Page 17 of The Stud Next Door (Frisky Business 3)
It’s a win-win for him. He can do his business and also see his daughter. What is there to think about?
After a beat of silence, during which I’m ready to hide from the embarrassment of inviting myself on his trip, his expression changes and his emerald eyes lock with mine again.
“Okay.” Connor nods, a small smile spreading on his lips.
“Okay, as in yes, you’ll take me with you?”
“Okay, as in I’d be grateful to have you come with us and watch Marley while I work. I’ll put you up in a hotel room, of course. Everything will be covered, and you’ll get a fantastic bonus too.”
A thrill runs along my spine at the thought of a night away. “So, where are we going?”
“Indianapolis,” he says, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Shit, I’ve got to run, but I’ll text you the details, okay?” He pauses and meets my eyes again. “Thank you, seriously, for saving me with this. I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I nod and shrug at the same time, so overwhelmed that I probably look more like I’m having a tiny muscle spasm. But I don’t care. Because I’m going on a trip with my hot neighbor and his adorable little girl, and no amount of awkwardness on my part can stop it.
As promised, Connor texts me the details shortly after he heads back to his place. I spend the rest of my day organizing my little kitchenette and planning out my outfits for our one-night stay.
It’s a lot of pressure trying to figure out what to wear that strikes the perfect balance between “I find you incredibly sexy” and “I’m still fit to take care of your two-month-old child.” But I’d like to think I’ve picked out some options that find that sweet spot.
The next morning, I meet Connor and baby Marley out by his car at eight a.m. sharp, just as he requested. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but one look at Connor nearly gives me heart palpitations.
I’m used to casual Connor, or even business-casual Connor, but this? In a crisp pair of navy-blue slacks and a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up halfway? This is business-meeting Connor, and I really freaking like what I see.
Who knew I was so into forearms? And when he bends over to secure Marley into her car seat? Yeah, let’s just say those slacks hug him in all the right places.
The drive from Chicago to Indianapolis isn’t too bad. We alternate between listening to Connor’s music and chatting about his job, both of which are opportunities for me to stop obsessing about every little thing that’s happening.
By the time we arrive at the hotel, Connor still has a solid hour before his meetings begin. He heads into the lobby to check us in while I tend to a fussy Marley, who’s more than ready to be freed from her car seat. I unbuckle the straps and pull her out into my arms, bouncing and rocking her while holding her to my chest. She’s warm and a little sweaty, like most babies after a nap, but the sweet smell of her skin brings a smile to my face.
All things considered, she’s a little angel baby. I have no problem hanging out with her in my room today. In fact, it might be difficult to give her back to Connor tonight.
I turn to the sound of footsteps approaching behind me. It’s Connor, with some papers from the hotel in his hand and a grimace on his face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. There’s no reason to beat around the bush anymore. It’s obvious when something’s up with him.
He squints uncomfortably, looking down at the asphalt. “It’s the reservation.”
“Was there a problem? Do we need to find somewhere else to stay?”
“Uh . . . well, no. There was a mix-up.”
“A mix-up?”
“They gave us one room.”
“Oh.”
“With a king-size bed.”
“Oh.”
“The one thing they can accommodate is a baby. They’ll be bringing a crib up for Marley shortly.”
My mind starts reeling faster than I can catch up with it. One room. King-size bed. Connor and me, sleeping in it together. Tonight. Right now. It’s happening.
Holy shit.
“Jessa, I’m sorry, this is so inappropriate.” He groans, scrubbing a hand roughly over his face.
I snap out of my horny dreamland and plaster a polite, sympathetic smile on my face. “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. A king-size bed is practically a small island. I’m sure we can make it through one night unscathed, right?”
My words come out cool and casual, but I’m not sure if either of us believes them.
Connor’s expression is an unreadable mask. If I didn’t know better, I would think he’s mad about something.
After a slow inhale, he turns and takes our bags out of the trunk and then leads the way up to the room. Our room. The room where we’ll be sharing a bed tonight. My body buzzes with anticipation, and I squeeze my fingernails into my palm to try to fight it.
