Page 25 of Second Chance Baby

I ducked my head, hoping she didn’t read my embarrassment. I’d come up with the idea of “selling” the scene when me and Bridget had connected before the shoot. I hadn’t had any idea what I was doing, but I’d been desperate to be close to her again.

Even if it was sort of through dubious means.

Colette made a strangled noise I couldn’t quite interpret. Then she held a hand to her forehead as if she was feeling faint.

“Enjoy the lights!” She fled toward the direction of the back room.

“What the hell was that about?” I muttered. “Did she suddenly get sick or something?”

“Probably or something.” Bridget squeezed my fingers. This time, she was the one who gripped my hand. “If I had to guess, I’d think your chivalry in defending me right then nearly took her out.” She smiled faintly. “It’s not easy for a single girl in a town of so many couples and families, you know?”

“It’s not always that easy here for a single guy, either. But I was just telling the truth. I know I suggested more, and you just followed my lead.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

My cheeks went hot. “Huh?”

“Not that I don’t appreciate your chivalry, because believe me, I do, but I was right there with you. Every step. You didn’t push me into anything I didn’t want desperately. Honestly? I was glad you suggested that. It was exactly why I wanted to do the shoot.”

“Wait, youwantedto do the shoot?” Instead of answering my question, she leaned up to whisper a single word.

“Panties?” Then she licked her lips.

As if I could forget how wet they’d been. Or the fact that she was currently wearing my jacket stretched tightly across her ripped dress.

“Wish I’d kept what was left of them. Think I tore those too.”

Her eyes sparkled for just an instant before she eased back and surprised me by removing something from the denim jacket pocket.

“You did. No point in even wearing them anymore. So…here. If you want them.”

“Oh, I want.” I didn’t even bother trying not to stare into her eyes as she pushed that square of damp material into my palm, folding my fingers over it.

Clasping it tightly, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Don’t do it. Carrington could see.

But I had to breathe, right?

Moving swiftly, I lifted it to my nose, taking a fast, needy inhale before I tucked it into the pocket of my jeans and reclaimed her hand. Holding it felt far too good, like something vital I’d gone without for an eternity.

I didn’t want to let her go again. At least not voluntarily.

I didn’t want to analyze that impulse. Or any of that day’s impulses. I just wanted to do what felt good.

And nothing had matched today in so very long.

“What’s that bag?” Carrington demanded, appearing beside us with her books under her arm.

“Just some lights we got for your room. Or the living room. Or maybe the dining room. Wherever you want to put them up.”

She grabbed the Snoopy bag and began rifling through the tissue paper as if she was a woman on a mission. She drew out the acorn lights, laughing delightedly before tossing them aside to yank open the box of ghost lights. She drew out the strand, squealing. “Oh, these are those over there on top of the fireplace. I love them. Thank you, Daddy.” She leaned up to give me a quick, hard hug.

“Your mom helped pick them out,” I rushed to add, smiling as our daughter turned to give her a hug too.

“You both have good taste. We’re delaying our shopping trip, but it’s still gonna happen, isn’t it? Just with mom though now, right?”

“If that’s what you want, sweetheart.” Emotion laced Bridget’s voice, making my stomach tighten. “I would love to go Halloween shopping with you tomorrow, maybe?”

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