Before I could say anything else, Caroline came barreling out of her bedroom. “Pizza!”
A few minutes later, we were gathered around the dining room table, each of us enjoying a couple of slices, and listening to Caroline chatter about princesses, her school friends, Christmas, Santa, and really anything that came into her mind. My stomach twisted every time I thought about what he’d started to say before he’d been interrupted by the pizza delivery, and I couldn't help but wonder if I’d ever get to hear what he was going to say.
Chapter 7
Dakota
Foiledbythepizzaman. Or maybe rescued by the pizza man. I didn’t know how I felt. All I knew is I’d been on the verge of asking Colin if he’d be interested in a date—a real date, one with just the two of us and zero princess talk.
What had I been thinking? We werejust neighborly friends. But the more I got to know Colin, the more Iwantedto know about him. And while I’d been shocked and embarrassed by the post-shower walk in, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was also a little intrigued, curious to know how Colin had felt about it.
It didn’t matter. We’d been interrupted and it was probably for the best. After pizza, we settled in on the couch and started watching a princess movie. It didn’t take long until Lina’s eyelids were slowly closing and she was nodding off on the couch. By the time the end credits were rolling, she was fully asleep.
“Should I go?” Colin whispered.
I shook my head. “I’ll be right back.” Scooping up Lina, I carried her to her bedroom and gently placed her in bed. She stirred a little, but I pulled the blanket up to her shoulders andrubbed her back for a few moments and she settled back down. Once I made my way back to the living room, I found Colin standing next to the couch.
“I really should get going,” he said quietly.
I didn’t want him to leave yet. There was still so much I wanted to say. Instead, I nodded. “Thanks for joining us. I’m really glad you suggested it.”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll host next time. If you want there to be a next time, I mean.” He cleared his throat. “As friends. Obviously.”
I took a shaky breath and gave him a small smile. “That would be great.” My stomach twisted, like butterflies fluttering inside, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I took a slow step closer to him.
As I did, he took a step closer to me, rather than the door. His voice was a whisper when he spoke. “I’ll get out of your way.” He took another step in my direction.
I reached out slowly and put my hand on his forearm. He looked down at where I held him and raised his eyebrows. He opened his mouth to speak, but I stopped him by stepping forward and pulling him close at the same time. I hesitated for a second and saw his gaze flicker down to my mouth, which gave me the courage to keep going. The subtle scent of his cologne enveloped me and before I had a chance to stop myself, I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips.
Colin inhaled sharply and moved his hands to my waist, pulling me in closer. He deepened the kiss, moving his tongue alongside mine, my body a riot of butterflies and adrenaline. I slid one hand up his arm to rest on his shoulder, and put the other hand on the back of his neck, letting my fingers tease at the soft hair at the base of his hairline. He groaned into the kiss, electricity coursing through me as I buried my hand in his hair.
We hit that crucial turning point in the kiss, where I had to decide whether to take it further and make a move to get him on my couch or break the kiss and send him home. He groaned again, sending another bolt of lust through me.Further, I thought.Definitely further.
“Daddy?”
We parted immediately, Colin stepping back in surprise, my own heart racing in an entirely different way. Caroline stood in the hallway, a doll in one hand, her nightgown rumpled, her hair a mess.
“Lina, honey, go back to bed.”
She rubbed one eye with the heel of her hand. “I had a bad dream.”
I went to her. “I’m so sorry, baby. Do you want me to check your room for dragons again?”
She shook her head. “Can you lie with me?”
I glanced over my shoulder at Colin, who gave me a little smile and nodded. I turned back to Caroline. “Of course I can. I’ll be right in.” I stood and turned to Colin, sheepish and apologetic. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. I can let myself out,” Colin said softly, his tone reassuring. “Goodnight, Caroline,” he said, giving her a little wave.
“Goodnight, Mr. Colin.” She waved back.
“Okay,” I said. “Let’s get you back to bed.” I followed Lina down the hallway to her room, the front door closing softly as Colin headed out.
As Caroline settled into her bed and I climbed in next to her, she patted my hand. “Daddy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Why were you kissing Mr. Colin?”
