Page 62 of Her Possessive Daddies

"Just. Bring. Yourself." I emphasize each word. "I'll have Seth pick you up around seven." I trace the rim of my glass, watching her reaction. "I'll be busy in the kitchen getting everything ready."

"The kitchen?" Her eyebrows arch in disbelief. "You cook?"

"Don't sound so surprised." I can't help but grin at her expression. "I've picked up a few things over the years."

"A few things?" Her eyes are sparkling. "Like what, exactly?"

"Don't want to ruin the surprise." The way she's looking at me now, all curious and playful, makes me hot. "But I promise it'll be worth the wait."

"I'm impressed." She tilts her head, studying me. "Here I thought you'd have some fancy chef on speed dial."

"What can I say?" I shrug, enjoying her obvious intrigue. "I like working with my hands."

"Clearly." A slight blush colors her cheeks. " I remember that well. Any other hidden talents I should know about?"

"You'll just have to stick around and find out." The words come out lower than intended, loaded with promise.

I finish my bourbon and stand, leaving a generous tip. "I should head out. Got an early meeting tomorrow."

"Of course. Wouldn't want to keep you from your beauty sleep." Abbie collects my glass, her fingers brushing mine.

"I'll text you the details for Friday."

"Can't wait." Her smile reaches her eyes, genuine and warm.

Walking to my car, my mind races through all the ways Friday could go wrong. Seth and Donovan in the same room, both clearly attracted to her. My son, who can't keep his mouth shut to save his life. And Abbie, caught in the middle of it all.

What the hell am I thinking, throwing her into this circus?

The night air does nothing to cool the heat building up inside me. I've never been one to second-guess myself, but this... this feels like juggling dynamite. One wrong move and everything explodes.

I slide behind the wheel, gripping it tight. Seth's already shown he can't keep his distance. Donovan's eyes followed her all through dinner. And my son... Christ, god only knows what will happen when he sees her.

The engine purrs to life, but I sit there, letting the reality sink in. I'm not just risking my heart here. I'm risking friendships, family dynamics, everything I've built.

But then I think of her smile. The way she laughs at my terrible jokes. How she handles everything I throw at her with grace and wit.

Maybe it's worth the risk. Maybe she's worth it.

I pull out of the parking lot, hoping like hell I'm right.

30

SETH

The wheel squeaks under my grip as I check my watch again. Seven minutes until I need to pick her up. My cologne fills the car's interior - maybe I overdid it. Fuck. And I'm early? What kind of schmuck am I?

"Keep it together, man." My mouth is dry. I drum my fingers against the leather, trying to distract myself from imagining how she'll look tonight.

I hear a text drop. Corey.

Everything good?

On schedule. Just waiting on our girl.The 'our' slips out, surprising me.

My girl, he corrects, but there's humor in his tone.Behave yourself.

Always do.The lies just keep coming.

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