Page 93 of Defending her Heart

Yup. That’s all it is. I take out my chicken sandwich and tear into it, hoping the protein goes straight to my muscles so I make it through the rest of my day without collapsing.

At the end of the day, once again, Paisley is the last student to get picked up. I watch her concentrate on cutting out her snowman. Sitting still is a challenge for her. She’s an active girl and loves spending time outside. But with the freezing rain today, we had to stay inside for recess.

I startle when a hand cups my ass and lips find my neck. “Have a good day?”

“Nash.”

“Breathless. Just like last night.” He grins at me and stares at my mouth. “How are you feeling today?”

I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how sore my body is, even though he wasn’t rough last night.

“Fine.” I fold my arms across my chest and take a step away from him. “Paisley is finishing her snowman.” I state the obvious.

Nash runs his tongue along his bottom lip and meets my gaze. “Come over for dinner.”

“I have plans,” I lie.

“Cancel—”

“Daddy!” Paisley saves me and runs into Nash’s legs. “I made a snowman and cut really good on the lines. See?” She holds her paper out for him.

Thankful for the interruption, I busy myself with picking up while Nash gathers Paisley’s things. Staying on the other side of the room, I wave to Paisley. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Ignoring them, I turn my back on them and straighten the bookshelf.

“Dinner tomorrow.” Nash comes up behind me and brushes my hair to the side, kissing the side of my neck. “I’ll pick you up at six.” He leaves before I can turn him down.

WHEN NASH PICKS MEup the following evening, I’m surprised he’s alone. “Where’s Paisley?”

“With my parents.” He gives me a friendly kiss on the lips, then looks over my shoulder. “You must be Ms. Wentworth.” Nash brushes past me and holds out his hand to my mother.

“You can call me Lina. It’s nice to meet you...”

I let out a sigh. “Mom, this is Nash. Nash, my mom, Lina.”

“Lina. What a pretty name. I see where your daughter gets her beautiful looks from.”

I roll my eyes at my mother’s giggle and refuse to believe there’s any sentiment behind his words. Dani comes in from the kitchen, and when she sees how huge Nash is, she curls her shoulders and lowers her head.

Rushing over to her, I take her hands in mine and look her in the eye. “Danielle, this is, um, a friend. Remember Paisley from my classroom? He is her father.”

A few weeks ago, it was Bring Your Daughter to Work Day, and Revere always lets me bring Dani. She loves interacting with my students and playing with them outside. Paisley didn’t leave her side and the two played together all day.

“You’re Danielle?” Nash remains where he is on the other side of the living room. “Paisley hasn’t stopped talking about you. One of the best days of her life was with you at the playground. I’m so happy to finally meet you. My name is Nash.”

My mother does nothing to hide her verbal swoon, and I’m tempted to roll my eyes again. When Dani giggles, I release the tension in my shoulders. She picks her head up and smiles at Nash. I mean, it’s hard not to. He’s a gorgeous man.

“Paisley is my friend.” Dani puts her finger in her mouth and nibbles on her fingernail. “Can I play with her again?”

“She would love that. We’ll have you over soon. Kendall and I will find a time that works for you.”

“Can I see Paisley now?”

“Not tonight, honey.” My mother comes over and squeezes Dani’s arm. “Your sister and Nash are going on a date. Some other time, okay?”

“It’s not a date,” I grumble.

“Oh?” She looks at me with shock and...disappointment?

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