Secret Daddy Next Door

It was supposed to be just a one-night stand with a hot stranger.
I had no idea I was choosing the father of my babies...

My best friend roped me into baking for her stepson’s wedding.

I had just moved into town and I couldn’t exactly turn that kind of money down.

But getting drunk enough to sleep with that tall, dark blond wedding guest? That was all on me.

I should have known he’d leave without a word or even a proper introduction.

But that wasn’t the last I saw of him.

Kiefer just turned out to be my brand-new neighbor. He’s fresh off a two-month business trip, and he’s not exactly thrilled.He thinks he just got himself a stalker, and he sure treats me like one.

Wait until he finds out I’ll be having his twins in a few months…

10:23 PM

When he looks at me, the world stops. I try to smile, hoping I don’t look as awkward as I feel.

I’ve been standing on the outskirts of the party since I finished up with my duties, not really knowing how to make my entrance. Rye is preoccupied with Ash and Ivy and even though I’ve met the rest of her family, I’d feel uncomfortable making any of them babysit me.

Now, though, I’m thankful for being a wallflower since catching the eye of this tall drink of water. Green eyes, waves of dark blond hair, built tall and lean. I’m light-headed just looking at him.

He smiles back. I resist downing my champagne as fast as possible, but I could use some of that liquid courage ASAP. Although, I’ve already drank two glasses to pass the time.

I let him come to me. That’s something that always works when I’m out at a bar with friends. Don’t look too eager or too hungry. Let them know you’ll do fine with them or without them.

But something about this guy lets me know I’ll do much better with him tonight.

“Let me guess. Eve.”

I frown.

He gestures to the tree and the thicket of greenery around us. “And this is your garden of Eden.”

Once I catch on, I laugh. “Guilty as charged. You’re Adam, then?”

“I hope so,” he says with a smooth smile.

Okay, we’re off to a great start.

“Bride or groom?” he asks with a look over to the crowded dance floor.

I hesitate. “Uh. Both. Or. Neither.”

“Are you a party crasher, Eve?” My Adam smirks. I suppose we’re really leaning into these nicknames. I don’t mind, though. Eve, the very first woman, who tempted Adam into sinning with her. I’ve never seen myself as much of a seductress, but Adam’s already cast me in the role.

I have to play the part.

I laugh. “No, no. Not at all. I’m the… desserts. I did the desserts.”

“Oh, no way!”

“Yeah, way.” Dara, stop being weird. “I just finished up, so I’m having a glass of champagne and…”

“Being bothered by a guy…”

I shake my head. “No, not a bother at all.”

He raises his eyebrows, pleasantly surprised. “Oh. Good.”

We’re both quiet, searching for the next right thing to say. “How about you? Bride or groom.”

“Uh. Both.”

I narrow my eyes. “Now I have to wonder if you’re the party crasher.”

He chuckles. “No, I just don’t like to pick sides.”

It’s too late to ask for his real name. I think he would’ve offered it at this point if he wanted it to be known. I don’t mind really. It’s all part of the fun. I like to collect experiences like stamps. Each one is a sweet reminder of a life well lived. And if there’s one thing I’m committed to, it’s living my life to the fullest.