Page 24 of Wrong Number, Right Single Dad
“Really?”
“I swear.” He moves even closer. “You didn’t take anything from her. You gave her something she didn’t even know she was missing.”
His eyes meet mine, and this time, they don’t waver.
“You gave me something too.”
“What’s that?” I whisper.
“Hope. Comfort. And… love.”
A beat.
“I’m falling for you, Delaney. I already have. And I want a chance. To build something real with you. If you’ll give me one”
I don’t even realize the tears are falling until he takes a cautious step forward and brushes his thumb under my eye.
“You’re really here,” I say.
He nods. “I’m really here.”
I inhale a shaky breath. “Then let’s go somewhere.”
“Okay.” He nods eagerly. “Where should we go?”
“My apartment is around the corner.”
His lips curve into the smallest smile. “Are you inviting me to go home with you?”
“I am.”
The drive from the cafe to my apartment is a blur. I’m back in my usual spot in the passenger seat of his car. The air is thick with anticipation and desire.
But this time is different from all the others. The way he has my hand cradled sweetly in his. The way his thumb frequently slides across my wrist to where my pulse quickens under his touch.
The way he keeps casting longing looks my way.
My heart flutters with each look and each glance.
This time isn’t just the anticipation of a desire that’s surface level. It’s a desire to let what’s in our heart shine through.
Jared opens the truck door for me and helps me out. His hand lingers lightly on the small of my back, sending delicious shivers up and down my spine.
I nearly drop my keys—twice—as I fumble to open the door.
But the second it’s open, it’s as if the final door between us has been cast aside as well.
“Baby.” He cradles my face in his hands as he lowers his mouth toward mine. “Delaney.”
Unable to wait a moment longer, I grip the lapels of his flannel shirt and pull him closer. Leaning up onto the tips of my toes, I meet him halfway. My mouth crashes against his.
All the emotions of the past few days—the longing, the ache, the loss, the hope… the love—all mingle together, becoming something else. Something I can’t quite name.
It doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t need a name.
I just need him.
