Page 39 of Naughty by Nature

Laughing, he sat back on the chaise. “I’m not sure. Is Sophia’s too easy?”

“I’m not sure,” she laughed. “I know I need to talk to Mama and Daddy about all this, especially if we’re going out like this. I don’t want them getting the wrong idea.”

“What’s the wrong idea?”

“That we’re doing it for any reason other than to fish for Wade’s reaction.”

Sheridan shrugged. “Even if it is for him I plan on enjoying myself at least a little bit. You can tell them why we’re doing it, but I wouldn’t let anyone else know. Would it embarrass you to be seen with me?”

Heat flooded heat through her cheeks. “Of course not! I just … don’t want you to be locked into anything you don’t want to be.”

Frowning, Sheridan turned to face her again. “Did you not hear me say I’ve wanted to date you for a while now? Years, in fact. And if the ruse date leads to a real date, then possibly more, would that be so bad? I’m not going to lie, Cheyenne, living with you and the girls this week, and coming home to you tonight, has been amazing. I loved being married to my wife when she was here, and I miss that. Don’t you miss having someone to rely on and talk to? And love?”

A tear rolled down her cheek, then another and another, until she couldn’t dash them away fast enough. When Sheridan’s strong arms wrapped around her, she let herself lean on him. “I do miss that,” she whispered.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad or anything. I’m just trying to get you to leave your options open. Okay?”

She nodded against his chest, and eventually pulled back. Sheridan used his thumbs to wipe her cheeks, then leaned forward a pressed a slow, gentle kiss to her lips. Then another.

Cheyenne gasped, her heart thundering in her chest as she finally tasted Sheridan’s soft lips. Oh, he was lovely. In spite of herself, Cheyenne turned her head the tiniest bit, asking for more.

A strong hand cupped her head, and for a moment there was a split second of panic. He was so very strong. He could probably snap her neck like this if he wanted to.

Sheridan was not that kind of man though. The strength in his hands was used for good, and putting criminals away. And playing with her girls and throwing balls for the dogs. She needed to remember that. There was no way he would ever hurt her or the girls.

For the first time in years, she actually let herself go. Opening her mouth, she invited him inside, something she never thought she’d do with another man.

Sheridan groaned and for one wild moment, he let himself go as well, kissing her as deeply as he could, licking at her, nibbling. Then, so reluctantly she could feel him quiver, he pulled back. Making sure she was steady in her seat, he also let her face go.

Cheyenne licked her lips, learning— and loving— his taste.

“That escalated quickly. Sorry.”

Sitting back in his chair, he crossed one ankle over his knee, then leaned on his elbows. Cheyenne thought perhaps he was hiding himself from her, and she fought a smile.

Payton was right. People are sexual creatures.

* * *

Olivia wasn’twild about the babysitting idea, but when he promised to take her driving next week sometime, she became much more agreeable.

“Besides,” he told her. “It’s during the day. It’s not like you’re missing seeing your friends or anything.”

Sheridan and Cheyenne had decided on a lunch date at Sophia’s, on a Saturday afternoon, a notoriously hard time to get into the restaurant. Saturdays were social days for the people of Honeywell. The farmer’s market on the square would be open, which always drew a lot of people, and yard sales were usually going on.

“So, you’re going on a date with her,” Olivia murmured.

He’d wondered if this would be a stumbling block.

“Yes, I am. What are your thoughts?”

Olivia swung her hair over her shoulder and tipped up her chin. They were sitting on her bed downstairs. She wore a pair of sleep pants and a t-shirt adorned with printed feathers of all shapes and sizes. This year her face had gotten lean from volleyball practice, and Sheridan could see what a beauty she was going to be when she matured. She would look very much like Eleanor.

Blinking, she rested her head on her upturned knee. “I guess it will be okay.”

She gave him a sidelong look. “It’s probably been a while since you got laid.”

Sheridan chuckled. “Not something I’m going to talk to you about.”

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