Page 30 of Smooth Talk

“Oh, fank you!” She throws her arms around his neck unexpectedly. His face morphs from shock to delight as he hugs her back. I can’t hear what she whispers to him, but it causes the grin to widen across his handsome face. That dimple is going to be the death of me. His eyes twinkle as he nods at her. She giggles then turns to ask me, “We goes home now? I tired and I wanna watch my pony show.”

I watch as Grayson methodically puts everything back into the basket, and realize I needed this. Not just the food, but this time with him. With an attentive man who finds me attractive. A man who understands my daughter (despite her slight speech impediment) and encourages her to try new things. He’s broadening our horizons. Grayson’s more than I’d originally thought him to be, and I find myself pleasantly surprised. “Thank you for today. Lunch was delicious.”

“The company wasn’t half bad either,” he winks, and I help him fold the blanket. Charmer. He blows out the candles and we walk back to the cottage, listening as Harper chatters about the differences between fairies and butterflies. We arrive at my car just as I realize I’m not ready to say goodbye. I’ve really enjoyed our afternoon together. He pats my daughter’s head, “See you next weekend Harp.”

“Can we do anover picnic Mr. Max?” She looks up at him, her bright blue eyes somewhat heavy-lidded but still shining. He smiles at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling. That didn’t take long at all. They seem to have formed an instant bond. Which terrifies me a little bit. He’d accused me of charming his family, but it seems he’s doing the same to mine. If I’m not careful, I could fall for him.

“Sure thing. Although you’ll probably have to hide your sandwich from Gunner. He loves peanut-butter.”

“Is Gunner your son?” she asks innocently. He laughs, shaking his head past the awkwardness.

“No ma’am; Gunner is my dog. I think you’ll like him.” He winks at her.

“Oh, I love dogs! Dey’re my second favorites,” she declares, “Fank you for da picnic Mr. Max, you’re fun!” She’s practically yelling as she climbs into her booster seat.

“And I think he’ll love you too. Thanks for joining me today. I had fun,” he says to her as he bends to close her door. He straightens next to me, close enough for me to inhale his intoxicating scent again. He bends down and I close my eyes. I don’t do PDA in front of my daughter, but I really want to know what his lips taste like (that want is quickly transitioning to need.)

He brushes them across my cheek instead and whispers, “Thank you Poppy. This has been the most enjoyable afternoon I’ve had in a long time.” His warm breath tickles my ear. His lips are soft, but his stubble lightly scrapes across my skin, causing sensations to ripple through my body. (My nipples are hard, and my panties are damp. WTHeck? From just his mouth on my cheek and his breath in my ear. Em was right; this man is dangerous.) I open my eyes to see him smiling down at me. I swallow hard and take a step back (I need to distance myself before I act like a total hussy in front of my very impressionable daughter) and bump my elbow on my open car door. Ow!

“Are you all right?” The concern in his eyes is real and I feel myself falling into those intense dark pools.

“I’m okay. Par for the course,” I shake my arm out to play off how badly it stings and change the subject. “You realize, you’ve paid me back in full right?” He raises his eyebrows in question. “I won’t hear the end of how much fun picnics are or how excited she is about fishing with Mr. Max for a week.” And I have a feeling, after next weekend, it’ll be months before she stops talking about it. “That more than makes up for you and your siblings’ history of terrible gifting to Mimi.”

He chuckles. “I’m glad you have so much faith in my appeal, but I wasn’t trying to make you look bad in front of your daughter. Just trying to get her on my side.”

“And why would you want to do that?”

“I told you. I want a date. Dinner, drinks, dancing, the whole nine yards. I have a feeling your daughter is going to be the key to my success.” He winks at me, and I swear my panties actually disintegrate, “see you Sunday, Sweet Cheeks.” Then he turns and walks toward the main house. Speaking of sweet cheeks, I did mention how fine that man’s booty is, didn’t I? Mercy.

I lose myself to his retreating backside for the second time today until I hear Harper ask, rather loudly, what I’m looking at and if we’re leaving any time soon. My own daughter, throwing me under the bus. I hear his chuckle and my face flames as I get into my car. Will I ever get through one day without this man making me blush?

I make sure she’s buckled up, all of my mirrors are in place, and my phone is synced before heading down the short driveway. I don’t need any distractions while driving, the thoughts running through my mind about Grayson are distraction enough.

“Mr. Max is awesome, mama. I’m glad we friends now. I’m so excited. I don’t want to a-whole-nover week to go fishing,” she says on a yawn. I smile. Same, baby girl. Same.

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