Page 68 of Playboy

Outside her building, she pulls me to a stop. “Can I ask you something?”

I nod, lost in the depths of her beautiful blue eyes.

“The tequila bottles, the restaurant—” Her brow creases. “Why were you trying so hard?”

With a sigh, I stroke her cheek. “I want you to like me.”

Her face lights up in amusement. “I like you enough, Daniel.”

I push in closer. “I want you to like me more than that.”

Lip caught between her teeth, she studies me. “Why?”

“Because I really like you.” I angle in close and brush my lips against hers. Instantly, need consumes me again. It always does when I’m this close to her. Fingers wrapped around the back of her neck, I pull her mouth to mine, inhaling her.

I want her to more than like me. I want her to crave me the way I crave her. Maybe I’m doing this wrong. Maybe I should be holding back and playing some type of game to keep her interested, but I can’t find it in me to do that. I want her to want me. Not because she’s having my baby. Not just because our sexual chemistry is out of this world. Those are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our potential.

That thought has me pulling back. I need more from this woman, and if I keep kissing her, she’ll think I only want one thing. “When can I see you again?”

She whimpers, chasing my lips, but I grasp her arms and hold her in place.

“You can come up,” she says, motioning to the door.

I shake my head. “Not tonight. I want to take you out again. I need a redo.”

She giggles. “Personally, I thought this was an epic date. Not sure you can top it.”

Forehead pressed to hers, I squeeze her arms. “Let me try.”

“I’ll be in town again next week.”

“Next week it is.” Straightening, I hug her tight. Then, with a final kiss to her forehead, I say good night.

I’m not sure anything I did tonight got me farther in my quest to win Hannah’s heart, but I’ll figure it out one date at a time.

TEXT MESSAGES FROM HANNAH’S AND DANIEL’S PHONES

Sara: HANNAH. We’ve all been good. We’ve patiently waited for you to tell us, but PLEASE put us out of our misery.

Hannah: LOL, what?

Lennox: Don’t WHAT us.

Hannah: You obviously already know.

Ava: And we’re very happy for you.

Sara: Stop being so nice, Ava.

Sara: Hannah!

Hannah: Fine. I’m pregnant with Daniel Hall’s baby. Happy now?

Sara: ECSTATIC. But the better question is how are YOU?

Hannah: Tired. Overwhelmed. Tired. Nervous. Have I said tired yet?

Ava: Lol. Pregnancy is exhausting.

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