Page 131 of Holiday Hire

Her laughter fades.

I kiss her again. This time, I wait for her to return my affection, then retreat. "We're more than friends, Pheebs."

"What about the boys? You just said you don't want to disappoint them."

"I don't."

"Then—"

I put my finger over her lips. "All I've done all day is think about this. And I don't want to hurt them. They already love you. I know they do, and I've never brought any woman around thembefore. So I don't know how to do that. But I also know no one gets together and thinks they won't stay together. So maybe we take it slow. We keep things between us until we're both sure about whatever this is."

She stays quiet.

My heart races. "Pheebs, I'm trying to be a responsible adult. Trust me, if I could be an irresponsible one, I would. But I can't. I'm their only parent."

Another moment passes. She reaches for the side of my head, softly replying, "I know you are. And I would never want to hurt them."

"So we can stop pretending about how we feel and see how this goes?"

"You mean in secret? Pretend to everyone else we're platonic but secretly we're not?" she cautiously asks.

I groan. "That sounds so bad."

"But that's what you're asking me to do, right?"

I grind my molars. It doesn't sound fair. I know it doesn't, but I'm unsure how else we can explore whatever this is between us and still protect my boys.

"I'm not saying I blame you for asking me to keep it between us for now," she offers.

"You don't?"

She shakes her head. "No. I wouldn't want to hurt the boys either."

"So..."

She licks her lips, then bites on the bottom one.

I ask, "Are you good with it, or do you want me to never make another move on you again?"

She giggles. "Make a move? Is this your move?"

I pull her toward my lips, answering, "No, this is." I slide my tongue into her mouth and grab her ass, holding her against my straining erection. I kiss her with everything I have, not remembering ever wanting someone so much and feeling like I might never get them.

Her knees buckle. She grips my head and shudders.

I retreat, staying close to her mouth, ordering, "Tell me we're on the same page, baby girl."

Her lips curve. "Okay."

"Yeah?" I say enthusiastically.

She laughs. "Yeah."

"Good—"

My phone rings, cutting me off.

I groan.

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