Page 51 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
I touch my lips,still thinking about that kiss. In the scheme of things, it was a pretty chaste one. Ben didn’t use tongue. But for some reason, it set off sparks in my body that I’m having a hard time forgetting.
Miss Georgia, the owner of the daycare, gives us an understanding smile. “I’ve been doing this a long time, dear. Little Liliana will be perfectly fine for the next few hours.”
Ben doesn’t look convinced. I turn to gauge Janelle’s reaction to this place, but she’s already outside, chatting with Amelia again.
Ben and I discuss Lily’s food preferences with Miss Georgia and take a quick tour of the playground outside. It’s fenced in well, and everything looks safe. Ben made Janelle list out the foods Lily liked on our way over here, and then he emailed it to Miss Georgia, who printed it out and tucked it into a sheet protector with Lily’s name on top.
I tug on Ben’s hand when she walks away. “I like her. I think Lily will enjoy her time here, but if you want to stay, I completely understand.”
But then Miss Georgia returns and hands us a bag. “Here’s a waterproof bag for your phone. That way, I can reach you if there are any emergencies.”
Ben’s frown finally smooths out. “That’s perfect. Thank you.”
That seems to be the deciding factor. Looks like we’re going rafting!
I finally let myself be excited because this sounds like so much fun, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up if we didn’t end up going.
Before we take off, Ben goes up to Lily, who’s playing on a mat with some blocks. “Hey, baby. We’ll be back in a bit. Be a good girl. Listen to Miss Georgia.”
Lily smiles and points to herself. “Good girl!”
Ben scoops her in his big arms and kisses her chubby cheek. “That’s right. You’re Daddy’s good girl.”
Oh, my God. Daddy’s good girl.
I sigh, completely enamored.
Is it weird that I’m turned on by how protective he is of his kid? For a guy who’s just learning the ropes with a child who was not enthusiastic about him at first, he’s really starting to gel with her. And it makes me so freaking happy to see them bonding.
Ben takes my hand on the way out of the daycare like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
I’m unreasonably excited about the prospect of rafting with him, but when we get to the rest of our group, Janelle runs up to Ben. “Wanna raft with me? I figured that way we could talk about the baby and figure out our plan for the fall.”
My heart sinks at the look of indecision on his face. He’s been nagging her for more details about her plan to move closer, and she’s been fairly nebulous.
Until this moment.
When he was going to spend time with me.
But do I have any real claim at all on his time? If the man wants to talk to the mother of his child, shouldn’t he? Even if she is manipulating the situation to edge me out.
She and Ben move a few feet away and talk in low, heated voices.
Olly waves me over, and I move toward him while I fight the jealousy bubbling through me.
“Does Janelle get on your nerves too? Or is it just me?” he asks in a whisper out the side of his mouth.
I laugh. “It’s not just you.” Olly is the best. He’s such a sweet guy. I hope this Amelia chick treats him well.
I’m giving myself a pep talk about how I can’t be possessive over a man I’m not truly dating when Ben returns. “Sorry about that.”
The easygoing smile he sported when we left the daycare is gone, and I’d love nothing more than to see another one grace his beautiful lips. “It’s okay. I understand. You have to do what you have to do.”
“And right now, I have to go rafting with you. Because I’m gonna lose my mind if I have to spend the next two hours trapped on a raft with her. So you’re stuck with me, sunshine.”
He gives me a grin, and my silly heart goes pitter-patter.
Guh, he has the prettiest eyes.Fringed with the longest lashes I’ve ever seen on a man.
