Page 21 of Pearl

“Holy crap, that stuff is the real deal.”

I pat her on the back as she sputters. “I did try to warn you.”

“Another, please.” I give her an “are you sure?” face, and she nods. “I’m not an easy drunk, Decker. I can hold my own. Plus, the kids are inside, so I’m not gonna get crazy.”

I wish she would get fucking crazy.

I smirk, then reach for the bottle, pouring two more shots. They go down the exact same way as I stare at her. She stares right back.

“Holy shit,” she mutters again. Even I wince the second time around.

She has a little drop of liquid on her bottom lip, and without thinking, I reach over and brush it off with my thumb.

Pearl freezes, and it’s then I realize what I’ve done.

“Shoot.” I frown, shifting back. “I’m sorry⁠—”

“I have a confession.”

I arch a brow. “Uh, oh.” Is she gonna blow me off?

She looks at her hands, her voice a whisper. “I was waiting for you to touch me again.”

Those words. Those fucking words aim straight for my cock.

Even though I know it’s probably only the alcohol talking, it warms me all the same.

“Pearl.”

“Aren’t you running out of reasons why we shouldn’t? Mr. Sterling?”

CHAPTER 9

PEARL

I’m flirting with him. And I know it’s wrong. But if I’m honest, I want to be a little selfish.

Is it so bad that he’s my best friend’s dad? Yes.

Is it completely off limits for me to accost him? Also yes, but the liquid courage helped.

He smells so fucking good, too.

All man. His Henley shouldn’t fit so snugly on his body. His hair is messily disheveled, even though he probably woke up looking like that.

A few seconds later, Mahini shouts out, “Mom? We’re going to bed now!”

We both jump. He chuckles first, and I put a hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter.

I shake my head. “Party poopers!” I call back.

The fly screen opens, and they both stick their heads out the doorway. It’s after midnight—well past Mahini’s usual bedtime.

“Good night, Grandpa,” Kayla says. “Night, Pearl.”

“Good night, girls.” I smile as Decker blows them a kiss.

They take off, and I glance at the man next to me. He scrubs a hand down his face. “Grandpa. How did I get so old?”