Chapter 232: Father & Daughter [2]

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Chapter 232: Father & Daughter [2] CATHERINE I couldn’t stop looking in that direction. The sight of Ares engaged so attentively with Esme was out of this world. Her giggles were so pure, and kept ringing from that corner every once in a while. I admired how Ares would give her his ear whenever she wanted to whisper something to him. Esme fed Ares fries, and he ate them, making the plate for two. I couldn’t focus on customers as I kept stealing glances at them every second; a subtle smile worked its way to my lips whenever I heard her childlike laughter. Time passed quickly, and the sky had grown dark. Streetlights glowed along the streets, but the diner shone brighter. Esme was fast asleep on Ares’s lap, her head resting on his chest. "Wow... what’s happening over there?" Maria asked, eyeing the scene. "Seems like your new neighbour loves kids. Yours, to be exact. They have been so chatty ever since, and now look at that... so sweet." "Yeah..." I murmured. I had no idea Ares could be... good with kids. I have just never thought of that possibility before or even imagined it. However, seeing this moment unfold triggered something inside me, something I didn’t wanna think about. "He has the same eyes as Esme, I just noticed it now." "How about you clean up the kitchen? It’s already late, and we should be closing up for the day before someone comes for a midnight order, which won’t be happening." She smirked, shrugging. "Yes, boss." I watched her leave before veering my gaze back, and I stilled when Ares eyes were on me. I cleared my throat, finishing my rounds for the night, doing my best to ignore the weight of his attention. After I was done, I walked to them. "I should probably get her home; it’s already too late." I reached for her. "Esme, come on, sweetie." "Nooo..." She mumbled, falling back in Ares arms while rubbing her eyes. "Sweetie, it’s late, and Mr. King has to go home." She doesn’t answer me, turning her head the other way to get comfortable. I looked to Ares, who had an amused expression on his face that I wanted to wipe off. I released a sigh, placing a hand on my waist. What am I gonna do now? As if Ares could read my mind, he pushed to stand, holding Esme with one arm and the other holding her backpack. I gulped, trying to collect myself. "I’m sorry, she’s not usually this clingy. W-Would you mind carrying her all the way? My car... I had to drop it off at the mechanic. It just started making a really annoying noise all of a sudden. I was pretty sure it was good yesterday—" "I don’t mind..." He interjected. I forced a smile. "O-Okay." Harper helped close the diner since I had to walk home. The streets were quiet with just a few people lingering around who greeted me when they passed, stealing glances soon after. I mean, who wouldn’t? Esme was like a doll against Ares’ chest, and I could tell she was really comfortable because she hadn’t stirred even once. The rest of the walk was complete silence, and I didn’t mind, nor did Ares. It took about an hour or more until we reached my house. I unlocked the door, and Ares walked in. I led him up to Esme’s room, and he set her down, but her arms were wrapped too tightly around his neck, and he almost collapsed back on the bed with her. I snorted. Ares cleared his throat, gently peeling her arms away until they were secured on the bed. As I took off her hairband, Ares helped with her shoes and socks. I tucked her in, kissed her forehead, and turned off the big lights. I walked to the door, and Ares didn’t move, just watching her. I smiled, leaving first, making my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. I was in the middle of finishing my glass when I heard Ares come down the stairs; his footsteps didn’t match the sound of my heartbeat suddenly picking up at the realization that we were now alone. I clenched the glass tightly as he came closer, and my entire body wanted to turn away, but that feeling was all gone when I realized he was simply reaching for the stool. "Are you trying to say Esme is heavy?" I asked when he did a little stretch. "I didn’t say that." "You don’t have to, you’re stretching." "I think I’m quite capable of carrying my daughter without any trouble." My daughter. That shouldn’t affect me, but it does, in more ways than I would admit. "Ahem! So, um, what did you and Esme talk about?" "I made a pinkie promise." "What?" I asked, amused. "A pinkie promise, that’s what she calls it." I snorted. "You have no idea what a pinkie promise means, do you?" He ran a hand through his hair, and I admired how the strands brushed with ease. "It’s a promise. That counts, doesn’t it?" I nodded. "I’m sure it does, but you can tell me—" "I’m not telling, baby." My smile slowly faded, but it didn’t turn into a frown as I hoped it would; I wasn’t sure I could detail my own expression. Hearing him call me that name caused a shift in the air. I rasped, breaking eye contact. "You um haven’t had anything to eat, have you? Esme’s fries couldn’t have filled your stomach. I’ll um make you something and—" I paused when he rose to his feet. "I’ll see you tomorrow." He’s leaving so soon? I blinked off that thought. "S-Sure, it was already too late for dinner anyway." When he came closer, I tensed. "I-I’m sure Esme will be happy to see you after..." The rest of the words died in my throat when he got close. His hand brushed my cheek, sending a hot shiver racing down my spine.

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