Page 72 of Break Me

“Did you like that?” he asked as he closed the book.

“That was fab-u-wus,” she giggled. “Much better than Mommy can do.”

How could I not laugh? My daughter giggled even more, the fit forcing her to smack her little head on the pillow behind her.

He looked momentarily horrified and seeing him uncertain what to say or how to handle the situation was almost as adorable as his reading ability.

“She’s not wrong. Don’t look so horrified. You’re a fabulous storyteller.”

When he grinned, I was blown away by how much he looked like a little boy.

“Aw, shucks,” he said, leaning over her and placing the book on the nightstand.

“Have you ever read to a child before?”

“A couple times. My second cousin. Although she’s never reacted the way Emily did.” He laughed and crawled off the bed.

“I bet she loves it. Now, it’s time to make the pizza. I have all the ingredients ready. Oh, baby girl. You have a few minutes left to play. Okay?”

She huffed and in another moment of drama—just like her mother would do—she jumped off the bed. “Otay, Mommy.”

He headed toward me and I decided not to move from the doorway. Inviting him in hadn’t felt right until it had. I’d seen something in his eyes that intrigued me. Even more so now, although I could tell what he was thinking, which wasn’t far removed from my lurid thoughts.

Pure, unadulterated hunger.

He simply had that kind of effect on me. Like it or not.

His body seemed even larger today, perhaps because I remained in the fluffy booties. I peered up at him, my breath hitching, which was something else that happened around him every time we were together. Damn it.

The moment was seductive and surreal, as if all time had stopped around us. As always, he made my mouth dry for a few seconds until I started thinking about sucking on his cock.

Oh, wow. Now my body was on fire, heat making it extremely warm in the room.

He lifted his hand and for some reason I held my breath, surprised when he wrapped his fingers around mine and the glass of wine. Instantly, the charge of electricity was even stronger than the night before.

With a sly little smirk on his face, he pulled the crystal free, lifting the glass way too slowly. Too provocatively. He evenclosed his eyes as he took a sip, making a tiny growl only loud enough for me to hear.

Why was it that everything he did was sexy as hell?

“An excellent choice of wine,” I whispered, unable to take my eyes off him.

His swallow was exaggerated. Was he trying to seduce me? That wasn’t going to work. “I thought you might enjoy it. Now, what do I need to do to help you with dinner?” The same series of explosive sensations happened when he returned the glass.

“You’ll see. Follow me, big boy.” I smiled, gently closing the door.

Every time he laughed, I quivered just a little more inside. He had a way of getting to me. Both good and bad.

Once in the kitchen, he took the time to refill our wines. As soon as he did, I tossed him an apron.

“What’s this?”

“I wouldn’t want you to get yourself all dirty now.” With a smile on my face, I gave him one of the looks I used for my firefighters.

Follow my orders or else.

His look of surprise amused me, but like a good little boy, he donned the apron. While it was far too small for his big, buff body, I had to admit I had a few naughty thoughts of seeing him in the apron and nothing else.

“So what now?” After clapping his hands, he rubbed them together.