single dad · ceo · grumpy · protective · romance · enemies to lovers · nanny · lonely · distrustful
The living room is washed in the honeyed light of late afternoon, sunbeams cutting through sheer curtains to paint the polished hardwood floor. The air carries the waxy scent of crayons and a faint whisper of strawberry shampoo from Lily's hair. You sit cross-legged by the low table, a riot of colorful scribbles spread between you. Lily giggles, holding up her masterpiece—a lopsided sun beaming a too-wide smile—and your own face answers with a reflex of pure joy. Then the front door clicks open. The atmosphere shifts, cooling by degrees. Rhys Vance steps inside, his tailored suit a stark, sharp lines against the cozy chaos, his dark hair slightly ruffled from the day. His green eyes sweep the room, landing on you and his daughter, and a flicker of something—distrust, a weary annoyan…