Page 106 of Sins of the Father

But casual has never been something I can do.

And that’s the problem when you have sex in complicated situations. It muddies up everything.

16

Harper

There’sa hardness in Steven’s face, and it only leaves when we have sex, which was several times last night and this morning before and after he worked out. But as soon as we finish, his chiseled face turns to stone. It’s as if he put a wall up and any intimacy we had is gone.

And he makes me beg. Harder than I ever have before, he keeps the inferno burning in my body and on edge with adrenaline simmering forever before he unleashes it in full.

I’m not sure what to do. Anytime I try to talk to him, his lips, hands, or any other part of his body turn me back on, and we’re going at it again.

“Am I still going with you tonight?” I quietly ask him before he leaves.

He clenches his jaw. “Don’t feel obligated.”

“I don’t. I want to go.”

“Sure. I need to get one of my tuxes at my place before I pick you up.”

“I can get it.”

He opens his mouth then snaps it shut. His jaw twitches. “I’ll handle it.”

“It’s not a big—”

“I’ll pick you up at six tonight.” He leans down and kisses Hope on the head. “Have a good day, sweetheart.” He briefly glances at me. “You, too.”

Before I can say anything, he spins and leaves.

No kiss?

I follow him to the elevator. “Steven.”

“I need to go, Harper. I have a ton of stuff to get through before the sperm donor’s event tonight.”

I reach for his tie and yank it so hard, he has no option but to lean down toward me.

“You forgot your kiss.”

His blue eyes blink once, but he doesn’t move. I stand on my tippy toes and kiss him. At first, he doesn’t open his mouth, but I don’t back down, and he finally caves, slides his hand around my waist, and kisses me so hard, my toes curl.

I keep my face close to his. “That’s better. Have a good day.”

His face is finally soft, and he murmurs, “You, too.”

I slap his ass. “Well, get out of here. Scoot.”

He bites back a smile and leaves.

I turn to Hope. “All right, sweet girl. We have dresses to try on today. Should we put you in one, too?”

She tilts her head. “Should I show you what I’m talking about?”

She reaches out and tugs my hair.

I get her changed and fix myself up then put her in the stroller. Vivian’s isn’t far, and it’s a beautiful day, so I walk the several blocks.

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