Page 54 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

I can’t help but agree. Then I can’t help looking at her lips, which are still shiny with lip gloss after all these hours and as tempting as ever. I know I was hellbent on making this non-physical, but with the night wearing me down, I can’t help but lean in now.

She tilts her head, welcoming my presence, and our lips connect in a soft kiss. Then the soft kiss deepens as the taste of her sinks into my soul, and she must feel the same as she makes a small sound in her throat before her hands fist on my dress shirt. I emit a groan when one of those hands slides down my stomach, where I know she can feel my muscles contract every time our tongues slide against each other.

“Liv.” Thoughts trickle like sand from my head, overtaken by desire and her sweetness. I cup her cheek to change the angle of the kiss, then press her against the wall to grind my erection against her. “Liv.”

She gasps, then grinds back. Her nipples are stiff against her bra and dress, an undeniable proof of her arousal. But there’s a part of us that’s aware we can’t go beyond now, so we do our best to keep it light—or at least, not jump each other like we did in the past.

When I know I’m seconds away from carrying her back to the limousine and fucking her there—because hell, it’s another fantasy of mine—I make the conscious effort to back away and break the kiss. A surge of satisfaction thrums in my belly when Olivia makes a small sound of protest, telling me I’m not the only one who wants more.

Her lips are swollen and her cheeks are flushed, a sight that will never fail to affect me. Darkened green eyes stay on mine as she catches her breath and eventually lets my dress shirt go…just in time, too, as the door beside us opens and Riley’s head peeks out. She lights up at the sight of us.

“I thought I heard voices! Hi!”

It’s a very good thing we stopped when we did. I clear my throat, steady my racing heart, and grin at her.

“Hey, there. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Riley bites her lip. “I was going to. Nancy tried to get me to sleep, but I told her I wanted to wait for you guys and ask.”

“Ask what?”

“Are you staying the night, Dad?”

My amusement shifts into shock, then hope. The look is visible in Riley’s eyes, too, but it’s mine that’s dashed when Olivia clears her throat and answers for me.

“I’m afraid he’s not staying the night, sweetie. He’s just here to drop me off. Aren’t you, Luke?”

Her tone is light, but her words are asking for backup. Disappointment courses through my system, but I bank it in and force myself to nod.

“Yeah. And you should go to bed, missy. It’s late.”

Riley pouts that I’m not staying, but it soon turns into giggles when I pick her up and shower her face with kisses. It’s crazy how I went from wanting to hold her so much to being free to do so whenever I want. It’s a privilege that I will never take for granted.

As for Olivia…we look at each other before I step in and kiss her cheek, keeping it polite this time.

“Goodnight, guys. I’ll see you next time.”

Then I turn around before I can change my mind.

It’s for the best, I tell myself. Casual is where it’s at, and I can’t expect her to commit to me that fast, especially when a kid is already involved and might get hurt.

But why does it feel like I’m losing her bit by bit every time she denies me more?

Chapter 17

Olivia

“This is completely unprofessional. We’ve scheduled this checkup for days, and he should be here on time.”

Bryan Wells looks at me like it’s my fault, his scowl darkening his features. I don’t know what to say. I’ve already informed him that Luke’s in the middle of an emergency surgery and it’s running longer than anticipated due to some complications—and we already informed Bryan this morning, too, which makes this the second time.

I clear my throat and try again.

“I’m sorry about this, Mr. Wells. We didn’t expect Dr. Jennings to handle a surgery today, but it can’t be postponed. Rest assured, though, that he will cater to you first thing as soon as the new appointment is set. If you could kindly tell me when you are available again?—”

“I’m available now. I came here expecting the checkup now.”

I pause. “This morning, we sent you an email informing you about the situation and?—”

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