Page 13 of Single Dad's Hot Nanny

“For what?”

“A yogurt clash.” She giggled. “Remember?”

I lifted one eyebrow as I studied her blankly, and then I recalled her amusing text from the other day. “Right.” I sighed as I glanced at the time on the dashboard. “Look, Jane, it’s late…”

The laughter swirling in her pretty browns diminished, and disappointment shadowed her features. “Oh,” she said softly, her enthusiasm deflating.

I hated it, but I’d humored her enough for one night.

“I just thought it would be fun. You know, a perfect way to end the night since that silly text prompted our meeting.” Her teeth sank into her lower lip, and my gaze zeroed in on the plump flesh. She shrugged. “At least, I think that was what led us here. It’s okay. I shouldn’t take up any more of your time.”

The longer I stared at her, the more my resolve crumbled. She was a woman who had offered laughs and spontaneity. Things that were so far removed from my life. What was the harm in hanging out with her a while longer? Poppy was fine at her sleepover, and it was a Friday night. When was the last time I stayed out late for something other than work?

Releasing a sigh, I swerved into a parking space. “Alright, let’s go. I need to know what the hell ayogurt clashis before the night ends.”

Jane’s giggles resonated, practically tickling my eardrums. “I’m not sure what it is, either. We’ll figure it out once we’re inside.”

Shaking my head, I slid out and hurried around to her side to open her door, thinking I was crazy for entertaining someone I just deemed too young for me, but you only live once…

I stood in front of the open door and offered a hand. When her smaller one landed in mine, the warmth of her touch sent a jolt through me.

“Thank you,” she said, standing up. She sounded suspiciously breathless as she gazed up at me. I hadn’t stepped back when she got up and now we were so close, I could feelheat radiating off her. Our gazes locked, and her eyes widened slightly. As my eyes moved lower, I noticed her flushed cheeks and parted lips. I could even see the slight fluttering of her pulse at the base of her delicate neck, as if her heart rate had sped up.

Mine had too. I’d never deny the attraction between us despite my preference for someone older. At the moment, I was fighting the temptation to lower my head and taste the lush lips I’d been admiring since we met. It took a lot of willpower to not give in to my basic instincts and take advantage of the opportunity presented. I mean, Jane wanted me to kiss her. I saw it in her eyes and in the way her chest rose and fell rapidly with anticipation.

However, remembering that she was a teenager a merethreeyears ago doused the rising flames of desire, and I took a step back. Disappointment flickered across her face, and she sighed softly. Her discontent didn’t last long though. In the blink of an eye, she was back to her bubbly self.

“Come on,” she said as she took off toward the building. I followed her with a slight smile as she practically skipped to the entrance. She seemed to overflow with energy.

It was lively inside but not too crowded. Families and couples were spread out, enjoying their frozen treats. Jane headed for the self-serve machines. I noticed a few guys checking her out as we passed their table. I gave her an appreciative once-over too. Her dress molded her hips and ass, and the way she strutted in those heels gave me ideas… dirty ones.

She was just as incredible to admire from the back as she was from the front. I couldn’t blame the men for openly ogling her. However, a surprising surge of possessiveness moved through me, and I wanted their lustful gazes off her immediately.

Without even thinking about it, I hurried my steps to catch up to her, and when I was by her side, I rested a hand on her back. Realizing that I was acting like a jealous boyfriend, stakingmy claim, I let my hand drop back to my side. Jane didn’t seem to notice my lapse in judgment, and she smiled up at me when we stopped.

“Alright, let’s get creative.” Her eyes twinkled with excitement. “This place is only a few blocks from my apartment, so I’ve been here a few times. You can taste-test as many flavors as you like before ordering.”

“Okay…” I eyed the tiny cups in front of the machine. “Where are you going with this?”

“I’m making up the rules of a yogurt clash as we go along. I’ll choose five flavors, but you can’t watch, then you’ll do the same.”

My eyebrows shot up, but I stayed quiet.

“We’re going to have a taste-testing competition. Whoever guesses the most flavors wins.” She smirked. “And the loser gets to pay for our order.”

I shrugged. “I hate to say it, but so far a yogurt clash doesn’t sound all that intriguing.”

“You’ll have to wait to hear the rest of the rules.”

My eyes dropped to her lips, which were lifted in a mischievous smirk, and I inhaled. “Alright, now I’m intrigued.”

She laughed and gestured for me to turn around. I obediently turned in the other direction until she chirped. “It’s your turn.”

Jane turned away as I filled five little cups with froyo. She grabbed a tray, so we could carry our choices to a table. I was surprised when she headed for a glass door that led to a secluded patio area at the back of the shop.

“I figured you’d prefer it out here, away from the crowd,” she said.

“I do.” I glanced at her, surprised that she was able to pick up on that even though we’d just met. Then again, this stranger probably knew more about me than those who saw me every day because we’d messaged back and forth so much. I opened up toher in ways I never had to most people, and maybe that made her more than just a stranger…

---