She worried her bottom lip, which made him want to kiss it. And her. All over. Yup, that would do it. He would start at the bottom and work his way up. No, he would spend about an hour on her breasts and then he would start at the bottom and work his way up. He would part her legs and take her places she’d never—

“I need a drink,” he said, reaching for her hand and pulling her into the hallway. “You’re spectacular. Own it and ignore me being a guy with his head up his butt.”

She pressed a hand to her chest. “You sure it’s not too much?”

“Oh, it’s too much and that’s why it works.” He tugged on her hand. “Come on, wild girl. We have dinner reservations.”

The restaurant the hotel had recommended was only a block away. Keith found himself enjoying the feeling of Ellen’s hand in his. Technically this wasn’t a date, so he should probably let go, but if she didn’t object, he was going to enjoy the sense of connection their linked fingers gave him.

They were quickly shown to their table. It was only when they were seated across from each other that he realized he was going to have to keep reminding himself he was having a conversation with Ellen and not her breasts.

Ellen ordered a cosmopolitan and he got a vodka tonic. When their server left, he said, “Has Cooper mentioned anything about his dad yet?”

“No.” She picked up her fork and put it back down. “I’m determined to let him tell me himself. At some point he has to. He can’t just disappear for a week or two.” She managed a smile. “Besides, someone has to drive him to the airport.”

“Are you still upset?”

“Less than I was. You’re right. I’m not going to lose him, even though that’s what it feels like. He’ll tell me. I just wish he already had.”

He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Want me to slap him around for you?”

She laughed. “Thank you but I’m good.” Her smile faded. “Lissa and I talked when we went shopping today.”

His good mood vanished. He pulled back his hand and told himself whatever it was, he could handle it.

“Is she pregnant?”

“What?” Her voice was a shriek. She looked around, then lowered it. “No. Why do you always go there?”

“It’s the worst-case scenario.”

“No, it’s not. There are plenty things much worse than an unexpected pregnancy.”

He remembered she’d had to deal with one and winced. “Sorry. You’re right.”

Their server brought the drinks. When he’d left, Ellen said, “Lissa talked about her mom. She thinks Becky only had her to keep you around.”

He sagged back in his chair. “She said that?”

“Kind of.” She sighed. “Yes, but it was more the point of the conversation that concerned me.” Her tone gentled. “I know they don’t see each other much.”