Page 6 of Mine to Keep

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” I deflect, but there’s a part of me that’s already crossing lines in my head that should never be crossed.

He laughs, brushing away my concerns with a wave of his hand. “Imposing? Nonsense! Kate would love it too, wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”

“Oh, absolutely, Dad.” Her voice is a velvety whip that only I feel the sting of.

“Alright.” My stomach drops as if I’m stepping off a cliff. “I’ll stay.”

“Fantastic!” he exclaims, oblivious to the fine line I’m walking.

“Should be fun.” It’s the most dangerous truth I’ve ever spoken.

“Shall we?” Geoff stands, signaling the end of the evening. Then he escorts Kate out of the restaurant with a hand on her lower back in a fatherly manner. But an unexpected jealousy burns within me and I’m dying to get my hands on her again, best friend’s daughter or not.

The chill of the Chicago night bites at my skin, but it’s nothing compared to the fire Kate ignites within me with just a glance. I bury that flame deep, lock it away behind a door of duty and respect. It’s the only way I can walk beside her and not reach out to claim what I’ve tasted once before.

“Thank you for dinner, Tommy,” Kate tells me as we part ways, and I nod, unable to trust my voice.

“Goodnight, Kate.” It’s all I offer, a simple farewell loaded with unspoken promises and suppressed longing.

“See you back at the house, buddy.” Geoff claps me on the shoulder, and I muster a final smile, one that belies the roiling storm within me.

As I watch them walk away, the tension coils tighter, excitement whispering through me like the caress of a ghost. I’m stepping into the lion’s den, armed with nothing but the fragile shield of my flimsy convictions.

You cannot sleep with your best friend’s daughter.

At least, not again. Yet as the city lights flicker as they stream by, painting the path before me in shades of temptation and trepidation, I can’t ignore the intense pull of desire betweenme and Kate. I just hope Geoff can forgive me because I’m committing the ultimate sin.

2

KATE

Iwake up, my heart pounding in my chest as the memories of last night’s dinner flood my mind. Seeing Tommy again after our one-night stand back in May sends a shockwave through my body, stirring up a blend of desire and panic. The internal conflict rages inside me, my attraction to him battling against the complications his presence brings.

All night, I struggled to resist the temptation of sneaking into his guest room, keenly aware of the intense chemistry that still lingers. I’m determined to maintain a semblance of control despite the magnetic pull I feel toward him. My thoughts race with anxiety about facing him at breakfast. As I get dressed for the day, I choose an outfit and fix my hair in an attempt to appear composed and unaffected by his presence.

Who am I kidding? I’m ready to pounce on that man as soon as I see him.

Taking a deep breath, I enter the kitchen and I’m immersed in a scene where Tommy and Dad are laughing together. The warmth and camaraderie between the two men create a stark contrast to the tension I feel within myself. My attention is captured by Tommy’s assertive presence as he stands at thestove cooking breakfast. He exudes charm and authority—somehow effortless and subtle—even in this domestic setting, making it impossible for me not to want him.

“Good morning, sweet pea. Tommy insisted on cooking for us,” Dad says with pride evident in his tone.

My curiosity piqued, I allow my eyes to linger on Tommy as I take in the small details that intrigue me: the way he flips pancakes with practiced ease, the concentration in his brow as he prepares bacon, careful not to burn it. This moment, showcasing Tommy’s respect and admiration of my dad allows me to deepen my understanding of his character.

“Morning, Kate,” he greets me, his voice warm and inviting. “I hope you’re hungry. I’m starving.” I don’t know if he intended the dual meaning, but I don’t miss the glint in his eyes when he looks me over as I move farther into the kitchen.

“It smells delicious.” I attempt to keep my tone steady.

As the conversation continues around me, I remain captivated by our houseguest. We’re under my dad’s roof, for Christ’s sake. I can’t throw myself at his best friend. Well, at least not again, because all bets were off in Miami. Why does he have to be so sexy and charming? Forget that he’s a billionaire, he’s the kind of man every woman dreams of, and I’m no different.

As I take a seat at the marble-top island, I can feel my pulse rate increasing. A thrill stirs in my stomach with every stolen glance and innocent touch. If I don’t have him again soon, I think I might combust.

“I hope you’re ready for some of my famous pancakes,” Tommy teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I’d love a taste,” I reply, stifling a grin.

That’s when I notice his physical reaction to my presence and I hide my giggle with my napkin. His lengthening cock is unmistakable beneath the thin fabric of his navy-blue sleep pants. He catches the blush on my cheeks and raises a singleeyebrow. It’s a subtle warning, a reminder that we’re walking a dangerous line while my dad sits next to me at the counter.

“Here you go, honey.” Tommy sets a plate piled high with pancakes and bacon in front of me, and a warmth spreads through me at his attentiveness and care. His fingers brush along mine, and my nipples harden beneath my shirt. He notices too, and the tip of his tongue darts out to wet his lips.

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