room. “I managed to keep you alive from birth, didn’t I? I think the little one and I are going to be just fine. I’ve spent a lot of time with him today, with Mack hovering close. He’s a good one.”
“He’s the sweetest little thing ever,” I agree, a smile playing on my nude lips as I slip the teardrop earrings onto each lobe.
Dad just looks at me. “I wasn’t talking about the baby.” The meaning behind his statement hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you downstairs before the man has a heart attack waiting.”
My eyes widen. “Is he all right?”
He laughs. “Oh, he’s fine. Nervous and anxious to see you.” With a wink, he escorts me out of the guest room and down the stairs.
My dad is staying in the motorhome. As much as I tried to get him to take the room I have been sleeping in, he insisted I be in the house, close to Oliver. Mack even offered his bedroom, suggesting he sleep on the couch or in the motorhome, but Jim Stanley wouldn’t hear of it, claiming he was looking forward to staying a few nights in a much more updated version of the sleeper he was accustomed to back in his traveling days.
As we descend the stairs, Mack starts to come into view. First, I see the sleek, black dress shoes and tailored tuxedo pant legs. When I’m finally able to see the entire picture, it steals my breath. Mack is wearing a gorgeous black tuxedo with a black tie and a crisp white dress shirt that fits him like a second skin, and he’s staring at me, a look I can’t decipher on his handsome face.
“You look…” he starts but doesn’t finish.
I glance down, hoping I haven’t completely overdone it with this dress. I mean, he said a formal gala, so I assumed this dress was appropriate for such an event, but now, as I take in his rigid posture and his lack of words, I wonder if I chose wrong.
My dad chuckles. “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee,” he says as he leaves the room.
I watch him go, just so I don’t have to try to read into what Mack’s saying. Or not saying. I spy Oliver in his swing, sleeping peacefully as he gently moves from side to side. My feet carry me toward him, and I’m smiling as I lean down and slip my finger into his small fist. He doesn’t wake, but grips my fingertip as he usually does. Carefully, I crouch down, pause the movement, and place a gentle kiss on his hand before letting the swing continue to sway.
“Lean.” There’s so much pain in that word, the way he says my nickname. When I stand up and turn around, I don’t know what I’m expecting, but what I see is not it. He looks pained, but not in the way I was prepared for. It’s more…desire swirling in his eyes and dancing across his gorgeous face.
“Yes?” The word slips from my lips, but even to my ears, it sounds foreign.
He steps forward, invading my personal space. I’m wrapped in his scent, in a rich spicy aroma that reminds me of those fancy cologne samples in popular magazines. The ones you always smell because they’re absolutely divine, but never actually expect to smell on a human being, let alone someone as attractive as Mack Cruz. “You look positively stunning. You take my breath away.”
An instant smile breaks out across my lips. “Really?”
His hand wraps around my waist before sliding to my lower back. He leans in and I’m not sure if he’s going to kiss me or smell me. Frankly, either would be fine right now. When he takes that final step forward until we’re practically chest to chest, his eyes burn into mine as he says, “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He seems to notice the jewelry adorning my ears and neck. “This new?” he asks as his warm fingers graze my collarbone, sending goosebumps dancing on my skin and a wave of desire dampening my tiny little panties. I’ve been in his presence for all of two minutes and they’re already useless.
I clear my throat and reply, “They were my mother’s. Dad gave them to me to wear.”
Mack smiles as he looks at the necklace. “They’re beautiful and meaningful.”
I nod, the lump in my throat so big I can’t speak.