One Baby Daddy (Dating by Numbers #3)(27)

Leaning against the door of my car, I play with the belt loops of Hayden’s jeans. After cleaning up breakfast, we joked and teased each other for a bit before he changed and offered me a set of shorts to wear home.

“What are you doing for the rest of the day?”

Gripping my hips, his large hands pressing me gently against my car, he says, “I have some errands to run, and then I promised Racer I’d help him out with something tonight.”

I can feel my disappointment take over me, my smile melting away. I was hoping I’d be able to hang out with Hayden tonight.

“Yeah? Sounds like fun,” I say, faking my excitement for him. Stupid Racer, what could he possibly want help with and why can’t he ask Tucker or Aaron?

Chuckling and rubbing his thumbs over my hipbone, he says, “Tell me how you really feel.”

Tilting my head to the side, I level with him. “You really want to know?”

“I really do.”

I give his belt loops a few tugs before answering, loving how with each tug he leans in closer. “I was kind of hoping we could hang out tonight, since it’s my night off.”

“Is that right?” His smile is contagious but also cocky.

“You don’t have to look so pleased with yourself.”

“It’s just nice to know where your head’s at. I like a girl who is open and honest about her feelings, none of this having to read your mind bullshit.”

“Oh, you’re not a mind reader?” I tease him, poking his rock-hard stomach. And of course, he doesn’t flinch. God, the man has fantastic muscles. It was so hard to hold back groans of pleasure earlier when my hands were wandering. I wanted to spend hours there, touching, memorizing. Man, did I want to dip below his waistband.

“No.” He’s silent for a breath before cupping my cheek and stroking his thumb over my skin. I let out a heavy breath as he squeezes in closer, his body flush against mine, towering over me, those dark eyes of his turning more sinister. “Want me to cancel with Racer?”

There is no humor in his question, no empty ask, and from the look in his eyes, his stone-like features, he’s serious.

Sighing, I shake my head no. “Don’t cancel on Racer. I’m sure he called because it was important.”

“I don’t like this sad face on you though. Maybe I can hurry things along with Racer, catch a late dessert with you tonight?”

“I can make chocolate cake.”

A brilliant smile spreads across his lips. “You’d make me chocolate cake?”

“From a box, don’t get too excited.”

“It’s still cute and thoughtful.” Moving his other hand to my neck, he presses his thumb against my hammering pulse, his fingers tangling with my wild hair. Talking low, he asks, “Does that mean I’m coming to your place tonight?”

Wetting my lips, I try to keep my breathing even despite how erratic it feels, despite the close proximity of this man, despite how crazy in lust he makes me feel. “Yes, it does.”

“Should I bring an overnight bag with me?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

He licks his lips, and his eyes search mine. His mouth so close, his body so warm, and I take a moment to savor this moment. The tension between us palpable, the lust seeping into a pool of need between us. Our touches, anything but innocent, the desire in our eyes about to explode.

I want him . . . bad.

“Then I’ll see you tonight. Text me your address?”

“Of course.” I swallow hard as he passes his thumb over my cheek once more.

I can see it in his eyes, the indecision. Is this the moment he wants, the perfect timing for a kiss? God, what is he waiting for?

“It doesn’t have to be a big moment, you know. You can just kiss me.” My lungs feel heavy, my legs tingling with need, my hands shaking as they grip him, clinging desperately to him, not wanting any distance between us.

Leaning down, I hold my breath, my stomach flipping with somersaults just as his lips press against my . . . forehead. He lingers for a second before pulling away and stuffing his hands in his back pockets, his chest pulling at the threadbare shirt stretched across his thick muscles.

“I’ll see you tonight, Adalyn.” He winks and takes off toward the cottage, making me more sexually frustrated than I’ve ever been in my life.

Deflated, turned on, and irritated, I get in my car, start the engine, and stare out the front window. Is this what it’s like to be with a man who doesn’t want me only for my body? If so, it’s the most sexually frustrating . . . yet exhilarating thing I’ve ever experienced.

Now to get ready for tonight. I need to make it impossible for Hayden to NOT kiss me.

Damn it, I’m going to get that kiss tonight, and it all starts with a very thorough shower, shave, and then a much-needed shopping session.

“That dress is so hot on you,” Emma, my best friend, says as she flips through a magazine on my bed.

I look at my reflection in the mirror. “But do I want to wear a dress? Should I do something more casual? We’re just going to be here, would it be weird if I answer the door wearing a dress?”

Emma folds the magazine shut and leans forward, hands poised on her lap. “Let me ask you this. Are you doing your hair and makeup?”