“I like him,” I confirmed.
“Are you ready to go to bed, Isla?” Luke interrupted.
With a yawn, Isla tried to tell him she wasn’t sleepy, but the fight in her died quickly. “Come on. I’ll read you one book and then it’s time for you to get some sleep. You’ve had a big day.”
“Can Charlotte read me a story?” Isla asked as she threw the blanket off and rubbed her eyes.
“You’ll have to ask her.”
Turning to face me, I knew she could’ve asked me for the moon right now and I’d spend the next hours wracking my brain trying to figure out a way to give her whatever it was she wanted. I don't know if it was the big doe eyes she set on me, the way her lopsided braids fell down her cheeks, or the innocence in her voice.
“Charlotte, will you read me Rapunzel?”
My throat was tight as I croaked out my reply. “Of course. You go get into bed and I’ll be right in.”
“Teeth first!” Luke called out to her retreating form.
“Dad!” she groaned back, and I could just imagine her moan came complete with an eye roll.
“Teeth!” Luke replied before standing up and leaning over me, his arms caging me in.
Without asking or hesitation, Luke leaned forward and kissed me. It was hot and hungry and everything I’d been craving all day. When he nipped at my bottom lip, I moaned and slid down the couch, taking Luke with me until I could feel his weight and his hardness pressing into my thigh. His kisses curled my toes and made me forget my name.
There was no doubt about it.
I wanted this man.
I wanted him more than I wanted my next breath.
I needed him.
The days and nights of teasing had me already precariously close to the edge, and Luke was testing my resolve. Resolve that was going to snap any second.
I clawed at his back, yanking him against me.
“Charlotte,” my name fell like a plea from his lips. A plea I understood only too well.
Luke’s hand slid under my shirt and cupped my aching boob over my bra, and when he pinched my nipple, my hips lifted rubbing against the growing bulge in his pants. I could feel his hot hardness throbbing so close to where I needed him the most.
“Ready!” a voice called out, and it was like being doused with a bucket of ice water.
Dropping my head back against the cushion, I sighed, not bothering to hide my disappointment. “Coming,” I told her.
Growling, Luke buried his face in the crook of my neck. “Give me another five minutes and I could make that a reality.” His voice was thick with want.
“I’m pretty sure you could get me there in three,” I confirmed, pressing a kiss against his cheek as he rolled off me.
Finding my feet, I pressed my fingers against my swollen lips while my heart pounded in my chest. Straightening my shirt, I ran my hands through my hair and tried to get myself back under control.
Stretching out my hand I waited for Luke to take it. “Are you coming to read Isla a story?” I asked as he stood up.
“You go ahead. I just need a minute,” he told me, reaching down and adjusting himself.
Leaving him to get his situation under control, I headed toward Isla’s bedroom feeling Luke’s eyes tracking my every move.
Emboldened by his reaction to my body, I turned back and looked at him. “You know, I could help you with your little problem if you wanted.”
“Woman!” he growled, throwing his head back and rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re killing me.”
