The corners of his mouth raise slightly. “Nope. He’s defective.”
I chuckle. “Kennedy would probably agree with that.”
“Tell me what you like about her.”
I think for a moment. “I like her strength, her mind, her drive, her sense of humor, her character, her convictions, her fierce independence, the way she protects those she cares about?—”
“Her rack,” he interrupts.
I smile. “I was trying to keep it clean, but obviously her body is a dream. Physical attraction is most definitely not the problem.”
“And the physical connection?” he prods.
I blow out a breath. “The best of my life. Off the charts. She fries my brain and my balls.”
He lets out a laugh. “Well, that’s promising.” He wraps hislips around his cigar and takes a few puffs. “All you can do right now is listen to her, respect her, and be there for her in her times of need. Nature will otherwise have to take its course. If love is in the cards, it will happen over time. You can’t force it. But I have a feeling about you two.”
“Me too, Dad. Me too.”
TWENTY-SIX
KENNEDY
We’ve had the best time tonight. There are vineyards I never knew existed only forty-five minutes away from the city. While I couldn’t imbibe in the product given my current state, the owner gave us a private tour and taught us about the process of making wines. We picked and ate a few of the wine grapes, tasting the different varieties. She showed us the difference in leaves from the vines of various types of wine.
It was fascinating. We even got to participate in some of the planting for the next harvest, and she promised to send us a case when the wine from those grapes is ready, which should be after the baby comes. She’s even going to create a private collection for us from it, which she’s allowing us to name.
We got to stomp on grapes with our bare feet and participate in every step of the process. Given how much he knows I enjoy good wine, it was a really thoughtful date. The fact thatwecouldn’t drink didn’t spoil the fun at all. Yes, he refuses to drink if I can’t.
We then went to a nearby restaurant with farm-to-table dining. It’s a one-table restaurant that seats sixteen people, buthe paid for all the spots so there would be no one else around to see us.
We’ve talked and laughed throughout the best meal I’ve had in ages. We learned so much more about each other. I got to hear about how thoseyo mamajokes started between him and his father, which makes it all the sweeter. I learned the reasoning behind why he hired Chef Benny. When I first heard he had a house manager, I judged him for it. Now I realize how generous and sweet it is of him to take care of a former teammate that way. There’s so much more to Daylen Humblecut than meets the eye.
He even dressed nicely for me in designer duds. I guarantee he didn’t own those a week ago.
I’m in a simple, black dress that sits mid-thigh. There’s a sheer element to it where it’s a bit revealing in the right light. I knew every time I hit that light today because Daylen’s eyes were on my body, practically undressing me. He’s not remotely hiding his attraction, and I can admit that he’s been driving me crazy with need all day with his loving demeanor and sweet touches. I initially wasn’t sure if I should go home with him tonight, but now it’s inevitable. I want him badly.
We’re just finishing the best blueberry pie I’ve ever had in my life when he takes my hand and kisses it. “Sometimes I can’t get a read on you. What are you looking for? What do you want in a partner?”
I smile at his thoughtful question. “I just want someone to care for me as much as Netflix cares if someone has logged onto my account from another device at another location.”
He lets out his loud laugh. I think the whole staff looks at us from the sheer volume. That laugh used to annoy me so damn much. Now I live for it. It automatically makes me smile.
He squeezes my hand. “Seriously. Tell me.”
I think for a moment, wanting to give him an honest response. “I can’t say I’ve put a lot of thought into it. I’m still young. I haven’t spent my time looking forthe onelike a lot of women my age.Mr. Right Nowhas been all I’ve ever beeninterested in. I know I’m a little messed up about relationships, so I’ve never let myself go there.” I pause to take a sip of my water before continuing. “If I dig deep, which I did a bit during my time in Maine, I suppose I want to truly matter to my partner. I want to be prioritized. It doesn’t take a degree to figure out why. I’ve never felt that way. My father didn’t prioritize me. My mother most definitely didn’t prioritize me. Hell, my basketball team in New York didn’t prioritize me. When is it my turn to matter?”
I’m taken aback by that revelation. I’m not sure I’ve ever admitted it to myself, let alone spoken those words out loud to another person.
His normal jovial face turns serious. I think maybe tears briefly pool in his eyes. He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it again. “You matter to me, Kennedy.” He reaches over and rubs my belly tenderly. “You matter to our daughter. You’ll be the most important person in the world to her. To both of us.”
I fight back the threatening tears caused by his sweetness. “Don’t make me cry, Daylen Humblecut. I was looking to get laid tonight,” I joke to keep things light. “Carrying your baby is making me hornier than a two-dicked billy goat.”
And this time when he laughs, every single head undoubtedly turns. I think the huge wooden table and all sixteen chairs shake too.
His glassy eyes turn mischievous as he takes out a coin from his pocket. Holding it up, he says, “Tails, I give you head. Heads, I get your tail.”
I smile widely. I like this game. Wiggling my eyebrows, I say, “Why choose? Who says we can’t have both?”
