Page 57 of Scouting the Single Dad

“That would be kissing.”

Her nod is sage. “That does seem to be a problem.”

I huff a laugh that isn’t a laugh. “It does.”

“Tragic,” Layla teases, hair falling around her shoulders in wet sheets. “A loss for science.”

“For science,” I echo, her pulse tripping as my thumb presses down gently, making slow circles.

We drift closer still, our joined hands a warm weight between us. The pool lights go on, suddenly illuminating the water and painting light over her throat and chest, the hollow there rising and falling as if she’s trying not to pant.

“You’re doing really great, Hayes.”

Hayes.

My name on her lips . . .

“Thanks.” I smile. “So are you.”

Layla tilts her head. “You’re smiling more now than you were in Star Lake.”

True. “I’m relaxed.”

Chapter 12

Layla

On one hand, I want him to kiss me.

On the other hand, I’m terrified he will.

I’m a literal mess.

A functioning adult woman with a job and a retirement account and the ability to parallel park on the first try like a boss. I can run a festival against my will and tell corporate sponsors no while smiling like I just said yes.

I walk with my head held high, can look my dirtbag ex-boyfriend in the eye . . .

But I have never stayed in a house with a man built like a cathedral.

I mean—look at him!

No, don’t look at him, Layla. That’s the damn problem. The looking.

He is way too fucking sexy, and listen to me cursing. Ugh!

None of this is like me. I Do Not Do Things Like This! I do color-coded calendars and comfortable shoes. I am plain. Basic. I drink pumpkin-spice lattes and wear puffer coats and rain boots when it rains and enjoy grocery shopping.

I do not hop on planes and fly to other states to see a man I’ve known for, what, one hot minute and a half?

So why am I here?

I was fooling myself, telling myself this trip was about his daughter; the truth is . . .

I find him so unbelievably attractive it’s kept me awake since the day we met. He makes my heart race and my cheeks flush and my pussy wet.

I wonder how long it’s been since he’s kissed anyone.

I wonder what’s going on in that beautiful brain of his.