Page 30 of Hold Me Tight

Rina mutters, “Speak of the devil.”

Sloane grins. “Just like clockwork.”

River heads straight toward us, giving the other women quick glances of acknowledgement.

“Heard you babysat last night,” Rina calls out. “Giving up hockey for a nanny position?”

He doesn’t even blink as his attention stays locked on me. “Depends on who I get to watch.”

That comment has warmth creeping up my neck.

Unsure how to respond, I rise to my feet. “I’ll grab your usual.”

It would be hard not to feel his masculine presence as he follows me to the counter.

My mind blanks as sweat springs to my palms. It’s the most ridiculous thing ever. I rack my brain for something to say before blurting, “Thanks again for watching Nora last night.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Shivers erupt across my flesh.

“Are we still on for Sunday afternoon?”

If I were smart, I’d back out of this shopping excursion ASAP. He’s giving me the perfect opportunity. I just need to take it.

Instead, I nod. “Yes.”

I bag the bagel and pour a cup of coffee before handing it over to him. He swipes his credit card before glancing back at the girls and nodding a quick goodbye. The second the glass door shuts behind him, the bakery explodes in a barrage of rapid-fire comments.

“Oh. My. God,” Rina says. “My panties almost self-combusted. Can’t say any of my Tinder matches have had that much chemistry lately. Or maybe ever.”

“Talk about the difference twenty-four short hours makes,” Sloane adds with a shake of her head.

Lilah gives me a wistful smile. “I’m on the verge of swooning. Honestly, if you don’t kiss him soon, I might.”

“Pretty sure Steele would have something to say about that,” Rina says with a snort.

I sink back into my seat with a belly full of butterflies. “No, it’s not like?—”

“Don’t even say it,” Sloane cuts in.

With my palms pressed to the table, I will myself to cool down as the truth sinks in with a crushing weight.

I’m no longer sure if I want River to stop pushing his way into my life. But I’m scared to death of what will happen if he actually succeeds in doing it.

14

River

By the time I pull up outside Callie’s townhouse, I’ve triple-checked the bed straps in the back of my truck and adjusted the brand-new car seat I installed last night. I don’t want her to worry about a damn thing today.

She must have been waiting by the window. The moment I throw the truck into park, she steps outside, carrying Nora on her hip and a diaper bag slung over one shoulder. Her hair is up in a knot, and she’s wearing something simple like leggings and an oversized sweater. There doesn’t appear to be a speck of makeup on her face.

And I swear, she’s never looked hotter.

“Hey.” I hop out, slamming the door.

“Hi.” She adjusts Nora’s weight as I round the front of the truck to the sidewalk.