FORBIDDEN SINGLE DAD: A STEAMY DADDY ROMANCE Read online

“If you can keep a secret, so can I.” I winked.

  He didn’t release me. Our bodies remained pressed together. I resisted the urge to run my fingers through the scruff on his chin and through his wild mane. His sex appeal rocketed off the charts.

  “Where are you headed?” he asked as his fingers trailed down my spine.

  The statement lingered. I shivered as he removed his hands but didn’t move. “I am going home. Bedtime.” I stepped back, adding some distance. “It’s time to get some sleep,” I said and mocked sleeping with my head in my hands.

  “I’ll get you a ride,” he offered, taking my hand and stepping towards the curb.

  Our arms stretched when I didn’t follow. “I’m walking, but thanks.”

  He furrowed his brow. “By yourself? It’s not safe. Especially, leaving a bar. Anyone could follow you.”

  Most of the people that frequented bars in this neighborhood were harmless. I worried more about something bad happening inside than out. Like being charged twenty thousand for a mistake. But he had a point. The city wasn’t as safe as my small home town.

  “It’s not far and I’ll be sure to check over my shoulder.” I checked over both quickly, mocking him. “Coast seems clear.”

  “Safety is no laughing matter. I’ll take you home,” he said, catching me off guard.

  I bit my lip. His striking hazel eyes nearly closed, daring me to refuse. His enticing lips formed a straight line. He was serious.

  Dropping his hand, I crossed my arms over my chest. His gaze didn’t dip to my cleavage as I would have expected. Our eyes battled and an inexplicable agreement was reached. My pulse raced.

  “Fine,” I replied.

  What the hell?

  I couldn’t believe I was going to show a stranger where I lived. A smoking hot stranger wearing a three-piece suit no less. He was dressed for a business meeting, not the bar. I had bumped into him on the sidewalk after all.

  “To be clear, this is about protection and nothing else.” I wasn’t sure why I said that, but after dodging men all night, I didn’t care to be hit on again. Even if this guy made my insides flip and my legs want to open.

  He stepped further away from the crowd and ran his hand through his dirty blonde hair before shoving both into his pockets. “I won’t hurt you. Consider me your personal bodyguard.”

  I pulled my phone from my purse. “I hope I won’t regret this,” I said as I snapped a picture of him. The flash didn’t go off. The neon lights from the bar sign coupled with the distant street light weren’t enough to get a good shot. But he didn’t know that. I sent it to Christy. “I texted my roommate just now, letting her know I’m on my way.”

  “Good. Lead the way.”

  I swallowed hard and turned towards my apartment. His steps fell into sync beside me and his hand landed on the small of my back. The contact surged like a wildfire heating every inch of me. I hardly registered the crispness in the air.

  A million questions raced through my mind as the red flags screamed at me to stop thinking with my lady parts. I knew nothing about the handsome stranger by my side.

  “So, I don’t usually go for walks with strangers. In fact, I never do.” My footsteps halted. “So, let’s not be strangers. I’m Milina.” I faced him and held out my hand.

  He lifted it to his mouth. When his lips caressed my hand, sparks exploded from the contact. It was nothing like when Brent had kissed the same spot. This time, I had a full body reaction.

  It surprised me. It excited me. It scared the heck out of me.

  “Nice to meet you, Milina.” He smiled.

  A full megawatt, perfect smile that smacked me with the force of a wrecking ball. I managed to stay upright. Barely.

  “I’m Scott,” he continued. “I wonder what else you never do with strangers.”

  I wondered the same thing.

  Chapter 2

  SCOTT

  My plans had completely derailed. Three fingers of scotch had failed to improve my mood. Until she crashed into me. Not once but twice.

  After my brother hijacked my rare evening off, it only seemed fair I let the jackass sit alone at the bar and wonder where the hell I went. Taking the exquisite Milina home was a much better use of my time.

  I’d offered to protect her. Being someone’s bodyguard was laughable, considering my security detail was within view. I never traveled anywhere alone. I glanced over my shoulder and confirmed my men were there. Discreetly ready for any threat.

  Her crimson red heels clicked against the sidewalk, drawing my eyes to her mile-long legs. Toned and enticing. The hem of her dress swayed above her knees. I wondered what treasures hid underneath. My thoughts were far from gentlemanly.

  With each step she seemed less frazzled. We made it less than a block from my club when my phone vibrated. It hadn’t taken him long to notice my absence. My molars gnashed together. Christoph was wearing on my nerves. If he was so eager for answers, he shouldn’t have made me wait for over an hour. Competing with him had cost me time with my son. Hours in a boardroom equaled hours away from Carlyle.

  I didn’t answer the call. He expected me to listen while he bragged about his latest deal or his latest fuck. I could never be sure. But I was tired of his need to best me all the time. Our childish games should have ended long ago. The less we interacted the better.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Fine,” I replied.

  Her body stiffened at my curt one-word answer. She didn’t deserve my angst. My family issues weren’t her fault. “Why would you ask?” I softened my ire as we continued walking.

  “Your sexy smile disappeared. In fact, you look like you ate something sour?” Her full lips pursed, mimicking my expression.

  “Are you poking fun at me?” I couldn’t recall the last time anyone dared.

  “Maybe.” She shrugged her shoulders playfully. The black strap from her bra slid down her arm. She adjusted it. “What soured your mood?”

  The list was too long, and I wouldn’t bore her with the details. “I’d rather discuss you. Tell me about your night?”

  Her impossibly long lashes caressed her cheek for a heartbeat too long. As though my question was one she’d rather not answer. She chewed her lip and looked at the ground, failing to meet my eyes.

  Bumping into her outside wasn’t my first interaction with the raven-haired beauty. I’d been sitting alone and brooding at my usual spot when she’d joined the men at the table next to mine. Eavesdropping on their conversation had helped to pass the time as I waited for Christoph. His tardiness irritated less with her around.

  She’d been a welcome distraction. Unexpected and pleasant. The three men had been fawning over her. For good reason. Her youthfulness and curves set her apart in the best possible way. Watching two of them swing and miss was comical. When she didn’t punch the man who took her hand, I knew it was time to go. An inexplicable irritation had come over me. Then she spilled my drink and refused to even look my way. That aggravated me more than it should. I wasn’t used to be ignored.

  “I’d rather not,” she said without meeting my gaze.

  The street lamps provided sufficient lighting, but it cast a shadow over her face. I couldn’t make out her expression. “Did something bad happen?” I asked as we continued our stroll.

  “You could say that. I ruined… I can’t even say it.” She shook her head. “It’s done. I just shouldn’t have stayed so late. My roommate and I typically leave together. Not that we’re together. She’s a girl. I like men. You’re not interested in hearing this. Wow, this… I am done talking.”

  She pretended to zip her mouth shut, lock it and throw away the key. I laughed and snatched the make-believe key from the air. We stopped walking. My fingers grazed the corner of her mouth as I unlocked it. Unable to resist the urge, I ran the pad of my thumb over her plump lower lip. So soft.

  “Keep talking. I’m interested in what you’re saying,” I admitted, removing my thumb from her alluring lips. “And for the record, I only ask questions I want to know the answer to.”

  Her tongue licked across the same area where my thumb had been. “Oh. What was the question again?”

  The attraction pulsed between us like a live wire. There was something about her that fueled the beast inside me. “Are you single?”

  She smiled and placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t think you asked that.”

  I mimicked her stance. “Well, I’m asking now.”

  “That’s a very direct question. Are you single?” she shot back.

  “I’ll assume you are since you left the bar alone. Though I hate assumptions. If you were mine, I would never let you walk home unaccompanied.” I stepped closer, leaving only inches between us.

  She stepped towards me, closing the small gap. Her breasts pressed against my ribs as her blue eyes challenged me. “Good to know.” She paused, making me wait for her answer.

  “Milina,” I growled.

  Her feistiness enthralled me.

  “Scott,” she replied with a silky voice. Like a siren’s call, seducing me with her tone. “We’re getting kinda personal don’t you think?”

  Neither of us moved. We kept our arms by our sides. A cool spring breeze whipped past, tossing her hair over her face. I looked down and her arms were covered in goosebumps.

  “You must be freezing,” I said as I removed my jacket and placed it around her shoulders.

  “Not cold at all but thank you.” She placed her arm in the sleeve and rolled the cuff then repeated with the other. “You were right. I am single. And I’m not interested in dating.”

  “Why?”

  “Let’s keep walking.” She moved forward, leaving me dumbfounded.

  I caught up quickly. “Milina, you’ve piqued my curiosit
y. Why are you not interested in dating?”

  She giggled. “I’ll assume you’re asking because you’re also single. If you were mine… oh never mind.” She flipped her hair to the side. The tendrils fell past her left breast. “I was trying to use your words back and say something equally possessive and sexy, but I honestly don’t think I’d know what to do with you.”

  Her sharp tongue intrigued me. Milina was a delightful surprise to my night.

  “Challenge accepted.” Chasing women wasn’t like me. I didn’t have to chase.

  “I… wasn’t. Oh, never mind.” She tossed her head back and laughed. Then she grabbed my hand, threading our fingers together. “My place isn’t too much further Mr. Intense and Direct.”

  We continued towards her home side by side. I never walked anywhere. I ran miles on the treadmill every day, but never took leisurely strolls. There was no time. The slow mode of transportation seemed an odd choice when I had other options at my disposal.

  “What’s with the suit?” She squeezed my hand. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot. But an odd choice for one in the morning. Are you on your way to work or just coming home from work?”

  I assessed my wardrobe, adjusted my tie and shook my head. “Work never ends it seems. But no, I’m not headed to the office.”

  “Do you always dress like that?”

  I smiled. “Mostly. Unless I’m at home. Then I wander around naked.”

  Her step faltered. It was a slight hesitation to her otherwise confident stride. I liked how she responded to me. Honest.

  “My roommate would kick me out if I did that,” she replied. “You must live alone.”

  I didn’t correct her. “That’s a shame. You’re welcome to get naked at my home anytime.”

  Her lips parted, forming an adorable O shape. “We… I—”

  “Open offer. Take your time and think about it.”

  What the fuck? I never took women back to my home. Not the one I shared with Carlyle. Yet that’s where I pictured her. Sprawled on my sleighed bed with her midnight locks fanned across my white linens. Those big blue eyes half-lidded as I thrust inside her.

  “You’re very forward. Is that a business technique? Something you’ve learned over the years. Most men I know beat around the bush a little before going in for the kill.” Her words were choppy.

  My indecent proposal interested her. Good.

  “I’m not averse to going after what I want.” I hadn’t been looking for a companion, but meeting someone by chance was safer. Everyone else had an agenda. “Would you prefer I use cheesy pickup lines or pretend I’m not attracted to you?”

  Our pace slowed as we passed another of my apartment blocks. My family owned several. Without their knowledge, I’d purchased a few of my own this past year. I no longer trusted my brother and his wife. My parents were equally on my shit list. Those greedy fucks were trying to screw me over every chance they got. I was one mistake away from being ousted from our company.

  “The direct approach works,” she replied breathlessly. “I’m sure it’s worked well for you. I’ll have to channel your vibe on my next audition.”

  “What line of work are you in?” I held my breath, waiting for her answer. Her response would dictate my next move.

  She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “You don’t recognize me?” Her steps slowed, but we continued walking.

  I shook my head. She had the face of an angel and the body of a goddess, but I couldn’t place her. I suspected she was twenty-two at most. Over a decade younger than me. I would have remembered meeting her.

  “Ouch. I’m an actress.” Her shoulders shrunk inward; deflated. “I only moved here a few months ago. My big break hasn’t come yet.”

  Exhaling, I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles. Our paths had never crossed. She wasn’t off limits. I could date an aspiring actress. More importantly, I could fuck her. That was a huge relief because I wanted Milina. In a visceral way that defied logic.

  I wasn’t an impetuous man. Nothing I did went without meticulous planning. Except for Carlyle. My son had been a surprise. The best damn thing that ever happened to me. Though the circumstances and aftermath I could have lived without. I pushed those thoughts aside. At some point, I had to move past the betrayal.

  “I’m sure it will come,” I assured her. “Do you plan to be on the big screen or perform on stage?”

  Milina’s eyes sparkled under the street lights as we strolled. Occasionally, they’d drift to the sidewalk but mostly stayed connected with mine. “I had a minor role in a play that wrapped last month. Ideally, I’d like to land a TV series. Something that would film here would be cool though I’m not opposed to moving. At this point, I’m auditioning for everything and hoping for anything.”

  “I could never be an actor. I find it difficult to suppress my emotions. What you see is what you get.”

  “I like what I see,” she said and then quickly looked away. “Where are you from? I hear the hint of an accent.” Her observation was spot on.

  “I spent most of my youth between here and London. However, I haven’t been back there in years. This city is my home. Do you like Vancouver?”

  She tucked her hair behind her ears, revealing more of her beautiful rosy skin. “It’s all right. I’m used to a much slower pace. I’m adjusting, but I think my expectations were too high. The entertainment industry isn’t easy to break into. What do you?”

  “You don’t recognize me?” I used her previous words and arched my eyebrow.

  Her eyes raked me over from top to bottom. The slow leisurely way she looked at me made me hard. By the time her eyes connected with mine, my cock was ready to bust out of my pants.

  “I’d remember you Scott.” Her cheeks had a new rosy glow.

  “Good to know. I’m in real-estate,” I offered.

  It was the truth. Neglecting to mention my family owned the largest firm in North America was intentional. I wasn’t willing to provide any more details yet since my bank account shouldn’t influence her decision. If things progressed as I hoped, she’d learn the rest later. After we got naked.

  “The suit makes sense now. I guess agents have to be willing to show properties whenever clients want. This city runs strange hours.”

  She either deserved an award for her acting skills or she genuinely had no idea who I was. Her assumptions were wrong, but I never bothered correcting her. The more we chatted, the more the attraction sizzled. I liked her smart mouth. I craved more than the subtle touches she let me get away with.

  The further we ventured from the club, the less desirable the area became. I knew the city well and felt like she was taking me in circles. I didn’t care. Her version of a short walk lasted well over an hour.

  “I thought you lived close,” I joked when we walked past the same twenty-four-hour convenient store for the third time.

  “We may have passed it,” she admitted. “I like walking with you. Thanks for being my bodyguard.”

  Across the street, a homeless man slept tucked inside a doorway. I pointed him out. “This is why you shouldn’t walk alone.”

  She glanced towards the man. “Bart is harmless. If I screamed, he’d be here in a heartbeat to help.” She leaned into me. “So don’t get fresh. He’s a military veteran,” she whispered.

  Getting fresh was mild compared to my dirty thoughts. “Why do you know his name and his history?”

  “This is our neighborhood. Don’t you get to know your neighbors?” She eyed me quizzically.

  I didn’t have neighbors. My penthouse occupied the top two floors of my building. Come to think of it, each of my residences were the same. “No.”

  “What if you need to borrow a cup of sugar or something?” she teased, bumping her shoulder into mine.

  “Everything can be ordered online and delivered. I’m a private person. At least I try to be.” With my last name that wasn’t always possible.

  She stopped in front of the next building and faced me. “This is me,” she said, pointing at the old building.

  We reached her apartment too soon. Looking up at the red bricks and mortar, it wasn’t one of mine. I signaled for my men to stay back. My gaze drifted back to Milina and her luscious, red lips. I wanted to be a gentleman, but I couldn’t. Around this woman my manners and upbringing seemed to vanish. Basic instincts took over.