Watching Kane parent his kids is one of the biggest turn-ons I’ve ever seen.
I’m not sure if I even want kids, but seeing this man’s fatherly appeal smacks my ovaries like a cat with a ball.
He’s so calm with them.
Firm, but reasonable and endlessly gentle.
Kind, without being too indulgent.
Fierce when he needs to be.
I remember how checked out and distant my parents could be, and I envy them a little. Growing up attention starved only makes me respect Dadzilla more.
As he leaves the room, his gaze swings back to me, and the air crackles with electric possibility.
“No, I’m not sure Maui was ever a real person,” he’s saying as he heads upstairs with them. “He’s more like Hercules, I think, but there’s always some truth to the legend. Every culture needs its heroes. That’s how we stay inspired.”
“Aw, man. I thought I’d see his fishhook when you take us to Hawaii next year.” Dan sounds disappointed.
“IfI take you, little man. That depends a lot on you and your sister slaying it in school this year and keeping out of trouble.”
“But the canoes are real, right? I wanna sail in one of those.”
“They’re real, yeah.” There’s a smile on his face in the darkness. “Never forgot the first time I climbed in an outrigger with a few of my guys after our season wrapped up. It was February, and you couldn’t go more than five minutes without seeing a humpback whale blow water or a sea turtle surface.”
“Wow.” Dan blinks up at his dad in awe.
I shake my head and start moving before my head explodes.
I take my sweet time prepping for bed, pouring a glass of water and standing in the dark kitchen, staring at the icemaker light and idly wondering what the hell I’m doing.
None of this is sensible.
I know I’ll pay for it later a hundred times over.
But as soon as I’ve finished my water, I decide I don’t care.
I walk to my room and strip, wrapping a robe around my shoulders.
Kane stays with the twins in their room for a while, until I’m sure they feel extra safe tonight.
He really is father of the year material. If they have to head home tomorrow, he’s giving them one more night here, without what’s coming weighing them down.
No one mentioned the break-in since dinner, but I know they’re facing the dark and trying to fall asleep.
I’m still jittery myself.
It doesn’t help that my feelings are so jumbled.
If I was here alone, I’d be pacing the room with every light on in the house—if I could stick it out at all without fleeing to a hotel.
As it is, I sit on the edge of my bed impatiently, waiting for his approaching footsteps.
When I hear them, it’s no question where he’s heading and no hesitation when I open the door.
We stare at each other, barely breathing.
His dark hair matches the shadows on his handsome face, his jaw tight and his eyes smoldering like green witchfire.
