Page 15 of The Six-Week Single Dad
I totally wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted me.
Hayden stood there, topless, cradling Alfie against his chest, pyjama pants hanging low around his hips. His chest was strong and muscular, sculpted as if from hours of work in the gym, with abs that made me want to lick them. I could barely tear my eyes away from him.
It was as if he’d recreated that famous Athena poster just for me.
My breath hitched and it would seem that my nipples were about to betray me as they hardened underneath the thin material of my top.
As if sensing me there, Hayden turned and brought a finger to his lips. “Ssshhh. I think I’ve just got him back off to sleep. You can go back to bed.”
“It’s fine, I can keep you company for a little while.” I lowered my voice, not wanting to wake Alfie, wanting to stay longer.
“Go get some rest. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to get up.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “It’s cold, isn’t it?” His voice was low and sexy, although I knew he was talking like that so he didn’t disturb Alfie.
No, no it isn’t. The temperature in here is off the scale and you’re the one heating up the mercury.
“I’m not cold.”
He nodded. “Right.”
His gaze dropped to my chest and suddenly I realised what he was getting it. Instinctively, I crossed my arms over my breasts, feeling a warm flush in my cheeks.
“If you’re sure, I’ll head back to bed then.” I took a step towards the door.
“See you in the morning, Bea. Sweet dreams.”
If I wasn’t mistaken, he winked at me as I left.
Once back in my room, I found it hard to settle. I couldn’t stop thinking about Hayden’s naked chest. And when I finally did manage to get back to sleep, my dreams were anything but sweet. Steamy, sexy, hot, perhaps, definitely not sweet. I woke up in a sweat shortly after nine. Immediately, I felt guilty for sleeping so late and leaving everything to Hayden when I was meant to be the one helping him.
I ventured out of my room, making sure I had a dressing gown on this time. Hayden was lying flat on the sofa, Alfie stretched out on his bare chest, snoring gently.
If only Athena were still making posters…
He saw me and smiled. “If you’re putting the kettle on, I’d love a coffee. I’m going to attempt to get this little man in his cot.” Trying not to disturb the sleeping baby, he carefully stood up and carried Alfie into his room.
I did as Hayden asked, loading the coffee pot with a good, strong blend, then turned my attention to the refrigerator. There were bacon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms, which I felt we deserved after surviving our first night, and I set about making us a cooked breakfast.
By the time he came back, I was serving up. He’d also put on a T-shirt, which I was slightly disappointed by.
“Oh my God, that smells fantastic!” Hayden inhaled the air, which was thick with the scent of cooking bacon.
“I thought we needed it.” I took the plates to the table, then went back for the coffee and tomato ketchup.
Hayden was already tucking in when I sat down again. “What did you want to do today?”
“I’ve got that thing with Laura tonight. I don’t have to go though.” I chewed on a piece of mushroom that was decidedly too hot and almost managed to strip the skin off the roof of my mouth.
“No, you said it was your welcome-home party. You should go.” He paused. “It’s a shame I can’t come with you.”
I pondered his response. Why would he want to come with me? It’s not as if he knew any of my friends. “If you’re sure?”
He nodded. “I’ll be fine. Alfie and I already have a movie marathon planned.”
“As long as you don’t introduce him to Sylvester Stallone at his tender age.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of Peppa Pig.”
Wailing burst from Alfie’s room and Hayden pushed his chair back. “I’m guessing we’re not the only ones who need breakfast. Tell you what, why don’t I look after Alfie all day? You can get yourself ready for this evening. Then it’s your turn tomorrow.”
