My heart pounds and my palms get sweaty. I can’t do this. I can’t be alone with him for the night. There’s no way. I’ve got to find a way to get out of this. Wringing my hands, I chew on my bottom lip as I run through all the things I can try to get out of Jeremiah’s clutches.
“I’m really tired. I’m sure Jeremiah would have more fun going out by himself than babysitting your baby sister, Ryan.”
Hopefully, Ryan sees how insane it is for me to go out with Jeremiah.
“Stop. It’ll give us a chance to catch up. It has been seven years since I saw you, especially since these two decided to elope versus having a wedding.”
“Don’t worry, I’m giving her the destination wedding of her dreams when we hit ten years of married bliss. Maddy and our moms are already planning it. You’ll be right there beside me at the altar, best man.” Ryan kisses Maddy on the cheek and I crave to have what they do one day.
“There’s no place I’d rather be. Just like I want you by my side when I get married. This time to the woman it should have always been.”
It doesn’t escape my notice how he’s staring directly at me. Almost as if he’s telling me in an indirect way that I’m her. That I’m the girl he pictures in a white dress.
My fingers tingle with the need to touch him, and my skin heats. I crave having his hands on my body.
I rub my chest, trying to ease the ache. I hate that I still want Jeremiah Dawson. Why can’t I just forget about him and have feelings for someone else? Someone who isn’t so forbidden—who's not my brother’s best friend.
“I’ll make sure Angel has a bath and her PJs on before I drop her off,” Jeremiah adds. Just when I had just a glimmer of hope that he’d forgotten this insane idea of us going out tonight. I fully plan to ignore his comment about marriage and write it off as him having too much sun today.
“Really, it’s no problem at all. I'm good staying in tonight. In fact, I can watch the kids and give the three of you a chance to go out and have fun without worrying about them.”
My gaze scans between the three of them, praying with every fiber of my being they take me up on my idea.
“Go out and have fun. We’re going to have snacks and watch movies, and if I’m lucky, my fine ass man is going to massage my feet.” She winks at Ryan, and I make a gagging sound, which has everyone erupting in laughter.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” I mumble as I check myself in the mirror for the millionth time.
It’s seven fifty-nine. Any second, there’s going to be a knock on my door, and Jeremiah Dawson will be standing on the other side.
I’m going to be alone with him tonight. Holy fucking hell.
A million scenarios run through my mind of how I could still potentially get out of tonight. There’s always being sick. I could even stick my finger down my throat, making myself throw up.
Before I can decide on the best course of action, three firm, loud knocks sound at my door.
He’s here.
I take one final look in the mirror and slowly make my way to the door, stepping slowly and purposefully as if I’m heading to the electric chair. God, please don’t let me embarrass myself tonight.
I grab the handle, take a deep breath, and blow it out slowly, calming my nerves before opening the door.
He stands in front of me in a tight-fitting shirt that shows off his muscular torso. My eyes drift down to find him in a pair of tight jeans and sneakers. Comfortable and hot at the same fucking time. His short hair is styled as best as it can be, and his rugged face is only enhanced by the stubble across it.
His hand reaches out, his thumb gliding across my lips, and my body shudders under his touch. “You have a little drool there.”
I can feel my face heat up, and instantly look at the floor as I shift back and forth nervously on my feet.
He leans into me, his hot breath dancing along my neck as he whispers, “I like that I do that to you. Make you blush like that.”
“Come on, Daddy, I’m missing my sleepover,” Angel's sweet voice breaks us from our moment.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Amberlee, shall we go?”
“Uh… um… yeah. Let me get my purse and room key.” I turn and rush over to my dresser, making sure to check that I have everything in it, before taking my phone off the charger and slipping it into the back pocket of my jean shorts.
My legs become weak, and I feel a sudden urge to sit down, but I push through it. I can do this. It’s just one night. We go out, do whatever it is Jeremiah wants, and I’ll make up an excuse to come home. Simple.
“Okay. I’m ready. Let’s get you upstairs.” I smile at Angel, getting one in return.
