Page 50 of Noble Neighbor
It was hard to remain aloof when she wanted to swagger under Oliver’s intense stare as she made her way down the staircase to the waiting man. It had been years since she’d taken so much effort with her appearance, and the appreciation in his eyes as they raked over her body made every minute spent primping worthwhile.
“Wow,” he whispered. “Just … wow.”
The silky, long-sleeved, wraparound dress patterned with swirls of blue had caught her eye the moment she’d seen it in Merle’s, and now, watching Oliver’s spellbound reaction, Sunny knew she’d bought it with him in mind.
Which was a problem. She was forming feelings for Oliver. Ones that went beyond carnal attraction. But becoming involved, forming a relationship with a man, was not part of her plans.
Settling down, building a home, giving the girls stability?Yes.
Her daughters first. Always.
A man? No, no. Nope.
But Oliver?
She hadn’t seen him since almost being caught in his office. Since that kiss. Oliver was a most excellent kisser. His kisses beat, hands down, the ones she’d shared with any other man. Ever.
They left her needy, aching for more. So much more. And fueled her dreams. She’d woken one night with her hand between her legs, close to coming. Yet she’d removed her hand, realizing getting herself off would be second best. Even using her toy was an inferior consolation prize.
And Sunny was tired of being second.
She had decided that for one night — tonight — she wanted to be first.
With Oliver.
A rather dashing Oliver, dressed in dark trousers, white button-up with top two buttons undone, and a slim-fit, blue jacquard blazer. Clement was beside him, wearing dark jeans and a collared shirt under his denim jacket. Sunny smiled a greeting at the boy.
Molly shuffled impatiently beside Clement. “Mommy looks so pretty, doesn’t she, Oliver?”
Pausing one step above him, Sunny could see Oliver’sAdam’s apple bob as he swallowed, and he repliedwithout removing his gaze from her. “She looks gorgeous,Miss Molly. Absolutely gorgeous.”
Sunny wanted to melt in a puddle at his feet, but instead she stepped down, her brown cowgirl boots bringing her eye level to him. She smoothed a hand over the lapel of his jacket and raised a brow. “Very nice, Oliver. Armani?”
Oliver cocked his head, frowning.
Watch your tongue, Sunny,she berated herself.But dressing up, meeting a handsome man at the base of the steps … for a moment she’d forgotten herself, her circumstances.
“I’m ready.” Kenzie bounded down the stairs, coveringher blunder.
Oliver placed his hand on Clement’s nape, pulling his son in. “And we’re very lucky men to have the company of three beautiful ladies,” he said, an easy smile replacing his frown as his gaze moved between Kenzie and Molly.
Both her girls wore boho-styled dresses and boots, Kenzie’s a pretty turquoise knit top and floral skirt, and Molly’s was similar, but in pink.
Stepping back, Oliver swept his arm to the entrance. “Shall we?”
The girls raced ahead and grabbed their jackets lined up at the front door.
“Hooch sorted?” Oliver asked, helping Molly wrestle her arm into a sleeve.
Sunny slipped her own coat on. “Yep. Stretched out on Kenzie’s bed.”
She watched Oliver crouch before Molly to fasten the buttons of her jacket. The hallway light shone on the top of his head, picking up the auburn threading through his dark hair as he bent and concentrated on his task.
It was an ordinary task.
One any father would do for his daughter.
Her stomach churned, and Sunny bit back the threatening bile.
