Capturing the Single Dad’s Heart by Kate Hardy

her.
    Erin came to his rescue. ‘We were wondering if Caitlin could join the volunteer team, Nate. Provided it doesn’t interfere with her homework or what have you.’
    â€˜And it’d look great on her CV if she decides on a career in horticulture,’ Ed added. ‘Being involved in a hospital sensory garden is a really big thing.’
    Caitlin’s eyes were wide with longing. ‘Can I?’ she asked.
    Damping down the wish that she’d call him ‘Dad’, Nate nodded. ‘Sure. Provided you stay on top of your homework.’
    â€˜I will,’ she promised. And then, to his shock, she hugged him. ‘Thanks.’
    The combination of that hug and the look of pure approval on Erin’s face completely floored him. Nate was relieved that Ed picked up the slack by chatting away about what they could do. He didn’t pay much attention to what the garden designer was saying, because all his focus was on Caitlin and Erin: his daughter, and a woman who was growing more important to him by the day.
    Was he simply being selfish, wanting to have everything? Or was there a possibility that Erin might see him as more than just a colleague whose life needed fixing? Plus he had no idea how she felt. Did she feel the same attraction towards him? Or did she think that the situation was way too complicated for her to want to take their relationship any further than friendship?
    * * *
    At the weekend, it was raining, so Nate, Erin and Caitlin headed out to the trampoline place. As Nate had half suspected they would, Erin and Caitlin ganged up on him in dodgeball and took great delight in throwing the ball at him and bouncing it to each other for another shot at him.
    But then Erin tripped and he caught her.
    For a moment, he held her close. He could feel the warmth of her body and the softness of her skin, and she smelled of vanilla and chocolate. Edible.
    His mouth went dry as he imagined kissing her.
    And when she looked up at him, he could see that her pupils were huge.
    So did she feel this same pull towards him? Could anything come of this?
    He was just about to dip his head and brush his mouth over hers when he remembered where they were—and that his daughter was standing right next to them. Much as he wanted to kiss Erin, he knew it really wasn’t a good idea to do it right here and now. So he set her back on her feet with a grin. ‘Given how many times you’ve hit me with that ball in the last ten minutes, you’re very lucky I didn’t just let you fall flat on your face, Dr Leyton.’
    â€˜Yeah, yeah,’ she said, and bounced a ball against his chest with a cheeky grin.
    â€˜So much for gratitude,’ he grumbled.
    Erin threw the ball to Caitlin. ‘Actually, I think we’re about done now,’ she said. ‘And, as trampolining burns about a thousand calories an hour, I reckon we’ve burned enough to have afternoon tea.’
    â€˜Bring on the cake,’ Nate said. ‘And scones. I have a ton of calories to replenish.’
    She smiled at him, and his heart felt as if it had done a somersault. Ridiculous. He really needed to keep himself under control. But when they were settled in the café with a platter of sandwiches and a tiered stand full of scones and cakes, he found himself staring at her mouth.
    Oh, help.
    â€˜Dad?’
    Then he became aware that Caitlin was talking to him. ‘Sorry. Miles away.’ But his daughter was bright and he didn’t want her to guess why he was wool-gathering. Thinking swiftly on his feet, he said, ‘I was wondering how many of these sandwiches I can eat before you notice that I’ve scoffed your share.’
    â€˜I was saying, Erin’s tea is actually nice. She just let me try it.’
    â€˜It’s passion fruit tea,’ Erin added. ‘My favourite, after pomegranate.’
    It was bright orange and it smelled gorgeous.
    â€˜Want to try some?’ she