“That’s a start.” She shot him a smile, then clicked over the design, demonstrating how she created different elements of the program she was working in.

He wouldn’t lie and say he was following it exactly, but it was interesting. “Wow, that’s actually pretty cool.”

She smiled. “It really is, and if Marissa is already designing her own at such a young age, with the right training and guidance, she could create something great.”

He nodded, his gaze locking on hers and holding. She was gorgeous and smart and all the things he knew someday he’d be looking for in a new partner. A role model Marissa could look up to. His heart pounded and his mouth was dry. Was he ready to find that person now? He hadn’t really given it much thought…

Sarah continued to stare at him, and the mood around them seemed to shift as he found himself unable to tear his gaze away. Those damn dark eyes were captivating, and the high cheekbones and soft contours of her face had him leaning slightly closer. Those full, pink lips seemed to be luring him in…

A buzzing sound on the desk made her jump, and he immediately backed away. The spellbinding moment shattered as the vibrating cell phone continued.

“My phone,” she said, reaching for it, her cheeks blushing. “My boss. I have to get this.”

“Right,” he said as he stood and moved the armchair to the corner. “I should get back to work.” He paused at the doorframe. “Thanks again for showing me and for the advice.”

“No problem. Anytime,” she said, her voice sounding slightly hoarse.

Wes escaped the room and took the stairs two at a time as he descended, needing fresh air to clear the fog surrounding him.

Not falling for the woman who was not only creating a stir in his own healing heart but who was also making his daughter happy wouldn’t be a problem at all.

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

The next morning at 8:55, Marissa was eager to get started. She’d brought along her dinosaur of a laptop and at least a dozen workbooks she’d made notes in regarding her app.

Detailed and organized—Sarah didn’t think she could like the kid any more than she did.

“Oh my God! Are these all yours?” Marissa’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning, eyeing Sarah’s two laptops, her iPad, and her phone on the desk.

“You should see my setup in my home office,” she said, feeling a tinge of guilt for not being in said office. But it wasn’t the location causing her distraction the past few days. It was Wes Sharrun. The day before, she’d been 99 percent sure that he was about to kiss her. The way his gaze had lingered on her face, the way he’d started to lean in closer, the way his breathing had changed…