Ask Me Why(84)

That gets him a snort from me. “Listen, Nancy Drew. You’ve been real helpful and all. But I have plans of my own, thanks for asking.”

He bounces his brows. “Big?”

“Huge.” I spread my arms wide.

He claps me on the back. “There’s the man I always knew was hiding under the bullsh—crap.”

Ollie points at him. “I get an extra hour before bedtime.”

My friend looks at me for confirmation. I just shrug. He deserves a little runaround.

“Well, in that case, I better tire you out. Batter up, kid.” He hitches a thumb at the equipment resting near the cages.

Ollie squeals and bounds over the pile. He slips a helmet on, patting his head. Safety first.

Jordan glances over my shoulder. “Ah, good timing. Your lady-love has arrived.”

I turn and follow his line of sight, the beginning of a smile curving my lips. Braelyn parks next to my car and steps out. The heat in my chest expands beyond means. Her steps are slow, as if she’s dragging this out on purpose. I don’t mind the show one fucking bit.

Blonde hair spills over her shoulders and arms in loose waves. The skirt of her dress billows in the slight breeze. The short hem kisses her upper thighs. I wonder what color her panties are. Maybe she’ll flash them at me on our way to the restaurant.

Jordan laughs beside me. “You’re sunk, brother.”

“Don’t I know it.”

Zero fucking regrets.

“Hey, Braelyn. I hear you’re stuck with this ass on a more permanent basis.” My friend sure knows how to talk me up. Guess it worked on the one lady who matters.

She rocks on her flip-flops. “Something like that.”

“Well, congratulations. Don’t let him scare you off again.”

Her warm eyes lift, melting into mine. “I won’t.”

I stroke a finger down her arm. I’m rewarded with a sexy shiver. “Ready for date night?”

Braelyn nods. “Do you have a place in mind?”

“Sure do. Mind driving?”

I’m granted a giggle for that. “Not at all.”

Jordan claps. “Well, this is a nice change of pace. We’re all one big happy family.”

“Not quite.” I chuckle. “But getting there.”

Braelyn tucks her chin, a rosy blush already rising in her cheeks.

I check my watch and smile. “We should get going, babe.”

“You two enjoy yourselves.” Jordan shoos us away.

“Thanks for taking care of my little man. Don’t wait up.” I give Jordan a salute and steer Braelyn toward the parking lot.

His laughter booms behind us. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“What’re they spending the evening doing?” Braelyn asks.

“Ollie is more than ready to play Little League. Jordan has graciously volunteered to help him perfect his swing.”

“You’re such a good dad.”

I link our fingers together. “One of my best qualities. I hope to add being a great boyfriend to that list.”

She squeezes my hand. “You’re well on the way.”

“I’m gonna wine and dine you so hard.” I dip down and nibble on her earlobe.

Braelyn grips the front of my shirt in her fist, hauling me closer. “Are you sure we need to eat first?”

“It’ll be fast, promise.”

“Okay.” Her pout almost does me in, but this is important.

We buckle up, and I get the address keyed into the map app. The robotic voice bleeps out directions. We’re only a few miles away. Plenty of road for an appetizer.

I emit a low grumble and stare at her lap. Braelyn bites her lip, making a very subtle shift to her hips. The fabric rides up, and I’m treated to a view of blue lace. My growl is a starving man staring at a feast fit for a king. Show me to the damn throne. I’m swinging for the fences.

The drive goes too quick. We arrive at the restaurant a few minutes later. Braelyn shifts her car into park and cuts the engine. The lot is dotted with other vehicles, but not many. Should be another quiet Saturday night. I can always count on The Lair to deliver.

She whistles. “This is more what I picture for you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I look through the windshield and try to picture the place through her eyes.

Braelyn waves toward the brick building in front of us. “This bar screams upscale establishment. When you took me to Pour Spout, it threw me off. The Lair fits your swanky image.”

“Should I be offended?”

She quirks a sassy as fuck brow. “That I’m calling you classy and sleek? Uh, sure?”

“Give me that smart mouth.”

I lean over the console and kiss her. Our lips brush for a few moments, the fire burning hot in my blood. This is going to be the greatest test of control. Or a kinky push of limits. I’ll have to see where the evening takes us.

We stroll hand in hand. I open the door for the woman on my arm. She falters when we step inside.

“Oh, yeah. This place is very attention-grabbing. I feel a little spoiled.” Braelyn’s eyes are wide while she absorbs the interior.

It’s clear I made the right choice. “Good. Our first official date should be one to remember.”