“Do you mind if I take a quick walk?” I asked the girls.
“Sure. My phone’s plugged in,” Ellie said, frowning. “You okay?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “I borrowed some tools from Josh. I’m just going to return them before I forget.”
She studied me, lips pursed skeptically.
“Lights out in fifteen minutes,” I said. “I can see your window from the road, so I’ll know.”
“Fine,” they grumbled.
I dropped a kiss on each of their foreheads, then jogged downstairs and slipped on my Crocs and coat before I could change my mind.
I found him on his porch, in a rocking chair.
“Were you waiting for me?” I asked as I climbed the steps.
“I’d sit here and wait for you every night,” he said with the kind of cocky grin that made my knees weak.
And my body’s reaction only made me more annoyed.
“This isn’t—” I paused, grasping for courage I didn’t actually possess. “We had sex.”
In response, he only continued smirking.
I put my hands on my hips, scowling. “It does not mean you need to protect me. I can protect myself and my kids.”
He dipped his chin. “I know.”
“And you don’t get to force me into car maintenance.”
“I was just trying to help.”
I stepped up close, my knees nearly brushing his, and loomed over him. “I don’t need help.”
He reached out and tugged my arm firmly, pulling me into his lap.
“There,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Better. Now what were you saying?”
A wave of heat coursed through me, part anger, part attraction. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Be all helpful and protective and thoughtful.”
“You’re so sexy when you’re pouting.” He picked up one of my hands and kissed my knuckles. The move was sweet and gentle but also surprisingly erotic.
“And I can’t help myself,” he said. “Please forgive me for overstepping. You’re strong and capable and amazing.”
He kissed the knuckles on my other hand, his lips lingering longer, causing goose bumps to erupt all over my body.
“I have feelings for you, Celine. The deep desire toprotect you and the kids. I’ll try harder to tamp it down. But it’s part of who I am.”
Fuck. I deflated, because it was impossible to deny how hot that sentiment was.
Beneath me, he hardened, his hot length pressing against my thigh.
“We can’t do it again,” I said, more to convince myself than him.
