Page 11 of Baby, It’s Hotter Inside

“OMG! He’s going to fall madly in love with you, and then the two of you are going to live happily ever after and make beautiful babies together. I’ll take all the pictures for everything.”

I laugh. “You are ridiculous. And way too much of a romantic. Though I do appreciate your photography skills.”

“Nah, I’m a realist.”

“I’m sure he’ll be back in France or wherever he’s living now before anything crazy like that happens. This is just a tryst.”

“Such a dirty word for Sand Dollar’s favorite kindergarten teacher.” She tsks her tongue.

My smile disappears, and the thought that keeps plaguing my brain surfaces. “He’s way too hot for me, but I don’t even care.”

“Bite your tongue, Ginger Starr!” Annie says with a punch to my side.

“I know, I’m fabulous. I’m comfortable with who I am, but I also know my limitations. Someday I’ll get my happy ending, it’ll just be with a regular looking guy. Someone who will totally have a dad bod in five years.”

“Oh my God, you’re so stupid. Don’t say stupid shit like that. He is not too hot for you. If anything you’re too good for him.”

“You’re just saying that because you love me.”

“I do love you, but that is completely beside the point. That man was whistling when he walked away from you. Grinning like a lovesick fool. Don’t sabotage this because of some weird misguided belief. Or because you’re believing all that bullshit that asshole Jeff told you.” She grabs both of my hands and squeezes them. “Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“And also promise that you’ll call me tomorrow morning and give me all the juicy details.”

“Why tomorrow morning?”

“Because the juicy details will all be happening tonight.” She waggles her eyebrows. “I’m hoping I’ll be far from your mind tonight.”

And then it hits me. I feel my eyes go wide. I’m going to get naked with him. See his naked body. We’re going to totally do naked stuff together. “I’m going to have sex with Brock.”

“One can only hope.”

chapter six

Ginger

It took me forever to figure out what to wear. He seemed to like my swimsuit so much I was tempted to leave it on, but I couldn’t figure out an excuse that would legitimize that choice. So instead I settled on a black halter dress with a flared skirt. It’s cute but also sexy, and the best part is its really comfortable, so I won’t be spending my time tugging on the fabric trying to cover my squishy bits.

I follow the directions to the address he texted me and I realize that it’s not a hotel. And obviously not his parent’s place because I wouldn’t have needed directions there. So I’m confused when I get to the old Barnaby’s Shoe store downtown. But I follow his instructions to go around to the side and climb the steps.

He opens the door and he’s got a dish rag slung over one shoulder. His green button-up shirt has the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And damn, I cannot be the only woman in the world who thinks that look is beyond sexy. His forearms are tanned and muscular, and there’s this vein going up one of them...and damn again. So hot.

“Wow, you look amazing.” His words ring true as does the expression on his face as his eyes eat me up.

I could get used to him looking at me like this. Brock Daniels. What is happening to my life?

Thank God he can’t hear my inner voice, he’d think I had lost my mind.

“Come in.” He moves out of the way and holds the door for me.

“Smells good in here.”

“Nothing too exciting, just some herb baked chicken and twice baked potatoes. Salad.” He puts a hand to the small of my back and leads me in. “You’re not one of those women who doesn’t eat carbs, are you?”

I snort. “No. I probably wouldn’t look like this if I stopped eating carbs. I like bread. And potatoes. And cake.”

“You look good to me.” His voice is behind me, close to my ear and then his mouth nips at the exposed part of my shoulder.