Page 12 of Finding English

“Well, how about we get you folks some ice cream.”

Micky picked out the mint chocolate chip with sprinkles, Henry went for butter pecan, and she had a banana split with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

Henry insisted on paying, saying he’d invited them, and Cassie finally conceded. She would pay next time—if there was one after her daughter’s outburst.

They found a table by the window and Micky kept up the chatter as she let Henry entertain them. She couldn’t help but watch him when she thought he wasn’t looking though. He was such a handsome, confident man, and he seemed to have endless patience.

He glanced at her, and his eyes turned molten as her knee brushed against his on the opposite side. The simple touch shouldn’t have her mind thinking of sweaty naked sex with this man, but it did. Her body was hot and needy in the middle of a family ice cream parlor, and she briefly wondered if it was shock catching up to her, but knew in her heart it was all Henry. The simple touch of his lips on her palm earlier had been more sensual than anything she’d ever experienced before. What could he do to her body if he touched her where she wanted him to?

“You can’t look at me like that, sweetheart, not when I can’t do anything about it.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him how she was looking at him, but that would be insulting to them both. She needed to decide, and now, if she was going to push him away or embrace what he offered, whatever that was. “I can’t help it.”

She heard the low growl in his throat and saw the sexual energy in his face.

“I’m tired.”

Cassie snapped out of her sexual fog at her child’s voice, dismayed she’d gotten carried away with her fantasies when she was with Micky. “Let’s get you home to bed.”

Henry lifted Micky, putting her over his shoulder, her head lolling trustingly as they walked back to the car. He took her hand in his as they walked and she found herself leaning into him. They looked like a family, and she wanted that for her child and for herself.

Henry dropped them off at her home, telling her he’d pick up her car tomorrow and get it back to her. Cassie had let him help her tuck Micky in, and she’d fallen straight to sleep.

She brushed her hand lightly over her curls. “She’s worn out.”

Henry had his hands in his pockets. “She had a big day.”

They walked out, and Cassie left to the door ajar so she could listen for her in case she cried out.

She wrung her hands, not knowing what to do with them and feeling nervous. “Do you want a coffee or something?”

“I best get going.”

“Okay.” Cassie blushed feeling foolish, wondering if she’d read the signals wrong. “I wasn’t suggesting anything, it’s—” She took a breath. “You were kind, and I wanted to, I don’t know… to say thanks. I’m mean, why would a man like you want a single mom?”

“Cassie, hush.”

His firm words had her closing her mouth as he laid his finger against her lips. His eyes were hungry as he moved closer, removing his finger as he settled his hands on her hips, and a thrill moved through her body.

“I want you so bad I don’t trust myself not to rush you if I stay. You’re beautiful, sexy, so damn sweet when you chatter on with nerves, not to mention clever, a wonderful mother, and a joy to be around.”

Cassie didn’t know what to say, there were so many nice things about that sentence she couldn’t process them all.

“I see I have you speechless, so while I do, why don’t you think about coming on a date with me next Friday. Just us this time, so we can get to know each other better. Then maybe if that goes well, we can go somewhere with Micky?”

“I don’t know. You scare me.” Her own honesty surprised her.

“I promise I won’t hurt you.”

“I hope not.”

His smile was so damn sexy. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes, if I can find a sitter.”

Henry nodded and moved so close her heart began to hammer in her chest with desire drugging her as she closed her eyes waiting for his kiss.

It never came, only the featherlight touch of his lips against her cheek as he whispered, “Sweet dreams, sweet Cassie.” He pulled away then, and as she swayed he smirked knowingly. “Lock up.”

He waited until she closed the door and locked up before she heard him drive away. Cassie was smiling as she fell asleep that night, her fingertips against her cheek that still tingled from his touch.