Page 25 of Where It Begins

And I hit the motherlode. There are endless pictures of Skye on the beach, in the restaurant, on excursions, dressed in various outfits. And of course, because she’s wearing a bathing suit in many of them, my body starts to react. I consider my options. I can ignore the issue and eventually it will go away, or I can manage it. Option two is far more alluring.

As if she knows what I’m thinking about doing, Skye messages back. I read the message through twice. She’s just dropped the girls off. But she left here over an hour ago.

I message back:

Sidney: Did you have to drive across town? Is everything okay? Lmk.

I don’t hear back for a while, so I assume she’s still driving. I must fall asleep because I’m startled awake by the buzz of my phone on my chest.

Skye: Everything’s fine on my end. I had a girl-to-girl talk with Claire and Millie and we ended up going to a café that I’m now in love with. Picked up Violet and she had quite the night. Seems like there’s something in the air. ?? Hope all went well with the boys. *crossed fingers emoji*

I compose a reply, but it takes a while since my fingers are apparently half asleep, too:

Sidney: Talk with the boys was appropriately awkward, but it needed to be had. Thank you for dealing with the girls. That wasn’t how I envisioned our date ending. Maybe we can check out that café next week, if you have time in your schedule and I haven’t completely scared you off.

Skye: you haven’t scared me off at all. The opposite, in fact. I love that your priority was managing your son and his friend tonight, and that you accepted my help with the girls. I would love to see you next week. Let’s chat tomorrow and see what works in our schedules.

“Fuck yeah.” I fist pump.

Sidney: Miller has a game in the morning, I’ll message when he’s on the ice. I’m very much looking forward to hearing about your chat with the girls. ??

Skye: Ha! It was enlightening on both sides. ?? Chat soon. Night.

Sidney: night

I set my phone on my nightstand and go to sleep with a smile on my face.

CHAPTERSEVEN

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU

Skye

I check my reflection in the mirror one last time. This evening Sidney and I are going on a dessert date. I decided on jeans and a light sweater. Casual, comfortable. Underneath, I’m wearing a sexy bra and panties. I’m prepared for all possible end of date outcomes.

I find Violet in the living room with a lap pad perched on her thighs and her math textbook beside her. There’s a teen drama playing on the TV, the sound so low it’s nearly impossible to hear.

“I’ll only be gone a couple of hours. Do you need anything before I head out?”

Violet pushes her glasses up her nose. “Nope, I’m good. Just gonna do some practice questions for my finite test next week and watch some hot angsty vampires.” She motions to the TV.

I kiss Violet on the cheek. “Text me if you need anything.”

“Will do. Have fun on your date.”

“Thanks. I’ll bring you back a treat from the café.”

“Awesome. Thanks.”

I leave her to study and drive to the café. Sidney is already there when I arrive, sitting at a table for two. Today he’s dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. A black jacket is slung over the back of his seat and his hair is neatly styled. He looks utterly delicious. His face lights up with a wide smile as his eyes move over me on a slow, appreciative sweep.

When I reach him, he takes my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckle. That gentle press resonates through my body and settles in my panties.

“Every time I see you, you’re more beautiful than the last,” he murmurs.

“And every time I see you, I want to get you naked,” I blurt, then bite my lips together before I add, “That wasn’t what I meant to say.”

His grin widens. “I like your honesty, though.” He leans in and lowers his voice. “And I also like that we’re on the same page. Should we order something so we can attempt to appease the sexual tension with sugar and caffeine?”

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