Page 32 of An Unexpected Match

Once more, her fingers itched to sketch him in some pagan pose, displaying all the masculine beauty of his form. But a slow curl of heat deep within also had her imagining more than just sketching him.

She’d like to run her fingertips over every inch of him. Touch him, caress him, taste him. Explore the difference between his body and hers. Venture into a new realm of physical sensation as she discovered what it’d be like to give in to the awareness that built every moment they were together.

Taking a deep breath, she smiled, hoping it looked somewhat friendly and non-revealing.

He heard her intake and looked up. His eyes darkened slightly as he narrowed them, letting his gaze move from her face down her body. Arden felt as if he’d touched her, heat spiraling through her in the direct path of his gaze.

“I’m off now,” she said as the seconds ticked by.

He nodded.

“Where are you going?” Hailey asked.

“It’s Arden’s day off. She’s going out and where is not our business,” Brendan said, turning to his daughter. “You and Avery finish eating breakfast.”

“I want to go.”

“You can’t. Arden gets some time to herself.”

“You’ll be all right?” Arden asked, suddenly hesitant to leave.

He nodded, his gaze meeting hers.

“I can be back in time to make dinner,” she offered.

“No need. We’re going to some friends’ place today. They are having a barbecue. We may not be home until after dark. I appreciate your willingness to help us out on your day off. Very commendable.”

She shrugged. It wasn’t just a sense of responsibility. She wondered how he’d manage cooking for the three of them. Now she didn’t have to worry. He was their father, granted, but he seemed at a loss sometimes with how to handle the girls. But his plans showed he didn’t need her today at all.

“Unless I get an unexpected call in the middle of the night again, you’re on your own until tomorrow morning,” he said, leaning against the counter, crossing his arms across his chest.

Arden nodded, not taking her eyes off him. He looked solid and substantial, leaning there with quiet male assurance.

She had to get going, or she might ask to stay to spend her day off with him. And his daughters, of course.

Brendan watched her kiss the girls goodbye and leave. He remained leaning against the counter as if he didn’t have a care in the world, appalled at the sensations that were churning through him. He wanted to kiss her again. Sweep her into his arms and lock his lips with hers until the world went away, leaving them in a cocoon of their own.

She looked beautiful, tall and slim and sexy as anything he’d ever seen. The dress floated and swayed as she walked, faithfully outlining her delectable figure and those long legs.

He listened to her car start, then fade as she drove away. Where was she going? With whom would she spend the day? He wanted to know. Not that he could come up with any legitimate reason to satisfy his curiosity. It was none of his business, just as he’d told Hailey. Maybe he should have let his daughter persist.

Not that knowing that would dampen the desire to touch her, be with her. Listen to her conversation, delight in the way she viewed the world.

He rubbed the back of his neck, pushing away from the counter. There were a dozen things to see to and two little girls to watch. He had no time to be fantasizing about Arden Glover.

Easier said than done.

Brendan suspected it’d prove to be a long day.

It was after ten that night when Brendan and the girls returned home. His friends had young children as well, and the kids ran around and had a great time.

Paul wanted to know all the details about the recent mission, and Brendan waited until they could be alone after dinner to discuss what he could.

Since it had been late when they left, both girls had immediately fallen asleep in the car.

Turning into the driveway, he was pleased to note the lights on in the house. And to see the old station wagon in its place in the driveway. Arden was home.

When he stopped the car, she came out of the side door.

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