Page 80 of Bayside Heat
Their friends had joked with them when they were slow dancing, saying things about how Drake didn’t look like he was going to kill anyone as long as Serena was in his arms. She’d loved every second of it—being in his arms and knowing their friends had seen the same look in his eyes she had when they’d danced before becoming a couple.
“I loved dancing with you as my boyfriend. It changes everything.”
Mira had said the same thing last night, that Drake seemed truly happy and relaxed for the first time in his entire life.
“For me, too, Supergirl. We’d better get going. Daphne’s probably already there. She’s bringing her daughter, Hadley, and she’ll have her in the office this morning while she finishes training with Harper.”
He smacked her butt as she climbed off his lap and said, “You know what my favorite part of last night was?”
“Groping me under the dinner table?” She slipped her feet into her flip-flops.
He gathered her against him and said, “The moment you claimed me in the restaurant. That was freaking hot. Almost as hot as christening the office.”
“Maybe next weekend we can christen your office downstairs.”
He made a guttural sound of appreciation and kissed her. She was going to miss falling asleep in his arms, but she might miss their mornings together even more. She loved waking up to him—his scent, his strong arms wrapped around her, and his raspy morning voice. Showering and getting ready for the day, stolen kisses and smacks on her butt—she felt like she was stockpiling all the little things like a chipmunk saving up for winter.
Drake grabbed their matching sunglasses as they went out the door. She loved that he wasn’t embarrassed to wear them. As they crossed the grass, she tucked away the feel of her hand in his, the way he pulled her closer as they walked, and the scents and sounds of the place she’d called home for the past several years.
“There’s Daphne,” he said, heading toward Summer House Inn’s parking lot.
Serena walked quicker. “I can’t wait to see her little girl.”
Daphne was leaning into the back seat, lifting her daughter out of the car seat. “Hey, you two,” she said as she settled Hadley, her adorable ten-month-old baby girl against her rounded hip. A few tufts of brownish hair stuck up from behind a tiny headband with a pink bow. Like Daphne, Hadley had chubby cheeks, but unlike her outgoing mother, Hadley had serious eyes, and her tiny lips were pursed in an almost-scowl, like a discerning adult. She was clearly unimpressed with her newfound situation.
“I’m so glad you made it,” Serena said. “Hadley is adorable. Hi, sweetie.” She tickled Hadley’s foot. The baby’s expression didn’t change, but she clutched Daphne’s T-shirt.
“Sorry we’re late.” Daphne stood up a little straighter, showing them her T-shirt, on which SORRY I’M LATE was emblazoned across her chest. She lifted Hadley a little higher. I’M THE REASON WE’RE LATE was printed across the front of Hadley’s pink shirt.
“That is hilarious,” Drake said. “Nothing like being prepared for anything. How can we help?”
“I need to get her car seat and bag. Would you mind holding her for a sec?” Daphne handed her to Drake, and Hadley’s tiny brows knitted. She looked at her mother like she was out of her mind. Then she cocked her head, studying Drake’s face.
“Believe it or not, she likes you,” Daphne said. “She usually cries when anyone other than family holds her.”
Drake was a natural with kids. Serena had watched him with Hagen over the years, and with other kids who had come through the resort. But nothing could have prepared her for the unfamiliar desires pinging around inside at the sight of Drake’s thick arms cradling the sweet baby girl, making her look even smaller and more in need of his protection. He cooed at her.
Serena tore her gaze away, afraid her ovaries might explode.
“Okay, all set.” Daphne threw her bag over her shoulder and held out the baby carrier. “Want to trade?”
Drake tickled Hadley under her chubby little chin, earning a slobbery grin. She had two teeth on the bottom and four on top. “Actually, would you mind if I carried her?”
