Those Three Words: A Single Dad, Billionaire Boss Romance(37)

I look down at my crotch, my erection tenting my pants. I should feel ashamed but I don’t. I want to pull my cock out and get myself off but not with Eleanor running around outside.

I lift my eyes once more to look at her, only she’s staring right back up at me. She pulls her sunglasses down briefly, revealing her eyes before turning over so that I have a clear view of her half-naked ass.

Is she teasing me?

I crack my neck and walk back over to my desk. If she thinks she can flirt with me and then act like it meant nothing to her the moment Hank pops back into her life, she’s got another thing coming.





13





MARGOT





Something is clearly going on with Graham.

He’s made it more than clear that our flirty, innuendo-laden moments are something he regrets, and frankly, I don’t have the energy to play his little game of hard to get or figure out what’s wrong with me.

I’m chalking it up to our meeting with Hank. There’s nothing going on between me and him, but I’m not going to let him throw a tantrum about it and then run to make him feel better. If he has questions about me and Hank, he can ask me like an adult.

I don’t actually have plans for this Saturday night but I wanted an excuse to talk to Graham, to see if he’d gotten out of his funk, and I am in serious need of some me time. As much as I love spending as much time as I do with Eleanor, I could use a spa day or even just a junk food and Netflix night in my room or at Shell’s.

I adjust myself in the deck chair, already aware of his presence in the second-story window. I pull my glasses down, letting him know I can see him before making a show of turning over. I flip, arching my back a little extra, sending my ass sky high before settling onto my stomach to cheer Eleanor on in her attempt to nail the perfect cannonball.

“Eight point five!” I say as she emerges from the water. “I think your last splash was a teensy bit bigger.”

My phone chirps and I pick it up from the table and see a text from Shelly.

Shelly: Hey! Thanks again for setting me up with Hank. He’s so hot! Having our second date tonight.

I smile, excited that they hit it off. God knows she’s been in serious need of a man who will treat her right.

Me: Yay! Told you he was fine. So, second date, huh? Things are going well, I take it?

Shelly: Yeah. We had a great time on our first date. Had drinks but then they turned into dinner and then that turned into second drinks and then dancing.

Me: So did you guys…?

Shelly: No… weirdly. He was so nice and genuine, and we had such a nice time that I didn’t want to just jump right into that. I felt like I wanted to spend more time with him first.

Me: Oh my God. Awwwww, you like him; that’s why!

I send several heart emojis and the silly smiley face that looks like hearts are floating around it.

Shelly: Eww, no, gross. Don’t ruin it. It was our first date. Relax. We just had fun and we’re having fun again tonight. Who knows, it might happen tonight.

Me: Where are you guys going tonight?

Shelly: One of those fancy dinner cruises on Lake Michigan. Some dude handed us a flyer with a coupon when we were walking around yesterday, and we both realized we’ve lived here our entire lives and never gone on one.

Me: That’s so romantic. Look at you two making memories already.

I know she hates when I try to make things romantic or bring emotions into her dating life, but I can’t help it; I want them to fall in love.

Shelly: Again, gross feelings. Eww, no. It’s just dinner on a boat.

She follows it up with several of the flipping off emojis and it makes me laugh.

Me: Whatever you say. I hope you guys have a great time. Keep me posted!

I put my phone down and spend the next hour in the pool with Eleanor.

“Hey, how about we make some cookies?” I say to her as I dry her off.

She claps her hands and jumps up and down. “Yes, cookies!”

After we dry off and get dressed, I tie her apron around her and place a chair next to me against the counter so she can help.

“Okay, two eggs,” I say, holding out my hand.

“Two eggs,” she says, reaching into the carton. “One.” She places it in my hand as she reaches for a second, “Tw—” It slips out of her hand and rolls across the counter before splatting on the floor.

She looks over at me, her eyes huge like she’s worried she’s in trouble, but I laugh to let her know it’s okay.

“What the hell is this mess?”

Mr. Hayes walks into the kitchen, his eyes immediately going to the broken egg on the floor and the random splotches of flour everywhere.

“We’re baking cookies,” I say with a smile.

“Yeah, Daddy. Chocolate chip ones.”

“Make sure you thoroughly clean this up when you’re done,” he mutters before turning and walking back out of the room.

“Why’s Daddy mad?” Eleanor’s lower lip pokes out and her chin quivers.

“Here,” I say, picking her up from the chair and setting her on the floor. I grab a handful of paper towels. “You clean that up really quick while I go talk to your daddy, okay? I’ll be right back.”

I step out and chase after Mr. Hayes down the hall.