Chapter 7

Sienna’s POV

My heart jumped when Zoe yelled, “Mom!” Her voice cut through the kitchen like a knife. I slid off the counter, my feet hitting the cold floor, and pushed Daniel away, my hands shaking. His warmth lingered on my skin, his breath still hot where he’d almost kissed me.

Zoe stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, her backpack hanging off one shoulder. Leo was behind her, his brows up, a small grin on his face. My stomach knotted. My kids weren’t supposed to see this—me with a guy half my age, my tank top crooked, his shirt half-open.

What kind of mom was I, getting caught like this?

“Why are you here?” I blurted, fixing my tank top, my voice wobbly. My face burned, Evan’s mean words; you’re too old, not enough mixing with fear that my kids would hate me.

Leo dropped his bag, his grin soft but his eyes sharp, checking on me. “We wanted to surprise you, Mom. Looks like you surprised us.” His voice was easy, teasing, but kind, like