Page 22 of Temptress
Excitement shined brightly in her deep blue eyes as she looked over her shoulder at her father. “Can I, Dad? Please?”
I’d been so focused on Darcy, so nervous on her behalf, that I’d actually managed to forget him all together. But now that my attention had been drawn to him, it was suddenly hard to look away.
His focus was directed on us as he stood at the front of the SUV, one elbow casually resting on the hood as he leaned into it, watching like we were the most entertainment he’d had in weeks. That flush returned to my cheeks and neck, and I was grateful I could blame the sun for the pink tint taking over my skin.
I cleared my throat and looked away, inspecting the grass at my feet as his raspy baritone voice made my insides quiver. “Fine with me, baby girl. Just drop your backpack off in your room first.”
She let out a yelp of excitement before rushing back toward her house to do as she was told, leaving me alone with her father.
I was suddenly very aware of the fact I was still in my rehearsal clothes from earlier, tight black yoga shorts that started way above mid-thigh, and a fitted cami over a sports bra.
My job was to dance on a stage in some incredibly revealing costumes, but I never felt more exposed than I did just then. When I finally found the nerve to look up, there was no missing his gaze pinned to my legs or how it slowly dragged upward, like he was taking his time, committing every inch of bare skin to memory. I could feel his eyes as if they were a physical touch, causing goosebumps to break out across my arms.
He moved closer, crossing the invisible line between his yard and mine for the first time. I had the impression that was some sort of impenetrable barrier for him, but as he stopped in front of me, closer than he’d ever been before, my stomach started doing flip flops. “You’ve been waiting out here for her to get home, haven’t you?”
The heat in my cheeks grew more intense. “She said she was really nervous last time we talked. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.”
He arched a brow, those intense blue eyes holding me captive. “And the fact you made her favorite smoothie and cookies?” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and bit down, feeling flustered.
“You barely know her, yet you’ve gone out of your way to make sure she’s all right.”
“Well, she’s a really likable kid.” I lifted my eyebrows. “I’m guessing she gets it from her mom, because it sure as hell can’t be from you,” I said, only half kidding. As much as I was attracted to the man, he was a grumpy ass most of the time. “Honestly, I’m surprised you’re talking to me right now. I thought your preferred method of communication was chin lifts and grunting. Or is that just how you communicate with me?”
He smiled and like everything else about him, it was fuckinggorgeous. I could have happily stared at that smile all day long. Then again, I also could have stood in that hallway and watched him rip into those two assholes in our defense all day as well. No matter what he did, he was as hot as sin, and it was really starting to drive me crazy.
Shaking myself out of my stupor, I pulled in a sharp, dramatic gasp, pointing at his mouth. “Is that a grin, Silas Bridger?”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” he grumbled, but there was no heat behind the complaint.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know your face was capable of making that kind of expression. Does it hurt? You didn’t pull anything did you? I’d hate to have to drive you to the hospital.”
His eyes danced with humor as he asked, “You about done?”
“For now,” I said with a casual shrug.
“But you are right about one thing. She gets her likability from her mother.”
My head fell back on a laugh. “And a joke too? I feel like I’m witnessing a cosmic event or something. That’s your one for the year, isn’t it?”
“Something like that.” He chuckled, actuallychuckled, the abrasive, raspy sound turning my nipples into tight, stiff peaks. I had to cross my arms over my chest to hide the effect that chuckle had on me.
“There’s actually something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
I blinked, clearing my mind of the inappropriate thoughts I couldn’t seem to help no matter how hard I tried. “Oh, uh, yeah. Sure. What’s up?”
“Do you know anyone you think would be responsible enough and willing to stay with Darcy tomorrow night? I’ve been trying to find someone but haven’t had any luck. Mac and Bruce have been great about working with my schedule, but I need to work to close at least twice a week.”
“I can,” I blurted before giving it a single thought. “I mean, I’m off tomorrow night, so I’d be happy to stay with her. That is, if you’re cool with it.”
His eyes widened in surprise by my offer. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. I know you need to find something permanent, but I’m happy to help in a pinch.”
“All right. That would be a huge help. I appreciate it.”
Darcy shot out the front door and skipped toward us happily.
“No problem. Besides, I owe you.”