Page 87 of Playboy

“Everyone can stop with theI’ve got herthing.” I arch an unimpressed eyebrow at both of my brothers. “You all know that I’ve got myself. I don’t need a man to protect me.” I dart a glance at Daniel, and the tension in my body releases. “But I like this one, so be nice.”

Daniel squeezes my fingers, and Ash blows out a breath. “Fuck, never thought I’d see the day that Hannah wasnice.”

I think Daniel is about to tear Ash’s head off—even if he is a dangerous motherfucker who’s not to be messed with—but when I bark out a loud laugh, he relaxes and shakes his head. “You guys are all brutal,” he mutters.

Riggs chuckles. “You’re part of the family now. Get used to it.”

I bite down on my lip hard as a realization hits. I want it. I want it so bad I can taste it. But I’m scared to want it at the same time, so I change the subject before I can focus on the way Daniel’s cheeks have gone a warm red, like he’s both surprisedand pleased with that idea. “Speaking of family, how are my nephews?”

Riggs pulls out his phone and gives us a play-by-play of all the sports the boys are now involved in and how Pierce—their father—is already itching to teach them how to shoot. I shake my head. I hate guns, but I know it’s a big part of life in rural Vermont. Especially for my brothers, who work in security.

“How’s Teddy?” I ask Ash.

My brother’s fists clench slightly, a tick that most would have missed, but I know him too well. When we were kids, he had a crush on the middle Berkshire girl, and I don’t know that it ever faded. I’m not sure if anything ever happened between the two of them, but she was married by the time he left the SEALs, and I’ve never seen him date or even mention another woman.

“She’s fine. Her daughter’s first birthday is this week and they’re doing some big celebration at the estate. Whole family is going to be in town. That’s how I knew we could make tonight work.”

I smile. “Give her my love.”

I’ve met Teddy a time or two over the years, but I feel like I know her far better than those limited interactions allowed because Ash has always talked about her, even if he never realizes it. It’s sad to think that they never got their chance.

That thought has me turning my focus back to Daniel.

I’m glad we’re getting this chance. I’m glad he’s giving it to us. Not just for our child, but because I’m starting to realize I could see a future with him. And I don’t want to look back years from now and wonder what would have happened if I’d spoken up, or what would have happened if I’d been brave enough to try.

As if he somehow knows precisely what I need, he wraps an arm around my chair and tugs me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. Then he turns back and answers questionafter question, acing the interrogation my brothers have thrown together.

I don’t bother to try to shut them down. I know better. Plus, I know that, to him, I’m worth it.

TWENTY-NINE

DANIEL

Brooks: How’s operation make Hannah fall for you going?

Aiden: God, I love love. We should add Beckett to this group. He’d have some input.

War: Guys, it’s 7 a.m. Why the hell are you up?

Snow: 4 a.m. in Vegas, and I haven’t gone to bed. At least not my own.

Brooks: LOL. We miss you, buddy. How’s Vegas?

Snow: A dream. You guys gotta come visit. The women here…fuckkk

Me: Talking to a group of guys who are all obsessed with their women.

Snow: Aw, shit. Even you?

Me: Even me. Miss you, bro. Call soon.

Smiling,I plug my phone into the charger, then turn all my attention on my current obsession.

“Okay, peanut—yup, that’s the name we’re going with, since your mama tells me you like the salty stuff, just like her.” I gently press my lips to Hannah’s belly, careful not to wake her. Though I’d gladly watch her sleep for hours, I have to get her up soon so we can hit the road. But before that, I want a little more time with my child. Once we get back to Boston, I won’t have unfettered access like I’ve had for the last few days. “Here’s the deal. I don’t get to talk to you as much as I want since mama’s got an important job and has to fly all over the country, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking of you always.” I rest my head on her thigh and close my eyes. “And wishing I was with you both.”

The last few days have been nothing short of perfect. Even a year ago, my ideal break from hockey included bars, beaches, and hooking up. This vacation couldn’t have been more different. Yet the mere idea of spending time with another woman makes me sick. There’s comfort in the softness of this woman. In the way she lights up when she smiles, in the spark in her eye when she’s gearing up to sass me. I love when she does it too. The teasing and the sex. Everything with her feels right.

Two nights ago, when she opened up about her divorce, it struck me that there really is potential here. I’ve known for a while that Hannah is my endgame, but I think she’s finally coming to terms with it too. Maybe even wanting it. A guy can hope, right?

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