Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
He’d never brought a woman around the twins and understood the magnitude of doing so. Add in the fact that Dylan and Dakota adored Fallon, and he understood this was a big deal. Enough that he feared her saying no.
She was quiet for so long, his stomach twisted, nerves he rarely experienced suddenly alive inside him. “Your family. The girls. You’re not playing around,” she said softly.
He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I rarely do, as you’ve so often pointed out. The fact is, I’m finished with any cat-and-mouse games. We already know we’re attracted to one another. Let’s see where things go.” That was as honest as he could be.
“No promises? No games? The minute it’s too much for you or the twins, you tell me. And I’ll be honest in return. I am not looking for something serious right now but I want to be with you, too. And I adore the girls and would never want to hurt them or give them the wrong impression about us.”
Sexual attraction was easy. Feelings were more complicated. Yet how could he not fall for this wary woman when she put his children’s feelings before her own?
Reaching out, he grasped her hands. “I want you, Fallon. In my bed and beneath me. On top of me. Every way I can get you.”
Her eyes opened wide and she shifted in her seat. “Did that make you uncomfortable? Or aroused?” Okay, he was stepping things up faster than he planned but he didn’t want her to have too much time to think and panic. Just feel and agree.
“Aroused,” she whispered.
He stroked her cheek and she tipped her head against his hand. “That makes us in agreement,” he said, his voice rough with need.
Just talking to her like this had his cock hard in his pants. He was moving them along quickly but she wasn’t pulling back. “I promise when we’re with the girls, we’ll be circumspect so nobody gets hurt. Including and especially you.”
She met his gaze, her expression wary. “You seem too good to be true.”
“Because you dated a douchebag before me.”
She laughed aloud and he liked the sound.
“Now, can you agree to having fun together and no pressure beyond that?” Even if he planned to show her how good things between them could be.
“I can do that,” she said, and treated him to a genuine smile, one combined with pleasure, anticipation, and lingering arousal. The same stream of desire he felt rushing through his veins now that he knew they’d taken a huge step forward.
“I’m starving. Want to come back to my apartment? I’m going to pick up Chinese food on the way home. Or do you need to get back to the girls?”
He shook his head. “Liam is going to take them to the burger place we all went to. He wants to rent Home Alone for them afterward. They’re pretty set until I get home.”
Her stomach let out an unladylike rumble and she blushed a pretty shade of pink.
“That’s our cue to get going.” He rose and held out a hand and she placed her palm in his. Her skin was smooth but a jolt of electricity hit as she curled her fingers around his hand.
They’d most definitely taken a step forward.
Chapter Ten
“I want you, Fallon. In my bed and beneath me. On top of me. Every way I can get you.”
No sane woman could turn Noah down. While picking up food, Fallon took the time to think about him and where they were headed. She hadn’t invited him to her place just to have dinner. Not when he’d aroused her so thoroughly with his words. Despite her misgivings, she wanted him. Was she really going to let fear override desire because she’d been hurt in the past? She wasn’t that naïve young girl anymore, she was a woman with needs.
Agreeing to have sex didn’t mean she’d be diving into another ill-advised relationship. Instead, it showed she’d grown up. She was capable of taking control of her life and going after what she wanted. And there was nothing wrong with that.
She had time to see where things led.
Once she met up with Noah at her apartment, instead of the kitchen, she opted for a more relaxed atmosphere and set them up at the family room cocktail table.
Sitting side by side, they devoured the dishes they’d agreed on, discovering they enjoyed the same things, moderately, but not too spicy food, and soft classical music after a long day. She introduced him to Luciano Pavarotti’s collaboration with popular rock musicians as they ate. The food was delicious and soon, she was full of both food and anticipation of what would come next.
She took a sip of water.
From his seat beside her, he stretched his long legs out in front of him. “I can’t remember ever having a more relaxing meal.” He turned toward her, his hazel gaze focused on her. “Or enjoying better company.”