Page 71 of DadBod

“I do.”

“Even though I fall asleep?” And drool.

“I like everything about you, Elizabeth.”

Oh, shit. Shit-shit-shit. His voice just dropped an octave. It got all deep and sexy.

Croaking my response, I say, “You do?” Oh my God. Is his face getting closer to mine?

“I do.”

“Oh.” It is. It’s getting closer. Praise the lord and pass the butter…

That’s when it happens. He kisses me.

On the forehead.

Cue sad trombone.

“I care about you, Elizabeth.”

The disappointment must be written all over my face. It must be. “Oh. Right. Good.” What else could I say to that. Without thinking, I push off the couch, careful not to let Calvin’s head drop suddenly.

“Elizabeth?”

“What?” I look right, then left into the kitchen. “Where’s my purse?”

“It’s too late for you to go home.”

“No.” I shake my head, still looking for my stupid bag. “It’s fine.”

“It’s raining.”

“I won’t melt.”

“Hard. It’s not going to stop anytime soon.”

“Rome.” I spot it on the stool next to the island. “Aha,” I announce to myself.

His hand touches my shoulder gently. “No. You’re not going out in this. You’ll sleep in the spare bedroom tonight.”

Bossy.

I sigh because he’s right. I hear the rain outside now. I’m tired, and there’s no reason to trudge out in this if I don’t have to. “I’ll drive you home in the morning so you can get a change of clothing.”

“Okay. Yeah. Sure.”

“Good.” Rome moves to the sofa to pick up his son. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”

Oh, holy night. Why do those four little words make my entire body come alive? “Stop it,” I hiss softly to myself.

“Stop what?”

“Oh.” What to say? “I, uh… nothing.”

“You head on up. I’ll come down after I put Cal in bed to lock up and shut off the lights.”

“Right. Okay.”