The Rock Star's Baby Bargain - Lili Valente Page 0,13
conversation. I’m sure removing Zack’s hand from my thigh would help, but I’m not about to do anything to discourage him from getting his hands all over me.
There’s a reason I wore a sundress with spaghetti straps and no bra.
I am a woman on a mission, and I’m not above using every weapon in my arsenal to ensure I get what I want, what I need so badly that I feel a little dizzy every time I glance Zack’s way.
God, he’s pretty. And sexy. And sweet.
But he’s also a reasonable human being who isn’t suffering from a killer case of baby-making fever.
I’m almost certainly going to be disappointed. He’s going to say no. He should say no! No is the only reasonable answer to a request like the one I intend to make.
“Would that work?” he asks, making me jump in surprise.
“Sorry, what?” I shake my head, laughing as I turn his way. “Sorry, I was spacing out. What did you say?”
“No worries.” He smiles. “I asked if you were okay with waiting for dinner until we get to the hotel around seven? Or would you like to stop somewhere earlier?”
I shift in my seat, sending his hand sliding higher on my thigh, making my pulse beat hungrily between my legs. “Seven is fine,” I say, barely resisting the urge to squirm beneath his touch.
I have to get control of myself, or Zack’s going to think I’m a sex fiend.
Fernando. I should talk about Fernando. Nothing less sexy than chatting about the guy who just dumped you.
“I’m used to eating late,” I add. “Fernando was raised in Barcelona, and they never eat before eight or nine over there. He says it’s because they need time to build up an appetite post siesta.”
“Best custom ever,” Zack says, not seeming bothered by the mention of my ex, which is refreshing. Fernando was so jealous I couldn’t bring up an old boyfriend in passing conversation without him having a fit about it. “I wish we did the siesta thing. I get up to run at five most mornings, and I’m always ready for a nap by two or three.”
“Me, too,” I say, adding with a laugh. “The nap part, not the five a.m. part. I don’t get up that early to do anything, but I do try to make time to sketch in my design book before breakfast. It’s my most creative time of the day.”
He casts a warm glance my way before his gaze returns to the road. “Me, too. There’s always music in my head first thing in the morning. What do you sketch?”
“Furniture and textile designs mostly. I fell into clothing design by accident. Interior design is my first love.” I shrug. “So even though losing my job is scary, it’s also an opportunity to course-correct career-wise. I’ve already sent out some feelers and received a portfolio request from an amazing interior design firm in Bangor. They do funky, outside of the box stuff that’s still high-end and timeless. I love their aesthetic.”
“That’s awesome. Congrats.”
“Thanks,” I say with a sigh. “I’m excited to apply but cautiously optimistic about my chances. They loved the work I did on Theo’s restaurant, but that’s my only fully executed project. I’m pretty sure they’re looking for someone with more of a track record.”
He nods. “It’s like that in the music industry, too. I’ve been part of a successful band for a long time, but it was still hard to find someone willing to take a chance on a solo deal. I had to agree to take most of the profit on the back end.” He looks over his shoulder, signaling as he pulls into the left lane to pass a slow-moving SUV. “But that’s fine. I’ve been saving hard the past few years. My grandparents are all set for retirement, even if they end up needing care at home, so I’m free to take risks.”
“Did you always live with your grandparents?” I ask, spreading my fingers in the air between us. “If that isn’t too personal.”
He flashes a big grin my way that makes my incorrigible nipples start tingling again. “No, it’s not too personal. You can ask me anything you want. And yeah, I did. My mom lived with us for a while when I was little, but she couldn’t stay clean, so my grandmother asked her to leave. I was six. Haven’t seen her since.”
Wincing, I nod. “I’m sorry. But I’ve been there. My mom’s an addict, too. Heroin.”