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“Daddy! Daddy! I want to be like Paxton! Please can I shoot a deer?”
Laughing, I pulled her onto my lap and tickled her stomach. She kicked and laughed until I stopped. “You really want to shoot a deer, Chloe?”
Her big blue eyes looked into mine. “I want to be like Paxton when I grow up.”
My heart melted and my gaze jerked up to see Paxton wiping a tear from her cheek. “She is pretty amazing, isn’t she?” I asked not really expecting my daughter to answer.
“She is. I can’t wait until she’s my mommy.”
We both smiled. This past month I hadn’t pressured Paxton with our relationship. If it were up to me she’d be moved in, and my ring would be on her finger. But I knew she wanted to take things slower. We made sure we went out at least three times a week. Twice alone and once with Chloe.
Paxton’s blue eyes stared into mine, and I replied, “Neither can I, pumpkin. Neither can I.”
“One week off. You have no idea how much I need this week off.”
Corina set her oversized bag down on one of the kid’s desks as she dropped into the seat. It was the last day before our Thanksgiving break, and we had a half day. Next week we had the whole week off. It was a much-needed break for all of us.
“Hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week,” I said.
She rolled her neck. “Thank God. I love my students, but I need a break from them and their parents. If one more mom tries to set me up on a date, I swear I’m going to blow a fuse.”
I chuckled. “They mean well.”
Lifting her brow, she asked, “They still snooping for information on you and Steed?”
“Gina is. Pretty much everyone else knows we’re seeing each other.”
“Speaking of, how are things going with you guys? I never see you anymore so I don’t get the dirty low down.”
“Dirty low down?”
Corina nodded. “Please. If he is anything like his twin brother, I’m sure the boy does dirty, dirty things to you when you’re alone.”
My cheeks heated. “Have you seen Mitchell again?”
Her smile faded and a look of hurt moved in so fast I might have missed it had I not been focused on her. “No, but I’ve gone out a few times with Tripp. At least he’s interested.”
She faked a laugh.
I leaned back. So Mitchell was honoring the brother code. Interesting. “How’s it going? With Tripp?”
With a shrug, she replied, “It’s okay. He loves politics and law and throws in a bit of ranching every now and then. Those seem to be the only three things he ever talks about.”
“Why do you go out with him then?”
Chewing on her lip, she replied, “He’s nice. Treats me with respect. And it keeps me from sitting home all alone watching Disney movies and daydreaming about my prince charming. I get the feeling he is looking for arm candy, especially since he wants to run for mayor someday.”
“Have y’all slept together yet?”
She tossed her head back and let out a roar of laughter. “No. I informed him I wasn’t the type of girl to spread my legs open like that. Besides, we aren’t even remotely close to that in our relationship. If you can call it that.”
I leaned forward. “And yet, you did with Mitchell. Spread your legs.”
Her face was pained. “That was different. It was a moment of weakness, and I had been drinking. It was a mistake. Clearly he thinks so as well since he went radio silent afterwards.”
Dragging in a deep breath, I blew it out. I needed to let her know about both Mitchell and Tripp liking her. “I’m pretty sure Mitchell likes you, Corina.”
Her eyes grew wide, and I swore I saw confusion in her eyes. Then she laughed and said, “I doubt it.”
“No, Corina, he does.”
Her smile faded. “It was a one-night stand. Just like you said, Paxton. I’m over it.”
I opened my mouth, but someone knocked on the door. Corina turned to look over her shoulder and I glanced up. Steed stood there with a beaming expression on his face.
Damn. He looked hot as hell. His black T-shirt showcased his ripped upper body perfectly. His cowboy hat was in his hand and his hair was a disheveled mess. I could imagine him running his hand through it as he worked on the ranch with Trevor. Letting my eyes travel down his body, I couldn’t help but notice how his Wrangler jeans fit him perfectly. The icing on the cake were the cowboy boots I had given him so long ago. I loved that he still wore them. My lower stomach pooled with heat.
I wanted him. Now.
Jesus. Anytime this man is around I’m horny as hell.
Steed tilted his head and lifted a brow. I’m sure he noticed the way I was eye fucking him.
