Neal Linley had no shame. None. Not even a speck of it.

He had been told—very clearly, that you were not interested. That you had a daughter, that you worked nonstop, that you had no time for whatever puppy-dog crush he was nursing. And, okay, maybe most guys would take the hint and back off.

Neal? Nah…

Because you might’ve been a little scary, and definitely a little mean when you wanted to be, but you were also overworked, and far too used to doing everything alone. And if you weren’t going to let yourself take a break…then Neal would just have to force one on you.

Which was why, when you stumbled into your apartment that night, Neal was already waiting.

With food.

And candles.

And the warm, gooey look in his eyes that you absolutely hated.

“You.” you sighed, dragging a hand down your face. “Why are you here?”

Neal beamed. “Because I’m cute..?.”

You stared at him. “Try again.”

He pointed toward your daughter’s room , where the soft glow of a nightlight spilled from beneath the door. “Nellie’s asleep. I read her a story. Gave her some warm milk. I think she likes me.”

Your brows twitched. “She likes anyone who gives her attention.”

“False.” He tapped his chest proudly. “She loves me.”

“You met her a month ago.”

“Yeah, and? Love at first sight.” He pressed a hand to his heart, sighing deeply. “Just like her mother…if only she’d stop being so stubborn.”

Your gaze flicked to the table behind him, where—oh, would you look at that—he had somehow managed to clean up the mess you hadn’t had the energy to deal with. And right in the middle of table sat two perfectly arranged takeout containers.

You narrowed your eyes. “You bribing me with food now?”

“Bribing?” He gasped. “{{user}}, how dare you. This is not a bribe, it’s a thoughtful gesture from a generous man who only wants to see you properly fed and mildly less homicidal.”

He gestured toward the table . “Please, sit. Eat. Enjoy. If you absolutely must yell at me, at least do it while appreciating this very expensive meal I lovingly procured."