Page 32 of Don't Call Me Daddy
Ever since I crossed the county line into Ashford Falls, it’s like Fern’s list has come alive and is creating every opportunity written on it. At this pace, I’ll be finished with the entire thing by the time the festival rolls around and I leave for Transylvania.
The thought of completing it and moving on to whatever’s next sends a wave of panic straight to my chest, and I instinctively rub my palm over my aching heart.
It’s rare that I don’t have the list with me, but I didn’t exactly have a place to put it in this tiny dress. I couldn’t even wear abra because the cutout in the back, and my nipples are rubbing themselves raw with every brush against the sequins.
“What’s wrong? Is it too much? Do you need some air?” Leo’s deep voice whispers in my ear, sending chills up my neck.
This man doesn’t miss anything, does he? How is he already so perceptive to my changes in mood when we only just met?
I shake my head and brush the ache away. Thankful for his well-timed distraction, I wrap my hands around his neck and pull him closer. He stares at me with a concerned look, like he’s trying to solve a puzzle, like he’s not buying my act for one second.
That’s ridiculous, Ivy. He doesn’t even know you. It’s just the way his face looks. Stop making this bigger than it is.
I sway my hips to the music, ignoring his questioning stare as I look up at his massive frame that’s encompassing me like a protective barrier, shielding me from the mass of dancing bodies. It’s so dark and loud now with only a spotlight shining on the stage; we might as well be the only ones in the room.
He doesn’t tear his gaze away as he studies me like he’s just waiting for me to crack again. But I’m nothing if not a professional. Even the observant Leo Kingsley is no match for my ability to avoid the pain of my grief.
I spin around him as I dance to the music while he stands stiff as a statue, but his gaze doesn’t waver as he watches me.
“Come on, Leo. Dance with me,” I yell over the music.
He shakes his head. “I don’t dance.”
“Shocker.” I roll my eyes, then spin around so my ass is pressed against him and begin to grind in a slow rhythm to the beat of the music.
“What are you … doing?”
His hands move to my hips, and he squeezes, like he doesn’t know whether to push me away or press me into him. I makethe decision for him when I press my ass against him harder and fold at the waist as I begin to twerk.
“Jesus Christ, Ivy.” He clenches my waist, then pushes me away … but not before I feel the hard length of his cock through the thin layer of fabric of my dress.
We’re both breathless now as I give him a playful grin. “Relax. I’m just having a little fun. It’s what people in love do, remember?” I walk my fingers up the panel of his tux and run my hands over his freshly shaven jaw. “You’re too uptight. They’re never going to believe you’re getting laid if you keep scowling like that. You need to loosen up. Have a little fun.”
“Who says I’m not having fun? You don’t even know me.” His nostrils flare, and he holds perfectly still as I run my fingers through his dark, wavy hair.
I shake my head and laugh. “If this is you being fun, then I’d hate to see you angry.”
The music blends into an Elton John song, and I pull his hands. “Come on. You can at least handle a slow song.”
To my absolute shock, he follows me to the middle of the floor and pulls me into him as he begins leading me in a slow dance. I narrow my eyes, and he just shrugs.
“What? I didn’t say I couldn’t dance, just that I didn’t.”
I follow his lead as he spins me around and circles his arms around me like a goddamn professional.
“Someone has a hidden talent, doesn’t he?” I tease.
“Mom made all of us take ballroom dancing classes every summer. Said it was important for men to know how to be gentle and graceful.” He leans in and whispers, “But I always thought she enjoyed torturing us after having to watch all of our sports.”
His thumb moves in soft circles over my hip, and now, my heart is catapulting in my chest.
“I’m with Mary on this one. I think a man who can dance is sexy. She did you a favor, my guy.” I wink, and he shakes hishead, letting out a small sigh before sending me twirling me in a circle.
When I snap back to his chest, I suck in a breath of surprise, which seems to please him because I catch the slightest twitch of a smirk pull at the corner of his lips. Maybe there’s hope for him yet.
“You’re good at this, you know.” His voice comes out slow and deep.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Good at what?”
