Page 50

I laid a napkin in my lap. “I'm guessing that's more for Sebastian than for you.”
Faith nodded. “Absolutely. You know Seb is going to require proof-of-life photos. I'm sure Beck is documenting everything he's doing to ensure my safety.”
“Is your house dangerous?” Alice asked with her mouth full.
“I'm perfectly safe,” Faith said with a reassuring smile. “Sebastian has a state-of-the-art security system and this house would be safe even if we didn't have that in place.”
The little girl's brow furrowed. “So why is Daddy doing a perimeter check then?”
Faith leaned in close, like she was going to reveal a big secret. “Because Sebastian is a bossy billionaire.”
Alice nodded sagely, as if that explained everything. “My daddy is a billionaire too.”
I spat out the swig of ice water I’d just taken a sip of. “Say what now?”
Faith smirked. “Didn't you know? Beck is a billionaire. Some family money plus a booming business.”
“And he’s bossy too,” Alice added. “Maybe that’s why he’s such good friends with Uncle Sebastian.” Alice’s forehead crinkled, deep in thought.
The back door squeaked as it opened, the hinges in dire need of some WD-40. In walked Beck, hair slicked back with sweat, his shirt clinging to his chest.
Lust shot down my spine. “Look what the cat dragged in.”
Beck flashed me a smile like he knew my words didn't match up with my inner thoughts.
I moved my hand to flip him off when I remembered Alice was in the room. The man was a menace, but he was a good dad—anyone could see that—and I would never say anything disparaging in front of the man’s child.
Tease him?Of course.
Put him in his place?Absolutely.
But say something negative?Hard pass.
Kids had enough drama to navigate without new lady friends messing up their heads.
Besides, as far as I could tell, Alice’s mom wasn’t in the picture. My dad hadn’t been in the picture either, so I knew the feeling of being raised by a single parent. They took on all roles.
Beck was a goddamn superhero with his hands on his hips, his broad chest tapering down…
Where was I going with this…
My stomach growled and suddenly everyone was looking at me.
Alice’s fork clattered on the table. “All done. Daddy, can I go play with Willow now?”
Beck dragged his eyes from me, and they softened as they landed on his daughter. “Sure, just make sure you stay where I can see you.”
Faith pushed back her chair. “I’ll go with her. Show her some of the cool tricks Willow can do.”
Before I could protest, my best friend and Alice rushed outside, an excited Willow in tow until Beck and I were alone in the room. He still towered near the door and had the audacity to tug the bottom of his shirt up to wipe his brow. The movement revealed a chiseled set of abs that would make Adonis jealous.
Fucking hell.
I gulped, lurid images springing to mind. I scooted back and proceeded to escape the kitchen, bringing my veggie stir-fry with me.
Heavy footsteps sounded from behind. “You haven’t finished your food.”
“No shit, Sherlock.”