Page 65 of Wanting the Winger

I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him tightly. “I’m sorry for teasing you. I think it’s wonderful that you want to make a good impression on her. It’s another reason for me to love you.”

His lips touch the middle of my forehead, placing a soft kiss there. “Let’s do this before I chicken out.” He smiles. “Maybe we should leave Brutus out here, at least until we get the introductions over.”

“That’s a good idea.” I know once Tillie sees his dog, that’s all she’s going to see.

I take hold of his hand. “Come on.” I open the door and we step inside.

Wendy is sitting on the couch in the living room and rises to her feet. Her smile might be bigger than I’ve ever seen. “Well, hello there.” She looks Darius up and down and gives me two thumbs up right in front of him.

“Darius, Wendy. Wendy, Darius.” I gesture between them.

He moves to shake her hand and she opens her arms wide, walking straight toward him.

“I prefer to hug,” she says, winking at me.

Snickering, I watch him hesitate and throw me a helpless look. I nod to let him know this is typical Wendy behavior.

They hug and she lowers her hand like she’s going to squeeze his ass, but she doesn’t make contact. I shake my head at her. It’s hard to believe two people who are as opposite as we are ended up being such great friends.

“So, how was last night?” she asks.

“It was interesting. I’ll have to tell you about it later. It’s too long to explain now.”

Her lower jaw falls open. “You’re going to make me wait?”

“I am. You’re not used to that, but that’s the way it has to be. We have plans to take Tillie to the beach.”

“Ooh, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Tatted-up is going with you? Can I come? I bet he has hot friends.”

“Wendy, he’s standing right here. Don’t objectify him.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m sorry. But please tell me you have hot friends.” She positions her hands like she’s praying.

“Uh… I guess I do. Women seem to like them.”

She slaps the back of her hand against my arm. “I knew it. Good-looking men always have good-looking friends.”

I roll my eyes at her ridiculousness. It’s time to see my daughter. I missed her so much and can’t wait any longer to see her. “Tillie, I’m home,” I call out.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Tillie squeals from the kitchen. I hear the pitter patter of her feet on the hardwood floors before I see her. She barrels into me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

Releasing Darius’s hand, I pull her closer. “Hi, sweetie. I want you to meet someone. This is Darius. He plays hockey for your grandpa’s team.”

Tillie’s eyes grow wider. I don’t know if it’s the surprise alone or if she’s also impressed. While I never watch hockey, Ryan has been known to, and our daughter thinks it’s cool.

“Well, I guess now I know why it’s a long story,” Wendy drolls. I jab my elbow into her side.

“Hi, Tillie. It’s nice to meet you.” Darius lowers to one knee and stretches out his arm.

She tentatively reaches forward and her tiny hand is swallowed up by his much larger one. “Nice to meet you too…” She trails off.

“Darius,” I remind her.

She smiles at him. “Darius.”

He grins back like she made his day. Seeing them together tugs on my heartstrings.

“Darius brought a friend with him I think you’ll want to meet.”

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