Scoring Off The Ice (Ice Kings #2) - Stacey Lynn Page 0,27
place.”
I focus on the carrier. The reaction I’m experiencing being so close to Mikah might scare him away. Heck, it’s freaking me out. He’s everything wrong for me wrapped up in the most tempting, beautiful package. I’ve never excelled in self-control.
He reaches for the clips at his chest where I’ve indicated and at the last second, a blast of heat and strength is wrapped around my wrist.
“Paisley.”
Oh goodness. I’m losing it and he’s noticing.
“Yeah?” Even his feet are pretty. I know this because they’re bare, peeking out from those sweatpants tight at his ankles. And I know this because I’m staring at them.
I think his feet are hot. What is wrong with me?
“Look at me.”
I know what he’ll see if I do. Skin flushed like I’ve just gone running. Eyes wide. Pupils dilated. He’ll see the throb of my pulse at the base of my throat which is going erratic.
All because of being close to him. I should definitely call the doctor. Is there a hot guy syndrome with symptoms that mirror a stroke? I really need to look into it.
“I’ll get Angelo. You work on those clips—”
“Look at me,” he repeats himself. This time deeper. Slower. There’s a rumble in his voice that forces me to comply.
“What?” I peek up and blink quickly. Perhaps it’ll wash away the desire I’m one hundred percent certain is plastered on my face.
And yet… shit.
I see the same thing on him. His jaw is hard. Cheekbones sharp in a totally sexy way. His lips are pressed into a firm line and that beautiful nose of his that is surprisingly straight given his career, has nostrils which are flared.
His chest heaves and he swallows. I need to step back. Put space between us… between whatever this crazy, swirling sudden heat is. My lips part. My mouth is dry as the summer heat in Vegas and I lick my lips, seeking moisture.
His blue eyes, darkening, drop to my mouth and he heaves another thick breath. “Paisley.”
I can’t do this. I can’t kiss him right now. Or ever. It’s not smart.
I tug my hand from his grip and rub where he’s branded me with my other hand. “Let’s see if Angelo likes this. He’ll probably love being held and it’ll give you freedom to get other things done.”
I’m babbling. I don’t care. My voice is higher than normal and faster. It happens when I’m nervous. I unclip Angelo from his swing and am rewarded with a few kicks of his pudgy legs and a toothless big smile.
“Hey cutie,” I coo. Yes. I’ll focus on the baby. The dinner I must get back to.
There’s a salad. Maybe garlic bread. Noodles. Maybe I should let him eat alone. I can eat that frozen meal I still have. Desperate times and all that.
“Hey sweetie. We’re going to try something new, okay?” I bounce him a few times and he giggles. I smile wide. Angelo is so darn cute. He’s the best distraction. “And you be happy, okay? No crying. You’ll love this.”
I spin to head back to Mikah, only he’s moved in my attempt to flee from him. He’s right here. The baby carrier slaps my arm holding Angelo, he’s so close and my gaze jumps to him.
“Let’s try this.”
I focus on getting Angelo’s legs through the small holes, adjusting the straps when one seems too tight for his thigh and then Mikah and I both fold up the back that will support him.
“I’ve got it now.”
“Good.” I step back, staying close in case he fumbles, but he doesn’t. His large hands with veins on the back and strong fingers somehow move with ease and no visible nerves as he clips the top ones back together.
“You can adjust these straps on him as he grows to give him more room. The ones at your back were too small.”
“Of course.” His hand brushes the top of Angelo’s head. So softly. Not at all as firm as he held me.
Like I need the reminder. I still feel him on my skin.
Yes, I’ve been branded by a simple touch. Not good.
I hurry to the kitchen, trying to ignore Mikah and Angelo, but the sound of Mikah murmuring to his son is too precious to block out. His son.
Good grief. He has a baby. For a moment my imagination runs away with me. To us on a date. Hiring babysitters. Being called back home early because Angelo is sick. A life change. A drastic one.