Page 43 of Treat Her Right

This was something totally new, like the feminine napkin discussion and Zack just knew he was going to start running into more of these torturous episodes. Heart pounding, he asked, “Yours, like as a friend?”

“Uh-huh. And a rela…retal…”

“Relative?”

“Yeah. That.”

“She’s not our relative, Dani. Remember, I explained relatives to you.”

“I know. But she could be a wife and a mommy.”

Zack stared at his daughter, and if he hadn’t been sitting, he’d have fallen down. Dani’s eyes were closed, her cheek nestled into her pillow.

Her sweet little mouth curled into a pleased smile when she said, “And we could have a brother.” She peeked one eye open. “I want a brother.”

“Honey…”

“A brother like Conan.”

God forbid!

“I’d help with diapers and stuff.”

“I know you would, sweetheart. But things like brothers take a lot of time.”

She closed her eyes again and sighed. “Josh likes Wynn, too.”

Zack froze, and found himself asking, “You think so?”

“Maybe he wants a brother.” Her brow puckered. “I mean a son.”

Zack had tried to talk to Josh about his interest in Wynn, but he hadn’t had the chance. By the time Wynn’s friends had left, which would have afforded some privacy, Josh had been ready to go, too.

He sat there thinking, recalling what Bo had told him. Wynn didn’t date, and she very seldom showed sexual interest in men. Her reaction to Zack, according to those who knew her best, was extreme. Zack had been a little disconcerted to realize they all knew of Wynn’s pursuit, but they said it was because she acted so differently with him. In the normal course of things, she pretended to be one of the guys.

Marc had warned him that Wynn was an uncommon woman, who looked at the world in an uncommon way.

As if he’d needed the warning! He’d already figured that out firsthand. Her flirting skills were nonexistent. She said what she wanted, and left Zack to deal with the shock.

Clint had added that she was a good sport, but still hated to lose. At anything. If she wanted Zack, then it’d be difficult to dissuade her.

And they all agreed, she wanted Zack.

He smiled. Wynn’s approach was bold, but also refreshing. And now that he believed the reaction was as unique for her as it was for him, his resistance had disappeared.

Zack sat quietly, contemplating all he’d learned today, along with his daughter’s sentiments until he heard her breathing even into a light snore. He kissed her forehead and stood. Her bedroom window was open, letting in a cool breeze and plenty of fresh air.

Zack went to the window and looked out. As she’d promised, Wynn sat in the hammock, waiting. At the sight of her, he felt the rush of his blood and the swelling of muscles.

There was a lot to consider, especially his daughter’s growing attachment to a woman totally unsuitable for any type of permanency. But for now, none of that seemed to matter.

For now, he had to have her.

He left his daughter’s room in a silent rush, closing the door softly behind him. He’d already removed his shoes so his bare feet made no sound as he moved through the house and out the back door. The grass felt soft and cool as he crossed through the darkness to Wynn. As he went, he unbuttoned his shirt, letting the evening breeze drift over his heated flesh.

What he planned, whattheyplanned, felt wicked and enticing and so sexual he was already hard.

She stood with her back to him, her arms wrapped tight around her middle when he finally reached her. “Wynn.”

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