Then, just as I’m about to break the silence with something, anything, she closes the distance between us completely and leans in until her body melts against mine. And to my surprise, she rests her head on my shoulder as if it belongs there.

I feel her heartbeat against mine, the warmth of her cheek through my shirt, and the soft rise and fall of her breath. My muscles tighten at first, but I relax and let her in completely.

The cameras click. The people chatter. And the rumors begin. Maybe it’s for the blogs. Maybe it’s for the gossip. Maybe it’s for entertainment.

Or maybe… it’s for us.

Chapter 14

Soaked & Seduced – Kerry

“Rise and shine, Grimes Family! Emergency Meeting! In the Living room! Right now! Move it, people!”

I storm through the house, knocking on every door like a drill sergeant and flipping on lights like I’m afraid of the dark.

A very sleepy Ari stumbles out first with her disheveled but cute ponytail, still rubbing her eyes. Syd follows, dragging her crocheted bunny, barely able to stand upright.

“Ms. Kind,” Ari groans, flopping onto the couch. “Why are we awake? The sun’s not even up yet.”

“Yeah,” Syd chimes in, her little voice barely above a mumble. “What’d we ever do to deserve this punishment? I wanna go back to sleep.”

I shake my head and laugh. “What in the world are you girls gonna do when you start public school? You’re gonna be late every day!”

One by one, everyone trudges into the living room like hostages, which makes me feel very pleased with my efforts.

Until Vic walks in.

My smile goes from wide to straight because sweet baby Jesus in a manger, this man is shirtless. He’s completely bare-chested, broad with strong pecs and tattoos I’d love to trail my fingers down. And, umm, umm, umm, his abs are cut-to-perfection. Good Lord, why? Why does he look so good at such an ungodly hour?

And then there’s that damn vein running down his stomach, disappearing into his low-hanging pajama pants, and oh. Oh no. This is the absolute worst time for my x-ray vision to kick in because I see it…the dick print!

Shit, and now, I feel it. The tingle. The low ache, that throbbing pulse between my legs that reminds me I’m a woman, and he’s a man, and he is too damn fine to be in my presence this early in the morning.

“Umm, I wanna put my mouth on it.” I swear on my mama’s Bible, I thought I said it in my head, but no.

I freeze. The girls don’t hear, but Vic and the staff do. Vic is standing there, one eyebrow raised, completely amused.

“Excuse me?” He asks. His voice is way too deep, way too smug, and way too satisfied for my liking.