Page 107 of Defending her Heart

I glance to my left and see Paisley distracted packing up her winter gear. “None,” I lie.

“Then that means you have a lot of pent up...energy that needs to be taken care of. Come over tonight for dinner so I can thank you properly.”

I wiggle out of his embrace and turn to face him. “I don’t need orgasms—” I clamp my mouth shut and glance at Paisley again. “I don’t need orgasms as a thank you,” I whisper. “I watched Paisley because I wanted to. No payback necessary.”

Nash brushes his thumb across my cheek. “I’d like to show you my thanks.”

I roll my eyes and move away, putting a clump of desks between us. “I’m good.” I cross my arms over my chest.

His eyes dip to the little bit of cleavage I’m showing—which is bare minimum—and he drags his tongue along his lower lip.

“I’m ready, Daddy.”

Nash snaps out of his lust stupor and returns his gaze to mine. “Are you still able to watch her after school for the rest of the week?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“Since we have a bye this weekend, practices won’t be as grueling. I should be home by dinner every night.”

“Sure.”

“Can Miss Kendall come over for dinner?” Paisley asks.

Nash grins at her request and looks at me to appease or disappoint her.

“Not tonight, sweetie. Enjoy your time with your dad.”

He moves closer to me again and dips his head, kissing me on the cheek. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Kendall. Thank you.”

When he straightens, I read the seriousness in his face. The flirting is gone and he’s genuine with his gratitude.

“You’re welcome. Paisley is a wonderful little girl, and I love spending time with her.”

“Someday I hope you’ll love spending time with me too.” He takes his daughter’s hand in his and I watch them leave.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

KENDALL

On Tuesday, after hours of not-so-subtly whispering her request to join them for dinner, I finally caved. I made an excuse to leave shortly after eating and Nash walked me to my car, sending me away with a steamy kiss that would have fogged up my car windows if we were inside and not standing out in the cold.

Not that I felt the frigid temperatures. Nash’s hands on my face and lips on mine warmed me from the inside out and left my panties a mess.

On Wednesday, I stayed longer and played a matching game with Paisley and Nash, followed by snuggling on the couch. Paisley in the middle, and Nash and I on either side. His arm was draped over the top of the couch and his fingers spent more time massaging my head and neck than not.

Again, he walked me to my car and kissed me even longer, grinding his erection into my core. When I came up panting, he begged me to stay longer. To stay the night. But I shook my head and went back home.

Tonight, Paisley asked me to stay until bedtime. I swear the father-daughter duo manipulated this entire week to catch me at my weakest. I snuggled up with her in her bed and read three books before her eyelids drooped so slowly they didn’t open again.

When I slipped out of her room, Nash was waiting for me in the hallway.

“Stay.”

“I’m not a dog.”

“Kendall.” He threads his fingers through my hair and cups the back of my neck. “It’s not about sex. Stay and watch a movie with me.”

I shake my head. “That’s where you’re wrong. Itisabout sex.”

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