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I wanted—no, I needed—to know this attraction wasn’t one-sided.
Leaning closer—only a breath away—I whispered, “Let me take you on a date.”
“Kyle—”
“When’s the last time you did something for yourself?”
There were a dozen reasons for why this couldn’t go anywhere. But all I wanted was a date. There was no harm in grabbing a bite to eat together.
“I…I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
I took a small step back, ready for her rejection.
“I don’t have a babysitter.”
That wasn’t a no. Interesting.
It was one hell of a flimsy excuse, though. Technically, she could ask her parents. But then again, I, of all people, understood not wanting to explain every little thing to family.
“Text Bella. They use Victoria Myers’s oldest daughter as a babysitter. She’ll be happy to pass on her info.”
“Okay…but…”
I raised one eyebrow.
Tina sighed. “I’m worried about how Callie would respond if I left her with a babysitter to go out with a man who’s not her father.”
“This would be a great opportunity to ease her into the idea. We’ll stay close, and the babysitter will text if there’s a problem.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you want to take me on a date?”
That was a good question. But I couldn’t explain it to myself, let alone put it into words that would make sense to her. All I did know was that for the first time in a really long fucking time, I felt something other than pain, guilt, loss, and anger.
“I want much more than a date, Tina. Right now, I want to kiss you.”
Her eyes widened, and when she licked her lips, I wanted nothing more than to close the space between us and dominate her mouth. But I held firm. Kept my feet planted in place.
“But I’ll settle for a date.”
When her gaze locked on my lips and she took a small step toward me, I found myself drifting closer and cupping the side of her neck. I brushed my thumb over her jaw as she closed her eyes and leaned into my touch.
Were her lips as soft as her skin? I studied her features.Long lashes lay flush against her cheeks, and freckles dusted the bridge of her nose. Her lips were plump. The kind men fantasized about. As if she could sense my appraisal, her lids popped open. A mix of curiosity and desire stared back at me. I tipped forward and brushed my lips against hers. It was gentle and chaste. Just that barely there touch made my whole body come alive for the first time in nine months.
And fuck, it felt good. Really good. There was no pain. Just Tina’s soft lips.
“Mom,” Callie called from somewhere in the house.
The reminder of where I was hit me like a slap in the face, and I took a step back, straightening.
Tina’s eyes were wide, her lips slightly swollen as she brought her fingers to them.
I subtly adjusted myself, but she took notice, letting out a gasp. With a long breath out, I rounded the island. I didn’t need her daughter to see my out-of-control hard-on.
