Page 107 of Delinquent Daddy (Banks/Kincaid Family 2)

Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

unconscious, it's just...it makes this so much more real.

That's truly our daughter right there."

"Yeah," Ellie murmured.

As Boston continued to have his moment, Ellie's chest filled with shame. This was so new and fascinating for him, and it was her fault. If she hadn't kept him from Cassie...if she'd never lied, he'd have thousands of these moments collected in his memory.

The guilt ate at her.

He drew in a breath. "I better go."

Ellie nodded mutely and followed him to the door. As he opened it and stared out into the night, she finally spoke.

"You've got a long drive back. Are you sure you're going to make it okay? It's so late."

When he glanced toward her, her stomach tightened into a million knots. The streetlamp reflected off his hair, giving the black locks a blue-silver gloss. Suddenly, she remembered exactly how those locks felt. Realizing it'd been ten years since she'd truly buried her hands in them, her fingers itched for a mere touch.

It was on the tip of her tongue to invite him to stay...and not on the couch, when he answered, "I'll be fine."

Her hormones rioted, but she ignored them. Even her emotions screamed, wanting him to stay. She wanted to wash the guilt away by taking him to bed and erasing every lie and foul word she'd ever spoken to him. And God, she just wanted to be with him again.

251

Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

But she held her trap shut and obediently nodded her head. He stepped outside, and she followed him to the edge of the porch.

"Goodnight," he called when he reached the bottom step.

"Night," she answered and wrapped her arms around her waist to ward off the chilly breeze. "Drive safely."

In the scarce light, she spotted the glimmer of an amused smile crossing his face. "I will," he promised and started away.

"Boston," she whispered, almost hoping he didn't hear her.

But he did and paused, turning back. When she didn't speak, he moved back to the edge porch.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"I..." She swallowed audibly and moved closer.

He rose up one step until they were eye to eye.

"I'm not trying to disrupt the peace we've got going here,"

she said. "I swear, I'm not. But, please, I...I just need..."

She wasn't sure who moved first, but they came together hungrily. The kiss that followed could've shot sparks out the ends of her toes.

His lips were so soft and sure when they met hers, she melted instantly. Her itching fingers buried themselves in his hair. He growled deep in his throat and tugged her close until they pressed together, melding into one silhouette.

Mouths hot, breaths moist, they devoured, they tasted.

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