Page 55 of Unexpected Delivery

Hayes can kiss.

And I let myself just experience it.

It’s nice not having to constantly be in control. He goes from ravenous to slow, sensual kisses that have me whimpering against his lips. I’m not sure how long we stand there, lost in one another, but it’s enough time that my body once again tries to convince me I’m not still healing from giving birth.

Dammit.

I’m so ready to be back to feeling like my old self.

Hayes retreats and pecks a final kiss on my swollen lips. His chest heaves as violently as mine does, and knowing he’s as affected as I am is a heady feeling.

I end up smiling while my fingers dig into his sides.

His eyes sparkle as he stares down at me, and I can’t hold back.

“What was that for?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.

“I really needed to kiss you.” A playful smile takes over his face as his fingers dig into my ass. “All right, let me change out of my sweaty clothes, and we can decide where we’re going to eat.”

Would it be weird to ask if I could have that outfit to hide under my pillow?

Probably.

Maybe I’ll see if I can covertly borrow his clothes out of his gym bag once we get home.

Something changed big time yesterday. I’m not positive what happened, but I’m not complaining.

Hayes takes me to a little Italian restaurant that I haven’t been to before. It’s homey and inviting, and I lean against the stoic alpha in the circular booth as I feed Gracie while we wait.

I keep her blanket covering all my parts because I’m still not completely comfortable nursing in public.

Hayes reaches over, running his fingers over her little socked feet. It’s intimate, and I try not to focus too much on how we probably look like a small family.

I’m sure we do, but Hayes doesn’t seem to mind. He even scoops her up to burp her while I get myself situated.

The waitress brings our plates, and she coos over what an incredible husband I have.

It makes my face heat, but Hayes squeezes my shoulder. “Trust me when I say I’m the lucky one.”

The older woman places down my spaghetti with meatballs, and my eyes widen. Even with the constant hunger that comes from breastfeeding, I’ll have plenty of leftovers for a late-night snack.

Hayes nods at my plate. “Go on, dig in. I’ve got her. She’s all bright-eyed.” He nuzzles his cheek to the top of Gracie’s head and continues patting her back. “I want to soak up spending time with her while she’s awake.”

The waitress sets down Hayes’s plate and catches my gaze, winking. “That one is a keeper.”

I smile, nodding my agreement as he chuckles.

“I’ll have to take you out more often. I’ve got quite the hype team going.” He laughs, low and throaty, and all I can seem to focus on is how much I’d enjoy another kiss…

Possiblymorethan a kiss.

Hayes is magical. I’m not sure how he manages to eat one-handed while holding Gracie, but he does. Once I’m stuffed, I take her to the bathroom for a quick diaper change and do a double take when I make it back to the table.

Hael pops up, smirking as he eyes me from head to toe. “Hey, beautiful. How are my two favorite girls?” He scoops her out of my arms while I peek around for Morris, but he’s not here.

Hael grabs my hip, pulling me to him. He bends, kissing the edge of my mouth. His scratchy stubble barely rakes over my cheek before his warm, plush lips are gone.

I sputter out, “H-Hi.”

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