Ask Me Why(42)

“Absolutely, buddy. I look forward to your visits the most.” And that’s the honest truth.

“Really?” Wonder rattles in his tone. Ollie steps closer, and I lift my arms to wrap him up. But I stop short of looping them around his shoulders for a hug. That’d be inappropriate. Or maybe not. I’m still figuring out the lines. At the last second, I yank my hands away and nod instead.

“Yes, of course. So, what’re you doing here, sweetie?”

He hitches a little thumb over his shoulder. “We’re gonna play.”

I don’t have the chance to ask who’s with him. Brance appears out of woodsy-scented air, looking hot enough to drop panties all across town. I’m well aware he rocks a suit better than any other man in the history of humanity. But Brance dressed down in a plain tee and faded jeans? Oh, Lord. Denim has never looked so appetizing. And let’s not leave out the two-days’ worth of stubble. He’s certifiably combustible.

The pleasant temperature spikes a thousand degrees, and I’m boiling in lust. Next to me, Sadie makes a high-pitch noise in her throat. Her jaw is hanging down to the gravel. Guess I’m not the only one affected.

“Holy shit,” she whispers. “Is that Brance?”

I squeeze my eyes shut against a thrashing wave of arousal. “Yes.”

“Wow. And why aren’t you hitting that? I mean, how do you refrain?” Sadie has a death grip on my arm. I wince and peel her fingers off me.

“Will you keep your voice down?” I shush her and suck in a hiss through my clenched teeth.

Brance’s knowing grin spreads wider the more we talk. Those dimples make a rare appearance. My hormones spill out in an embarrassing puddle at his feet. I’m so screwed. This man is a walking advertisement for orgasms.

“Ladies,” he greets.

“Hi.” My voice is barely more than a squeak. I hitch my shoulders up, as if that’ll protect me. Sadie’s elbow bumps me in the ribs. I clear the lust from my throat. “Uh, this is my friend, Sadie.” I’m sure my cheeks are the shade of a tomato. I fan my face, desperately needing a reprieve.

Brance pays very little mind to my friend. After a quick nod in greeting, his rapt attention returns to me. His eyes are covered by a mirrored pair of aviators, saving me from receiving the full impact. But at this point, it doesn’t matter. I feel the heat of his stare to my very core.

A man I haven’t met before strides up next to Brance. “Dude, your kid has wheels. What’s the big hurry?”

Brance gestures to me. “Ollie saw a familiar face. This is Braelyn.” He flicks a wrist at Sadie. “And her friend.”

The stranger bounces his brows at me. “Ah, we finally meet. I’m Jordan. This guy’s best friend”—he claps Brance on the back while jutting his chin toward Ollie—“and that little man’s godfather.”

Brance grunts and shakes off his friend’s touch. “We went to law school together and practice at the same firm.”

“We’re tight like that,” Jordan adds.

“Oh, sweet baby Jesus,” Sadie mumbles under her breath. “Thank you.”

When I peek over at her, she’s pointing to the sky. I laugh, her reaction releasing the pressure in my straining lungs.

She leans closer to me, her whisper tickling my ear. “Did they walk straight off a model shoot for GQ? Good grief.”

I bow my head to hide the telling smile. “You’re being really obvious.”

“That’s the goal.” She sends a flirty finger wave to Jordan. “Hey there, handsome. I’m Sadie.”

He moves closer, taking her hand and placing a delicate kiss on the top. “It’s a pleasure.”

Sadie melts into the bench with a fluttery sigh. “Whoa.”

I bite my tongue to trap the giggle that’s bubbling up. At least one of us is getting properly romanced. I shift away, attempting to give them some semblance of privacy. Their chemistry is setting off sparks in every direction.

When I look up, Brance is scowling at them. No surprise there. Ollie is standing beside his father, quiet to a point of concern. He’s busy studying all of us. I’m sure this kid sees everything. A furrow dents his brow, but the lines clear quick enough. He hops toward Jordan.

“Uncle Jordy?” Ollie tugs on his sleeve. “Will you push me on the swings?”

Jordan clasps their palms together. “Absolutely, buddy.”

Ollie smiles at Sadie, the blue of his eyes sparkling. “And Miss Sadie? Will you help him?”

My friend leaps to her sandaled feet. “I’d love to.”

I inch forward, waiting for my invitation. But Ollie is staring at Brance.

“Daddy?” His tone is sugary sweet. “Stay here and keep Miss Braelyn company, okay?”

Brance stills. For a moment, I’m certain he’s going to reject Ollie’s wishes. But then the tension deflates from his posture. “Sure, kiddo. Go have fun.”

The trio take off for the playground without a backward glance. With just the two of us left, the atmosphere grows thick and hazy. My pulse is going haywire. I do my best to avoid Brance’s electrified presence in front of me. He’s giving off some seriously pissed-off vibes.

After a full minute passes, he mutters something unintelligible and takes a seat next to me. The wood groans with his weight. I stifle a laugh.