Page 31 of My Husband Problem

I’m on my own turf, for fuck’s sake. I was surprised to see him standing out here on the back porch already, and it’s clear he’s been up for a little while, but still…this ismyback porch behindmyugly house withmyducks running around the yard.

I should be prepared.

I’m not.

Declan is not wearing a suit.

That’s not fair.

In tennis shoes, running shorts, and a black T-shirt that molds to his broad chest and wide shoulders, he looks like a regular guy.

No, that’s not true. He looks like adevastatingly sexyregular guy.

He definitely doesn’t look like an all-powerful billionaire prince.

And I still want him.

Clearly, my attraction to him has nothing to do with his power or some weird subliminal take-charge signal that his suit sends to a primal part of my brain.

It’s just the guy.

“Good morning,” I finally manage. “So you’ve met Hotch, Reid, Morgan, Prentiss, Rossi, Garcia, JJ, and Alvez.” I point at each duck as I say their names.

And yes, my voice sounds stupidly breathless.

“What are those names from?” he asks. “I was expecting Daffy or Mr. McQuackers.”

I tear my gaze away from the thick column of his neck. God, I’m actually wondering if it tastes salty from the sweat from his run.

What? Why? I donotwant to lick his throat.

Liar.

Ducks. He asked about the ducks.

I smile as I remember his question. “Criminal Minds. Those are all last names of characters from the show.”

He chuckles, and Ifeelthe rumble down my spine.

“Criminal Minds? Should I be concerned about these ducks?”

I laugh. “If they’re plotting anything, they’re easily distracted by bugs and won over with kale and bananas, so don’t worry too much.”

I keep my eyes on the ducks instead of the too tempting man next to me.

“Are you coming out to feed them now?” he asks.

Does he sound a little excited about the prospect of feeding the flock? No way. Has Declan O’Grady ever been this close to this many ducks before? I can’t imagine it.

“I’ve already fed them.”

I can’t help the smile that lifts my lips as I watch the ducks waddle around their yard. This is something at the house that Idid not think of Declan before I did it. But I definitely wondered what he would think of it afterward.

I guess I’m about to find out. I focus on him again, feeling slightly less rattled. “Did you want to help?”

To my surprise, he nods. “I can help tomorrow. Or do you feed them more than once a day?”

“I just fill up their feed in the morning. But I’ll have to change out their water tonight.”