Page 23 of James

“Yeah, we know how much you hate spitters,” I mumble. James makes a choking sound, and I look up to see his eyes wide with shock. Then he just shakes his head. When a waiter walks out with our food a few minutes later, I grin. “Luckily she won’t get the chance.”

“You know how hot you get when you’re jealous?” James asks, a faint smirk on his lips.

I roll my eyes at him in response.

On our way home from dinner we pick up Jye from Lucy’s before heading back to my house. I’m so full, I feel like I’m in a food coma. Dinner was delicious, dessert even more so.

“Thank you for dinner,” I tell him for the second time.

“You’re welcome. Tomorrow night I thought we could take Jye to dinner at Kade’s,” James mentions. I glance back at Jye who is sleeping in his car seat.

“Sounds good,” I say. When I see James noticeably relax, I realise he thought I wouldn't agree. I look away so he can’t see the flash of hurt in my eyes.

“I’m not an ogre, you know,” I say wryly.

“What?” he asks.

“You thought I was gonna say no,” I say.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t,” he admits.

“Why would I?” I ask him, confused.

“I don’t know. It’s not like you’re real close with my brothers,” he says reluctantly. I can tell this upsets him.

“Kade may be growing on me. Plus, you know I love Nikki,” I say.

James grins. “Good.”

James parks his car and we get out. I open the front door quickly whilst James gets Jye, locking his car door before entering the apartment and putting Jye in his bed. He affectionately kisses Jye on the forehead before tucking him in. I watch as he stares at his son for a few moments before walking out. I run my eyes over how his chest looks in the sexy white shirt he is wearing, hinting at his defined muscles. I can’t help the slight tug I feel in my lower belly.

“I’d love to tuck you in, too, but there will be no sex on the first date,” James decides. I reluctantly move my eyes from his biceps and stare into his eyes.

“What? Why?” I demand.

“This is our second chance Sasha, I want it to be perfect,” he says.

“It will be perfect, I promise. Come on,” I try to tempt him.

“Not tonight, okay,” he says as he walks over, trying to soften the rejection with a soft kiss to my lips.

“Fine. But I’d like to point out it’s not really fair considering I’ve gone without way longer than you have,” I pout.

“How do you know that?” he asks, as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“You had a girlfriend!” I point out.

“If it’s not with you, it doesn’t count,” he says a little gruffly.

“Smooth talker,” I mumble, walking to the kitchen and pulling out a bottle of water.

“Want one?” I offer, James shakes his head no, eyeing me speculatively.

“How long has it been?” he asks suddenly.

“A while, let’s just leave it at that.” I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck. He leans down and presses light kisses all over my jaw, before finally giving my lips some attention. I can feel his arousal, but he still pulls away. The man has always had a will of steel. Or should I say a will of Steele. This is the first time that I was cursing it.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, pretty girl,” he whispers into my ear, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up.

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