Page 54 of Thornhill Road

He cut his eyes at me, quirked an eyebrow and asked, “That’s the best you got?”

I was pretty sure before, but I was certain then—I’d definitely met my match.

Fighting a huge smile, I closed the distance between us, then snaked my arms under his kutte and around his waist as I leaned into him and semi-repeated, “Hi, babe,” before I pressed up on my toes and kissed the underside of his bearded chin.

The hand not holding my plate reached down until he had a palm full of my butt.

“Better.”

No longer hiding my smile, I asked, “What’s for lunch?”

“Bone-in chicken thighs and sauteed green beans. Was going to make sandwiches, but don’t know what we’re doin’ for dinner. Likely will involve bread. Had the time, so we’re eatin’ chicken now.”

I liked that. All of that. Alot.

I must have said as much with my face, because Mustang’s next words were, “Like that look in your eyes, baby, but food’s ready now. It’s time to eat. I’ll fuck you after.”

I shivered in response.

He felt it and grinned.

The grin was too much to resist, so I let him go, turned to grab the plate in his hand, snagged some silverware, and headed for the table.

“Are you going to be here every time I wake up?” I asked as I sat.

He filled a second plate and informed me, “Got MK tomorrow ‘til Wednesday.”

I nodded as my brain made quick work of his answer.

I’d snuck out of his bed the previous Sunday, and I didn’t see him again until Wednesday afternoon. I didn’t see him because he had his daughter.

This made sense.

I also gathered that he hadn’t saidnoto my question, only that he needed to focus on his fatherly duties the next few days. I interpreted this to mean next Thursday, hewouldlet himself into my house and be there when I woke up.

I looked forward to that.

I also couldn’t help but wonder when I might get to meet his Mary-Kate.

I’d never dated anyone with a child before. Obviously, it wasn’t a deal breaker—but there were boundaries when it came to kids I’d never before traversed.

As if he was in my head, after Mustang dropped into his now usual spot, he asked, “You free Monday night?”

I picked up my fork and murmured, “Yes.”

“We’ll go to dinner. MK likes Railyard. Their food’s not total shit.”

Nervous excitement sparked in my belly as I watched him take his first bite.

“Are you sure? If it’s too soon, I’ll under—”

“Tess?” he interrupted.

We held each other’s gaze, and I said nothing as he finished chewing.

“You like where this is goin’?”

I nodded my headyes.

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