Page 65 of Her Possessive Daddies

"No." But she reaches for her clutch anyway. "You'll stay close?"

The vulnerability in her voice does something to me. "I've got your back."

I step out and circle around to open her door. As she rises, her hand finds my arm for balance. The touch sends electricity straight through me.

"My hero," she murmurs.

We stand there a moment too long, her hand still on my arm, before reality crashes back. I take a deep breath and gesture toward the house.

"After you."

She squares her shoulders, and starts up the path. I follow, trying not to stare at the way her dress moves.

The front door opens before we reach it. Corey fills the frame, all easy confidence and welcoming smiles.

"There you are! Was starting to think you'd gotten lost."

His eyes catch on where Abbie's hand just left my arm. If he notices anything, he doesn't show it.

"Come on in," he says. "Everyone’ll be here soon.”

31

ABBIE

"Glad you’re here." Corey’s eyes rake over me appreciatively as he pulls me in for a kiss that makes my toes curl. "Seth behaving himself?"

"Always the perfect gentleman." I follow him inside, trying not to gawk at the soaring ceilings and museum-worthy art. The kitchen is all gleaming stainless steel and marble countertops. Several pots simmer on the massive range while Corey stirs something that smells divine.

"Wine?" He gestures to an open bottle. "Dinner's almost ready, just finishing the sauce."

I accept a glass, watching him move confidently around the kitchen. There's something incredibly sexy about a man who knows his way around a kitchen, especially one who looks this good doing it. His forearms flex as he lifts a heavy pot and I have to take a large sip of wine to distract myself from wildly inappropriate thoughts.

"Need any help?" I offer, though I'm perfectly content just watching him work.

"Just your company." He shoots me that devastating smile that never fails to make my insides melt. "Fair warning though - my son should be here soon with his new girlfriend. Try not to judge me too harshly for whatever drama he brings. And he always brings the drama."

"Look who finally made it." A deep voice draws my attention to the doorway where Donovan leans against the frame, all rugged masculinity in dark jeans and a henley that stretches across his broad chest. My mouth goes dry.

"Where's Mindy?" Corey asks, not looking up from his cooking.

"Called earlier. Something about food poisoning." Donovan's eyes find mine as he pushes off the doorframe. "Hope you don't mind me flying solo tonight."

I absolutely should mind. I should be disappointed that our nice couples' dinner is now unbalanced. Instead, a thrill runs through me that I quickly try to squash.

"Hey stranger." He moves in for a hug before I can overthink it. His strong arms wrap around me and holy hell, he smells incredible - like leather and cedar and pure masculine power. My body betrays me, tingling all over at the brief contact.

"Hi." My voice comes out embarrassingly breathy. I step back quickly, tucking my hair behind my ear. Get it fucking together, Abbie.

"Can I get you a drink?" Seth asks from behind me, startling me. Thank god, because my brain seems to have short-circuited.

"Bourbon, neat." Donovan's eyes haven't left mine. "What do you need, Abbie?"

"I'll take a white wine, please, if you have it." I look around the room, suddenly acutely aware that I'm the only woman here, surrounded by more devastating handsomeness than should be legal. And I'm loving every minute of it.

We migrate to Corey's luxurious living room, all leather and chrome and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city lights. I perch on the cushion of an obscenely comfortable armchair, nursing my wine while trying not to stare at the three gorgeous men sprawled around me.

"My son just texted. They're running about twenty minutes late." Corey rolls his eyes, setting down a tray of fancy-looking appetizers. "Typical."

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