Page 58 of Sins of the Father

“It means idiot.”

He grunts. “That fits Mitch. Why is she with him?”

“Love is blind, and she loves him,” I meekly offer.

“Well, I hope she leaves him.”

“I didn’t thank you for defending my honor.”

“Not happy I did it at Quinn’s wedding, but the guy had it coming.”

“No one’s ever punched anyone for me before.” I lean into his ear. “It was kind of hot.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“If I’m telling the truth, I think everything about you is hot.”

His lips twitch. “Eat your burger.”

We finish our food and beer, and leave. When we get to the top of the stairs, his driver is waiting.

“Where are we going now?” I ask after we’re both inside the car.

“There are two options to explore Chicago. Bus or boat. It’s a perfect day for the boat, but we can do the bus if you prefer.”

“Boat.”

He pecks me. “I’m so happy you didn’t pick the bus.”

I rub his thighs. “I think you’d be a sardine on a bus.”

“That’s a good way to put it.”

We get to the river, and after a quick talk, the MC lets us on the vessel. The boat is half full, and we sit in the very back corner. Steven puts his arm around me.

“I’m surprised at how green the water is. I would have thought it was dark.”

“I kayak in this river a lot.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

“I love to kayak.”

He smiles. “I’ll have to take you kayaking here sometime.”

“Deal.”

There is a live commentary on the history of the buildings, and I’m sure it’s interesting, but all I’m into is Steven.

I snuggle into his chest and tilt my head up. He turns his hat backward, which only makes my insides throb some more. His finger traces my cheekbone then over my lips. “Will I make you feel guilty if I selfishly tell you I want you to stay in Chicago?”

My insides flutter. “You do?”

He dips down and pecks me on the lips. “More than anything. Will you think about it?”

I freeze. The throbbing of my blood pounds in my ears. He has his sunglasses on, but I can see his eyes through the lenses, focused on me.

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