that nonsense about the accusations from that woman and I felt bad for him. Only I didn’t. I felt bad for the woman because she had stooped that low. Or it could’ve simply been my traitorous hormones.
I’m leaning toward the latter.
Regardless, I hadn’t thought things all the way through when I texted him and then agreed to breakfast. What the hell are you supposed to wear to a breakfast date? Dinner, I understand. A night out dancing, I can figure that one out, too. But breakfast? Isn’t that the meal usually eaten while wearing pajamas?
For some reason, I’m thinking that won’t be appropriate attire.
I don’t even know where Kingston is taking me, which is how I find myself wearing nothing but a towel, standing in front of my mirror, when my doorbell rings.
“Shit.”
Remembering that Bianca convinced me to let Gabby spend the night and I know they stayed up way too late, I can’t rely on her to answer the door. Apparently I momentarily forgot that I’m not dressed, because I race through the house and fling open the front door before Kingston can ring the doorbell again. The last thing I need is for the girls to wake up. I already told Bianca that I was going to breakfast and that she should text me when they wake up.
“Uh … good morning?” Kingston’s greeting is accompanied by wide eyes as he stares at me.
Yup. I’m standing here in a towel while the goalie god is standing on my front porch.
“Sorry,” I say with a shy smile. “I’m almost ready.”
His grin widens as his eyes slide back to mine. “No need to rush on my account. I’m quite fond of the outfit.”
Rolling my eyes, I step out of the way and allow him inside. “I just need two minutes.”
Now that I notice he’s wearing a navy blue Henley and a pair of jeans, I don’t feel quite so intimidated by breakfast. In fact, that opens up a wealth of options for me as far as my wardrobe goes.
“I’ll be right back,” I assure him, then hurry back down the hall to my bedroom, remembering to close the door behind me.
Ten minutes later, I emerge wearing jeans and one of my favorite lightweight sweaters. It isn’t often that I wear something that doesn’t promote the Penalty Box, so it took a few extra minutes to locate suitable apparel.
“You look good enough to eat,” Kingston says when I join him in the living room.
Yep, ruthless flirt.
“Thanks.”
“Ready?” he asks.
“I am.”
“Bianca coming with us?” He glances at the stairs, and he seems almost … hopeful.
I won’t deny that him asking about Bianca—even accepting that she might join us for breakfast—melts my heart. My daughter is the most important person in my life. I put her first always, so it’s important that the men I date understand that. You’d be surprised at the number of men who can’t grasp that concept.
“Gabby stayed last night, so they’re still asleep. It’s just the two of us.”
“I can deal with that,” he says with a smirk.
After locking the door, Kingston walks me to the truck, his big hand on the small of my back. His warmth infuses me, but it does little to settle my nerves. Even the drive to the restaurant is uncomfortable, though I know it’s just me. I’ve been around Kingston for nearly half my life, yet being alone with him like this… I guess I never thought it would happen.
When he pulls into the parking lot of a small mom-and-pop place, I breathe a sigh of relief.
Kingston must’ve heard me because he laughs. “Relax.”
“Easier said than done,” I tell him, reaching for the door handle.
“Don’t move,” he insists before climbing out and walking around to my side.
I wait for him to open my door, but before I can climb down, he steps forward, inserting himself between my legs when I turn.
I peer up into soulful brown eyes, holding my breath as I do.
“I shouldn’t do this,” he whispers.
“Do what?” I can hardly breathe.
“Kiss you.”
Yes, you can. Kiss me. Please. Kiss me. “Why not?”
His eyes drop to my lips. “Because I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop.”
Who cares? It’s clear my inner hussy doesn’t object, but I manage to keep my thoughts to myself, waiting for him to do or say something. Preferably do.
“As much as I want to wait for the perfect time to do this…”
Everything seems to be moving in slow motion again. I feel Kingston’s hand on my cheek, his thumb