Page 99 of A Little Crush
“I’ll take her reaction as a yes,” I quip. “Want to see how she feels about lime?”
Another rumble of amusement rolls through him. “Yeah, let’s see it.”
Setting the spoon aside, I lift the lime and she opens her mouth again, excited as ever. I glide the wedge against her tongue, barely holding in my enthusiasm. Her nose crinkles,and a shiver races down her spine, pulling another laugh from both of us.
“Okay, so no on the lime,” I note. Scooping up another bite of avocado, I offer it to her so she can get rid of the sour flavor as quickly as possible. She takes the bite, settling back in Jaxon’s arms like she’s the happiest little girl in the world. Then again, it’s guacamole. Of course she’s the happiest little girl in the world. We stay this way, hanging out in the kitchen while catching up on our time apart, as well as how the drop-off with Iris went, until Poppy has a full belly and a mustache of avocado, refried beans, and applesauce. Jaxon wipes the dinner from Poppy’s face, then balances her on his knee at the dinner table as I dish us both up.
After setting a taco salad in front of him, because there’s no way he’s going to be able to pick up an actual taco shell without Poppy trying to grab at it, I take the seat next to him. “Bon appetit.”
“Thank you,” he says.
“You’re welcome.”
“I mean it. Thank you.”
Sensing his sincerity, I hesitate. “It’s only dinner, but you’re welcome.”
“And for dealing with Iris. And for the video. I, uh, it was a hard loss, but the video.” He looks up from Poppy and meets my gaze. “It was a good reminder of what’s important. So, thanks.” He leans closer, balancing Poppy, and kisses me again, tasting like cumin and garlic.
I smile against his mouth. “I’m glad I could help.”
35
JAXON
Ididn’t think it was possible. Being more attracted to Rory than I already was. But seeing her dance with Poppy in the middle of my penthouse was a fucking wake-up call. One I’m not sure I wanted or was ready for, but now that I’ve seen it, felt it, tasted it, it’s messed with my head. Made me want things I didn’t know I could. Even brought me out of the darkness from the Lions’ loss. Add in how good she tasted sprawled out on my bed as I ate her pussy like a starving man after I put Poppy to bed, and I was a fucking goner.
She wanted to reciprocate, but Poppy woke up, saving me from turning her down, and fuck if it wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made. Not because I don’t want her, but sitting across from her father is hard enough now that I know what she tastes like. Feels like.
Fuck.
If she’d actually touched me. Given me her hand, her mouth, her sweet pussy, I’m pretty sure I would’ve started confessing like a sinner in church as soon as I entered the boardroom.
“Jaxon?” Henry prods.
Shit.
Talk about getting caught with your pants down.
“I’m sorry?” I choke out.
“What are your thoughts on the way Skanchy played last night?” Henry clarifies.
I blink away the view of Rory with her legs spread beneath me and shift forward, scratching my jaw while praying Henry can’t see the guilt on my face. “It was, uh, it was his first game, and he’s in a tough spot. It isn’t easy filling Crowther’s position.”
“Yeah, but Skanchy?” Hoffman questions from the opposite side of the large conference table. “I thought we agreed?—”
“Your grandson needs to go through the proper channels, Hoffman,” Henry reminds him. “We’ve already discussed this.” His sharp gaze shoots to me. “Jaxon?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think Skanchy has what it takes, or should we pull someone else up from the AHL until Crowther’s back?”
Count on Henry Buchanan to command the boardroom exactly like he does everything else in this world. Over the years, he’s reminded me to do the same. And sometimes it’s difficult. Riding the line between respect for those around me and not coming off as conceited or entitled while still being a good listener who’s open to criticism, other viewpoints, the list goes on. I wonder if he’d be as open to my viewpoint if I told him what his daughter looked like when I made her come in the parking lot a few days ago.
Not the time.
Clearing my throat, I double-down, announcing, “We stick with Skanchy. He’s the fastest learner and the best man for the job until Crowther’s back.”
