Page 107 of Skate the Line

“I think you’re afraid,” I state.

She quickly looks away. “You already know I am.”

“This could be a step in the right direction.”Not to mention, it’ll remind me that you’re not mine.

I can see why she’d be hesitant. “It’s just a club. It’s not like youhaveto get lucky, Sunshine. You could just put some feelers out there.”

Something passes behind her gaze. I watch her closely while she debates. She shrugs a second later. “Ruby tried to get me to go out shortly after…everything…but I refused.”

“Ruby? Your best friend?” I ask.

She fiddles with the flowers and nods.

“Well, if Ruby thinks it’s a good idea, and I think it’s a good idea…”

She snorts. “Then it’s probably a terrible idea.”

I chuckle and elbow her lightly. “Come on.”When did I get so…lively?

Her big brown eyes, full of unease, peer at me.

“I’ll be there the whole time. I told you I would help you.”

She squints. “What if I don’t want your help?”

I smirk. “You do.”

Her mouth twitches with a hidden smile, and I take that as a yes.

I stride toward the back door and call over my shoulder, “Be ready by eight.”

Fuck me.

Whose idea was this?

Why did I think taking her out for her birthday to watch her mingle, talk, dance, or doworsewith random guys was going to prevent me from wanting her?

My stomach falls to my balls as soon as she starts down the stairs.

She is sexy as hell.

I try to engage in a conversation with Marco about my next game in an effort to get my shit together.

“Daddy! Look at Sunny.”

I’d rather not.

Ellie tugs on my hand, and I’m forced to follow her command.

My glimpse is brief, but I’ll likely remember every detail, down to the sheen on her lips, for days to come.

Thigh-high boots, a black long-sleeve dress that hugs every delectable curve, and for once, her hair is down. Thankfully, the dark waves lay over her shoulders, shielding some of her breasts.

She stops in front of us. “Is this okay?”

Is it okay? Is it fucking okay?

I want to tell her no. My hands ache to grab her waist, spin her around, and make her take those sexy boots off, but I can’t.

---