mind about something.” Amylee answered.

“What’s that?”

“I want Willow to be set free.” The little girl stated.

“What? Are you sure? I thought you wanted to adopt her.”

Amylee shook her head, a forlorn look etched across her young, adorable features. “You’re right. Willow deserves to be free. I don’t want to put her in a cage.”

Ronin leaned down and kissed the top of his little girl’s head. I was a puddle of goo, swooning over the two of them.

I reached over and squeezed Amylee’s hand. I looked up at Ronin and smiled. “You’re a great dad, in case no one’s ever told you before.”

“Thank you. That means a lot more than you know.”