Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 91065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
I am lighting that thing on fire the second I get home . . .
“Anytime anyone says they want to talk, believe me, it’s never good.”
I love egging him on. “Stop being so dramatic.”
“I’ve never been dramatic in my entire life,” he announces, leaning against my driver’s side door, pulling me in until I’m standing between his spread legs.
He’s so big.
So much taller.
“So you’re only being theatrical for my benefit? Gotcha.”
“That’s not what I . . .” He’s looking down at me, and I’m looking up at him—and obviously the only logical thing to do right at this moment is kiss him.
All I have to do is go up on my toes and plant one on him . . .
Still.
I don’t.
On the one hand: we did what we did. On the other: I don’t want to feel used. Or needy. Or greedy.
I don’t want him to have the upper hand or feel like he’s driving this train wreck.
It’s me.
I’m the captain and I say when.
“You want to kiss me,” he says. “I can tell.”
As a response I roll my eyes. He’s cocky enough, he doesn’t need me feeding his ego by confirming his suspicions. Unlike some people, I can contain my primal urges.
Er.
Recent events notwithstanding.
Movie second base does not count.
“Stop trying to distract me,” I tell him, adding a little bit of salt to my tone just to let him know who’s boss.
“Distract you from what?”
He is too handsome for his own good, and my God the man knows how to use his hands . . .
No wonder he gets paid so much.
Raw, unbridled talent in those fingers . . .
“From the talk.” I sigh, knowing that the next words out of my mouth are absolutely necessary. “Listen, Dex. You’re a really nice guy and—”
His loud groan cuts me off. “Are you breaking up with me?”
Huh? “No. We’d have to be dating for me to break up with you.”
Dumbass.
“Oh.” He grins down at me.
“Can I continue?”
He nods.
“Listen, Dex. You’re a really nice guy, and I have a lot of fun with you. But I have a daughter to consider, and what I’m looking for is a relationship—not a new friend.” I hesitate. “Pretend you’re normal and you start dating me, then you find out Dex Lansing is my buddy. You wouldn’t be thrilled.”
“But you’re not dating anyone.”
I run a hand through my hair, distracted again when his hands go to my waist and pull me closer.
Dammit!
I’m trying to lay down the law here!
“That’s not the point. I want to be dating someone.”
“Um. Should I be insulted?” he wants to know, not looking insulted in the least.
I tilt my head. What is he talking about? “Why would you be insulted? You let it be known from the second we swiped on one another that you didn’t want to date a woman who has a kid, and now here we are, talking in circles.”
“What if I changed my mind?”
“Did you?”
It takes him a few seconds to respond.
Then slowly, he nods. “Yeah. I think I did change my mind.”
Shut up. He cannot be serious right now.
“You changed your mind, and now you want to date. Me. Specifically.”
Another nod.
His hands roam up my rib cage, and when his fingers brush the sides of my breasts, I swat at him. “Stop it, Dex, this is serious.”
“This is serious.”
“Stop repeating me.”
“I’m not repeating you.”
Oh my God.
I adjust my stance, giving his chest a poke with the tip of my finger.
“So you’re telling me that you woke up this morning and suddenly you feel differently? Because I will tell you right now—you do not date a single mother if you don’t mean it.”
His mouth falls open as if he’s going to say more, but then it closes, as if he can’t decide what to say.
Dex swallows, Adam’s apple bobbing. “I mean it.”
Such conviction.
“Why?”
I need to know his reasons before I can decide if this is a good idea. I cannot let him in if I don’t believe his intentions are pure, but honestly, if sex is the only thing he’s after, he can get that anywhere.
Can’t he?
As far as professional athletes are concerned—especially really hot, handsome ones—women must be tripping over themselves to bang him. I know I would be if it was just me.
But it’s not.
I have Wyatt, and we are a package deal.
“You actually need me to tell you why I think you’re amazing?”
No. But it’s always nice to hear.
“Yes, please.”
Sue me for wanting compliments and flattering words about myself.
Dex takes a deep breath, his eyes locking on to mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. I asked him to take this conversation seriously but didn’t really think he could be this intense—but here he is, bringing the heat.
“Where do I start?” He exhales, hands still on my hips. “You’re strong. You’ve been through so much but haven’t given up looking for love. Still smiling, even though you frown at me a lot and yell. You’re an amazing mother to Wyatt. I can hear it when you talk about her. She’s incredible because you are incredible.”