Page 5 of He Saved My Boy
Davis bites on his lower lip and rolls his eyes as his head slowly shakes. Holding a finger out to me, he digs his phone from his pocket. Quickly, he unlocks his phone and pulls something up, then a small laugh escapes as he pulls the phone close to his chest. “Before I tell you my plans, I want you to take note of the reservation I made days ago.”
Immediately, I recognize the riverboat logo. But before I can say anything, he asks, “Is this the tour company you’ve booked?”
Trying to fight the corners of my lips from turning up, I nod and fight like hell to keep a straight face. “Yep. I booked it before I went for my run this morning.”
Davis takes a drink from his coffee and smirks. “Look who’s the stalker now?”
“I’m pretty sure that title still goes to you. But…” I draw out for effect. “If you play your cards right, maybe we can go together.”
A dark brow lifts in challenge, as he leans back in his chair. “And just what would I have to do to play my cards right?”
My stomach literally flips as if the floor just dropped out from under me as his lips quirk and strong arms cross over his broad chest. When his arms flex, I swear my mouth dries and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. Holy hell. Davis is hot.
What the hell is this man doing to me?
Trying to sound unaffected by his sudden smolder projecting my way, I straighten and clear my throat. “Well…” What are my conditions? “Let’s start with breakfast. If we’re not tired of each other by then, I’m open to going to the river with you.”
“Okay—I think I can live with that. Just one condition…”
What on earth could his condition be?
He must sense my hesitation because he suddenly leans forward and adds, “Don’t worry—it’s harmless. I just need to pick up something for my niece. I can’t be in the running for favorite uncle if I don’t get a gift to them before they get home from the hospital. I just found out she’s arrived a few weeks early, so I haven’t picked out anything yet.”
Can ovaries explode? Because his eagerness to be this child’s favorite uncle is both adorable and impressive.
“Uh, it would likely get to her faster if you found something online and shipped it.”
He nods in agreement. “True…” Then he holds up a finger. “But any of my brothers or brother-in-law could just one-click. Trust me—that’s how I usually roll. But since I can’t travel to see her in person, I need to bring out the big guns. Maybe I’ll strike out, but it’ll be worth looking. I could hit the mother lode and easily climb my way to the top of her long list of uncles.”
Davis is adorable in his determination to be the best. “Just how many uncles are you competing with?”
“I’m the youngest of four. Derek—my oldest brother is the newest father. When my siblings spoused up—and popped out kids, it’s been a fierce competition.” He stops momentarily, his nose scrunches up unexpectedly, and his mouth twists to the side as if he’s suddenly remembering something. “Damn, if we’re talking about Damien’s kids—I guess Vince is among my competitors, too.”
Mentally, I tick off the list he just mentioned, trying to make sure I follow his logic. “Do you have all brothers? Or is there a sister mixed in there?”
“Just one—Dani. She’s right behind Derek and before Damien. And before you say anything—Yes, we all have D names. It’s became a family tradition now that my siblings are having kids, too.”
Thankfully, I don’t have to because we’re interrupted with the arrival of our breakfast. Not only do the fluffy pieces of toast make my mouth water, but the sliced peaches smell divine.
As the friendly woman sets our plates in front of us, she smiles. Then, in that Southern tone I’ve come to enjoy as a visitor to Texas, she offers, “Here ya go. If you need anything else, I’m Tilly, and I’d be happy to get it for you.”
After thanking Tilly, I can’t help myself from tasting the golden perfection in front of me. A moan escapes my mouth as I devour it. Before I know it, I’ve eaten an entire piece. Eventually, when I look up, I find Davis looking at me with a bemused expression.
“What?” I ask, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
Shaking his head as if he doesn’t realize he had been staring, he shrugs. “It’s nothing. Just got lost in thought, that’s all.”
Not sure if I should press the issue, I point to his plate with my fork. “You going to eat?”
Cutting off a chunk of toast, he quickly shoves it in his mouth with a goofy grin. When his eyes never leave mine, a sudden tremor zings down my spine and flips in my belly. This is something I haven’t felt in years—well before meeting Davis. I’m not sure what to make of it.
Somehow, he must sense my reaction because he finishes chewing and says, “What do you say we hurry up and get out of here?”
In this moment, I can think of a million things I’d like to let myself do with him—if only we were alone. But I’m certain his words were meant to be innocent. Unlike the sudden left turn of my befuddled brain.
How long has it even been since I let myself think those thoughts—let alone act upon them?
When Davis just stares, waiting for a reaction, I answer both of our questions. “It’s been way too long since I’ve been spontaneous and just went with things. Promise me one thing…”
