Page 88 of Sweet Distraction

“Yes.” It’s partially true. I had a good time because I was with Lily, but my thoughts were here. On him. “No complaints.” I set my heels down and take a step closer. “Looks like you two got along.”

He shifts slightly, careful not to jostle her. “It wasn’t all smooth sailing. We struggled to communicate for a bit, had some tantrums, played some piano, but we worked it out.”

I smile. “You most definitely did.”

He stands carefully with Poppy still curled against him. The sight staggers me. It’s the first time I’ve seen him carry her. The first time I’ve seen her cherubic curls and chubby cheeks pressed against his inked skin. And the first time I’ve seen him show such tenderness with her.

It’s disarming. It’s sexy.

“Let me go tuck her in,” he says quietly and disappears down the hallway to her bedroom.

I follow him until the dark hallway engulfs him and then lean on the kitchen island, swaying slightly, my buzz mixing with adrenaline and want.

I feel brave. Hell, I feel dangerous.

I was just surrounded by attractive, eligible men, and yet the only one I wanted to come home to is in the other room, putting his daughter to bed—shirtless, inked, and unknowingly shattering every norm I’ve ever held tight.

You never crush on your boss.

You never want your charge’s dad.

You never cross that line.

Oblivious to my thoughts, Rocket walks back into the kitchen a minute later, rubbing the back of his neck. “How was your night?” he asks as he busies himself doing nothing of significance in the kitchen.

I don’t respond until he lifts his eyes and meets mine. “You already asked. I already answered. I said it was fine.”

He lifts his brows and murmurs, “Hmm.”

“Hmm?” I repeat. He looks ridiculously sexy right now. Rumpled, a little tired, muscles flexed as he shoves his hands in his pockets, and tattoos shifting with every move. “What does ‘hmm’ mean?”

He takes a step closer, that lazy confidence radiating off him again, except this time it’s edged with something darker. Hungrier.

Guess I’m not the only one who wants more.

“Hmm as in I think you had one of two plans tonight.”

“Plans?”

“Yeah. Plans. Either you orchestrated tonight to force me to bond with Poppy . . .” He toggles his head from side to side. “Or to make me jealous.”

“Why would I try to make you jealous?” The last word hitches as he steps closer.

His smile is lopsided. Cocky. “Because I want you. Because I haven’t stopped wanting you.”

Hello, Rocket. And hello to that sweet ache between my thighs.

“Good,” I state and lift a lone brow in challenge.

He leans in, eyes locked on mine. “Good? I never figured you for a tease, Wills.”

“Maybe I’m not teasing. Maybe it’s mutual. Maybe I want you just as much.”

And that’s all it takes.

One challenging statement. One tilt of my head. One lift of my chin.

He reaches out, his hands sliding to my hips and pulling me flush against him in one sharp, fluid motion.