Oh, shit.Pulling my tangled mess into a ponytail, I take a deep breath and pull on the handle. “Hey, Wildlife, wassup?”
The smile on the environmentalist’s face disappears as he tucks an errant lock behind my ear. “Are you alright? Did something happen after I left?”
My private parts cheer at his touch.Oh hell, no, missies, we are not going there.
Unaware of my sidebar with my sexual extremities, he holds up a cardboard tray. “Coffee, hot chocolate, and danishes from The Peak’s.”
Mackenzie grabs the bag. “Wow, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. Thank you so much.” She shoots me a double glare—teenage-speak forInvite him in already.
“You shouldn’t have, but we appreciate the kindness.” Inhaling cinnamon, I lead him to my second-hand table in my 1960’s kitchen.
Tossing coats onto the sofa, I offer him the spare chair. “Sit.”
As I grab napkins, I see my broken, chipped cabinets through his eyes, and cringe. “It’s, uh… a work in progress.”
His hand captures mine in midair. “No judgment. Extremely retro. Probably fetch a fortune in the right market.”
“Huh.” As I reevaluate my stove, the old-fashioned clock jolts my brain. Despite the fact a handsome stranger brought us sweets, today is not a weekend.
I shout down the hall. “Mack. Five minutes.”
“Mom. I need to finish my makeup.” She slams the bathroom door while the star of my morning wet dream pulls me into his lap.
Caught off-guard, my heart thumps. Does he want a repeat performance of last night? If so, his timing is way off.
When he leans in, I slip my tongue over my dry lips.
As our mouths are about to meet, he lets go of my hands in favor of my shoulders. “Listen, about last night…”
I snap my index finger to his lips. “Do not apologize. Best fake kiss ever.”
“Yeah?” Gaze locked on mine, his nostrils flair.
Tits and clit aching to be touched, I cup his stubbled cheeks.
For the love of God, kiss me, already.If not for the teenager in the house, I’m sure we’d be halfway to the bedroom.
“Okay, you two, I’m ready.” Mack breaks the spell, sauntering into the kitchen. “Can’t be late unless you want to write me a note.”
Unable to face Principal Wierzbicki, I grab my handbag and car keys. “Yup. Be right there.”
Now outside, my kid tugs him away from his SUV. “You come too, Jack.”
When the man shakes his head, my daughter pulls harder. “You will make methemost popular girl in school. Pah-lease.”
“How can I say no?” He jumps into the passenger side seat while Mack bounces into the back.
Making sure everyone sees, he calmly waves out the window as we drop her off. Back at home, he follows me into my house. Holy crap, I’d love to drag him to the couch, the mattress or the rug, but adulting must take precedence.
“I’d love for you to stay, but I have work.” When I place my fingers on his chest, the muscles underneath give me pause. Maybe, this once, I could be a few minutes late.
He traps my hands and steps so close, static electricity sparks between us. “You slept in your clothes last night. You brought your sidearm with you in the car. Why?”
Damn the man for being so perceptive. “No reason. I often do.”
At my blatant lie, his soft lips purse. “Right. So, it had nothing to do with John Bourdin?”
Ah, fuck it. He’s a nerdy scientist, no match for those bringing people over the border. If I say yes, he’s going to want to help me, which could get him killed.
