Hardwood - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,67

kitchen to get some water. I stare openly at Ev as he stands in all his naked glory, guzzling down a glass of water.

“I should probably get going. It’s late,” he says, setting the now empty glass down and wiping the back of his hand over his lips.

“You don’t have to,” I tell him, stepping closer to cage him in against the counter. “You could stay over.”

He puts a hand on my hip, digging his fingers into my skin and moaning helplessly. “You have no idea how much I want to say yes to that.”

“But you’re not going to?” I guess.

“It’s just…what if something happens and Val shows up with Livi again, but this time I’m not home?”

“Does that happen a lot?”

“No, but…” He trails off, giving me a helpless look.

“I get it.” I kiss his cheek and step back to free him.

We both head back to the bedroom, and I sit on the bed to watch as he gets dressed, doing my best not to take it too personally. His daughter comes first. Of course I understand that.

When all of his clothes are back on, he leans down and bumps his nose against mine.

“Thank you for an amazing night. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. Sleep well.”

“You too.”

I walk him to the front door and lock up behind him, focusing my energy on replaying all the incredible parts of tonight and forgetting about the less fun moments. About twenty minutes later, just as I’m crawling back into bed, my phone buzzes on my nightstand. I grab it to find a text.

Everett: I can’t think of a time I’ve ever smiled this much. I can’t wait to see you again.

Since I’m all alone in my apartment, I don’t even feel bad about the giddy sound I make as I read his words over and over again before finally texting back that I can’t wait either. Then, I set my phone aside and settle against my pillow.

I can still smell Ev’s scent lingering in my bed, and my heart beats faster. There’s no denying that I’m falling for him. I just hope to hell he’ll be there to catch me.

Chapter 19

Everett

Sitting at my desk in my office, I’m staring at an unfinished estimate on my computer while my mind wanders. It seems incapable of doing anything but wandering lately.

For three days all I can think about is that incredible date and the feeling of Watson’s cock in my mouth. That’s not true. I also find myself capable of thinking about the sounds he made and what I want to do the next time I see him to earn more of the same.

What I’m definitely not thinking about is the fact that the more I fall for him, the more complicated this all seems. I’m crazy about him, at least I think I am, but he’s also Livi’s teacher. I didn’t push his explanation when we first started talking about it not being strictly against the rules but still frowned upon to fraternize with a parent. Maybe I should have. Say I do work up the nerve to come out to Val and eventually tell Livi that her teacher is more than just my friend, how weird will that be for her at school? And what if we break up? The thought turns my gut to ice.

No, best to protect Livi’s feelings and keep them separate until I’m one hundred percent positive he’s the one. The problem is, how am I supposed to figure that out exactly? When I proposed to Val a lifetime ago, it was because it made sense. It was the natural progression of our relationship. I don’t want anything just because it makes sense anymore. I want heart stopping, head spinning, breath stealing, mad love.

Longing punches me hard in the chest, and images of Watson flash through my mind. Is he the one? He could be.

A knock at my office door jolts me out of my daydreaming. I give myself a shake to clear what I’m sure is a sappy expression from my face and call out for whoever it is to come in.

Ollie peeks his head in and grins at me.

“Interested in dipping out for lunch?” he offers.

I glance at my desk, full of unfinished items that I really need to get to before the end of the day. Fuck it, I’m sure I’ll be more productive after having something to eat.

“Sure, let’s do it.” I stand up and stretch, working out the kinks in my back and