I kiss the corner of his strong jaw and make my way across his cheek to the freckle above his brow. And then I kiss the side of his nose.
“Aidyn,” he says softly. “What are you doing?”
I almost make something up. But I can’t. “Memorizing you.”
He catches my mouth in a searing, frantic kiss. But then his next kisses are light and sweet. Almost harder to take. Because I’m not sure I deserve his tenderness. I’m not sure I deserve any of this. We make out for a bit, and then he rests his forehead against mine. “It’s time.”
I know he’s right. Jane must have gone by now, and if we wait too long, we’ll lose our chance. My clothes are a little rumpled, but at least they aren’t stained with cum. After I wash my hands, Garrett fixes my tie and combs his fingers through my hair.
“You look gorgeous, princess.”
I shake my head at him and swat his backside.
He looks like he’s holding in a laugh as he presses himself against the wall. At his nod, I pull the door open, saying a silent prayer.
Jane is gone. Thank fuck. But another girl is standing in front of the women’s restroom. She glances at me, and I can see the hope in her eyes. Shite.
“I wouldn’t go in there if I were you,” I say with a shake of my head. “The roast beef tore me up something fierce.”
She bounces on her feet, but her nose wrinkles. The other door suddenly opens, and she darts in with a relieved expression. I step all the way out and wander off, but not too far. When I realize no one is watching, I text Garrett.
Coast is clear.
Thank fuck.
I laugh as I walk away. Staying apart for a while is probably a good idea.
“Da?”
My head snaps up to find my daughter staring at me as if I’m an alien. I swallow the hysteria bubbling in my throat. Her dad smiling shouldn’t be a cause for concern. “Hey, lass?—”
“I’ve been looking for you,” she says, and it sounds like an accusation. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.”
“Oh, well, I was in the restroom.”
“You were?” She glances past me, toward the restroom, and I follow her gaze. Garrett is stepping out of the men’s room. Mystomach flips, but her eyes are clear when they return to my face. Thankfully, she’s too young to put anything together.
“Are you and Zoey having fun?” But just in case, talking about her best friend is always a good distraction.
Her face lights up. “Yes! And I promise, we’ve been good.”
Now I’m distracted thinking about what trouble they could have gotten into. “What did you?—”
“Hey, Tato. How’s it going?” Garrett kisses the top of her head, and I resist glaring at him. I didn’t tell him that we should stay apart for a bit, but it should have been understood.
Lanie grins at her uncle. “Great. I was just gonna ask Da if Zoey can spend the night.”
The heat of Garrett’s body draws me in, and I have to physically plant my feet not to go to him. Can others sense this thing between us? It burns just below the surface. How could they miss it? I try not to think about Garrett’s mouth on me. Or the way he kisses like he’s all in. Not a moment’s hesitation.
“Sure, lass,” I say, agreeing with Lanie’s plan mostly to get rid of her for a bit so I can work all this out.
She squeals, gives us both a quick hug, and runs off. Mission accomplished.
My relief at being able to focus on Garrett is short-lived. I’m not prepared for the frown on his face or the frustration in his eyes.
“What?”
“Is that a good idea, Aidyn? It’s difficult enough with just Lanie— Oh.” His face clears, and he ducks his head. “Sorry. I misunderstood.”
