Page 18 of Seducing Daddy

Despite the overwhelming attraction that pulsed between us, I appreciated his conscientious, sensitive side, which didn’t want to scare me off. Most men I’d encountered didn’t even detect my anxiety when it arose inconveniently, only my touchy side.

That’s exactly how I wanted it.

Even though I wasn’t sure about getting into any kind of relationship with Rex, he tempted me.

His question interrupted my thoughts. “So, what made you decide to give up your job at The Diamante to open your own business? It takes guts to do such a thing. Most small businesses don’t survive the first three years.” His thumb continued to stroke the back of my hand reassuringly.

“I appreciate everything the Dragos did—hiring me at the casino. It was a good place to work. I met people like Jessica, though she didn’t last long there.” There was a trace of laughter in my voice, remembering how she dumped lobster salad down Katie Jo Harper’s back when filling in as a waitress. “Anyway, later on, she, Nonna, and I fell in together during the time that I worked there, and we really haven’t been apart since. I’ve never had such good friends in my life. They keep me from losing my mind sometimes.”

“What do you lose your marbles over?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

Skillfully, I evaded the question. “Oh, not much. But you were asking about why I started my business.” Josie’s ears perked ahead, and they cheerfully bobbed up and down as she headed down the snow-covered road, as if eager to see what was around the bend. “I’ve always wanted to create something that allowed me to be my own boss.”

“I’ve noticed your independent nature,” he said, laughing richly.

“Exactly.” I extended an arm to show my agreement. “I love to crochet and learned how to do it from my grandmother, but never thought I’d be able to make a living with it. Until customers basically shouted at me, telling of a huge void that needed to be filled.” I stiffened, momentarily abashed over my unintentional double entendre. And yet, apparently, his mortification was greater than mine. For the first time, he couldn’t meet my eyes.

“Why, Reverend Pritchett, are you blushing?” Oh, he was fun to tease. “There’s nothing shameful about vibrators, you know. They’re a perfectly sex-positive choice. But lately, it’s gotten to where I really need to invest in a machine that will help me mass manufacture my products.” I turned up my smile a notch, egging him on. “I can no longer keep up with clients’ demand for custom-designed peen protectors. They’re more popular than I ever imagined. And there’s more to owning a business than just creating the product. There’s the marketing, bookkeeping, profits and loss, and the planning side. I bit off more than I could chew.” I glanced at him, realizing I’d gone on for too long about a topic that was probably of no interest to him.

But he wanted to know more. “Do you have plans for other products in the future, or will you be strictly focused on your latest invention?”

“I’ve got lots of ideas,” I replied, sitting up straighter on the bench, no longer noticing the chill in the air. “After going through a rough patch…” I kept it vague since I was pretty sure I wouldn’t handle it well if Rex perceived me as defective after learning about my past. “I started crocheting again. I was looking for something to keep me from going crazy because, honestly, some days, it was hard to even get out of bed. I have my grandmother to thank for the business I own. She taught me how to crochet. Running my own company also saved my sanity.”

He said nothing, and I squirmed on the bench seat, letting go of his hand. I shared more than I planned. Somehow, he got me to talk about my genuine feelings. And it didn’t seem like he got bored listening to me. “Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked.

He pulled the eager mare to a dead stop, and the sleigh bells jingled to a silent halt, all sound muffled by the snow on the ground. His expression stilled and grew serious. “Because, Jolene, in case you haven’t figured it out by now, I like you.”

I forced myself to settle down. His straightforward response took me aback. “We hardly know each other,” I remarked.

“But we’re getting to know each other,” He pointed out.

“Not as though we had a choice,” I said, struggling to push him away verbally because of the intense feelings he was stirring up inside. “Are you sure I’m not just one more parishioner you’re trying to save?” As soon as the words left my lips, I regretted them.

“It’s true. I enjoy taking care of people and treating them like family. But I don’t go around rescuing people for sport. I can only hope I’ll earn your trust.” He showed signs of moving in for a kiss, and I fought to prove to myself I was immune to him.

“You mean ‘trust’.” I put air quotes around that last word. “As in, let you get inside my pants.”

“Jolene, I hope you know me well enough to understand I’d never force you to do something you don’t want to do. I’ll take nothing you’re not willing to give freely.” He swept me, weightless, onto his lap, and I couldn’t tear myself away from my ridiculous preoccupation with his arresting lips. Gathering me into his arms, he held me snugly, and his mere touch sent a warm shiver through me. My hungry response to the touch of his lips shocked me as his lips recaptured mine, more demanding this time.

I’d been such an ass. He was basically telling me he was here for it. All of it. Exploring whether we were right for each other. And I was giving him the cold shoulder.

I pulled away from him, an apology in my eyes. “It’s true. I would love to spend more time with you. But I don’t want to interrupt your life or be a burden to you and your mother.”

“That’s the furthest thing from the truth,” he said, gripping my chin in his hand.

His gaze assessed me, and he released his hold on my chin and vowed, “If you’re not ready for anything more, I’d feel lucky just to be your friend—for now.”

I studiously avoided his stare. “Well, that’s good. I’d like to be your friend. And Rex…” I uttered his name like it was a prayer. A hymn. A Christmas carol my lips refused not to sing in July. “I really like you, too.”

My words had a surprising effect on him.

He wrapped his arms around my midriff, pulling me close, and I turned my face into his warm neck, feeling protected and unafraid.

“Baby girl, that’s the best Christmas present anyone’s ever given me.” I could feel the vibration of his words against my cheek.

“How do you know?” I retorted. “Christmas hasn’t come yet. Maybe there will be something even better under the tree.”

He kissed the top of my head and begged, “Please don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

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