Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Oh.” Declan seemed to frown at the car for a second and then gazed up at me. “Do you—”
I released his arm and slapped my hand over his mouth. “Do not ask me something you’ve not thoroughly thought about, Mister I Never Want Kids.”
When Declan’s lips firmed up behind my fingers, I removed my hand and dropped it to my side. “Dec, I like you. Even before Joy fell into my life, I might have had a few daydreams about asking you out to dinner, but I chickened out.”
“Why did you chicken out?”
I snorted but turned my almost laugh into a cough. “Because I knew that was a surefire way to get you to end the agreement we had. We both said from the beginning that it was just sex and nothing else. You’re such a stickler for the rules. You wouldn’t even splurge and impulsively meet me for an extra day of sex. Besides…” My words drifted off as my insecurities rose to choke me.
“Besides, what?” he prodded.
I huffed and motioned my hands at myself. “Look at me.” It was only after the words were out of my mouth that I remembered my pants were at my ankles. With a growl, I snatched them up and fastened them properly. “What I mean is that I could smell the money on you, while I was some temp worker who dreamed of being an artist. I was good enough for a fuck, but not the type you date.”
Declan took one swift, menacing step closer, grabbed me by the nape of my neck, and pulled my head down until his lips brushed my ear. “I never want to hear you talk about yourself like that again. We fucked because you are hotter than all reason. End of story. I never asked you out because…I’ve never dated. I’m not good with people.” His hand loosened on my neck and slid to rest on my chest. “I’m not comfortable with anyone.”
I turned my head, dragging my lips along his jaw. “But you’re comfortable with me.”
“I am. Everything with you feels natural. It’s like…I don’t have to try so hard to be normal.”
“I’m glad. I like being with you, too. It’s very relaxing. There’s no pressure to be fun and entertaining. I’m myself with you.”
“Then go on a date with me? I want more with you than sex and…”
“Friends?” I supplied for him with a smirk. Months ago, I’d never thought I would describe us as that, but since I’d lost Molly, Declan had become my best friend.
“Yes. I want more.” He whispered the words, sending his hot breath across my ear while his hand rested like a warm weight on my heart.
“Normally, I’d jump at the chance, but it’s not just what I want. I’ve got Joy now. We’re a package deal. No matter what, she has to come first in my life.”
“I know that. I like Joy too. She’s your entire world.”
“But you were so dead set against kids.”
“I’m scared that I’ll treat Joy like my father treated me—cold, distant, unfeeling. But when I see you with her, I feel like maybe you can help me not be like that. So…she won’t hate me.”
For a split second, I debated finding Declan’s father so I could kick the old bastard in the nuts. Sadly, that wouldn’t help Declan, even if it would make me feel better.
I stepped closer, nuzzling his neck until he wrapped his arms around me, cuddling me close. “You have never been cold toward Joy.”
“But—”
“Never!” I cut him off. “You’ve been confused and nervous, but never cold. She knows you care about her. She adores you.”
“You think?”
“I know. You’ve seen how she lights up when you come home from work. She’s all kicks and shouts until you pick her up.”
His arms tightened on me, threatening to crack my ribs, and I closed my eyes, soaking in this amazing feeling of security and warmth.
“Go out with me. On a proper date,” he murmured. “I know it’s a risk, but I feel like there are no surprises between us. I won’t do anything to jeopardize your care of your daughter.”
This fucking man. Just endlessly wearing me down. Maybe no surprises, but lots of risks. If this didn’t work out, I could lose my current place to live and my only art patron. Most importantly, I’d lose my best friend.
Yet, what he said was the truth. I trusted him. He knew where I stood with my daughter. I would always try to do what was best for her.
I huffed a dramatic sigh. “Your cum is still leaking out of my ass. It kind of feels wrong to reject you for one date.”
“Smart,” he murmured. He tipped his head up to steal a slow, deep kiss that scrambled what working brain cells I had left. “Let’s go home.”