Just One Dare (The Kingston Family 5)

“That’s part of it. There’s nothing wrong with surprise ice cream after school. Or the playground. Or pizza for dinner. But maybe not all on the same day. Parents need to agree before offering up those things. Or one day, she’s going to do an end run around me because she knows Daddy will say yes.”

She pulled back her hand and reluctantly, he let her go. Her words had hit home and he understood. “I should have discussed it with you first.”

She nodded. “That’s part of it. Being a parent…it doesn’t come with a rule book. You’ll learn.”

“What else?”

She drew a deep breath. “You’re not always going to be here. That’s the nature of your job, your life.”

He opened his mouth to speak but she held up a hand. “It’s okay. We both know what the reality is. But I don’t want her to resent me for being strict, because when you come around, it’s all fun and games.”

He nodded, taking in her words and understanding. She wasn’t wrong. This was his life, at least for now. “I get it. I’m glad I had today but I’ll learn.”

She nodded as she took a sip of her wine.

Watching her, he drummed his fingers against the granite counter. He knew her better than she thought and there was more. She hadn’t been staring into her wine glass about today’s adventures alone. “That’s not all that’s bothering you.”

She sighed and placed the glass on the counter. “You’re right.” Her light blue eyes stared into his. “This is hard to explain. Hard to say.” She hesitated and he gave her time to gather her thoughts. “I’ve been on my own for a long time and I’ve been in survival mode even longer, first for myself and then for myself and Leah. All I ever wanted was to give Leah the stability I never had.”

“And you think I threaten that somehow.” He leaned an elbow on the hard granite.

“I think you threaten me and the life I’ve built for us. But not for the reason you might think. It’s not because Leah suddenly has her father in her life that I feel this way—I want that for her. And I want you to be a part of Leah’s future. But instability makes me anxious. The coming and going at the whim of a phone call? That’s hard for me.”

He knew how difficult that was for her to admit and he put his hand over hers this time and brushed his thumb over her soft skin. He wasn’t sure what to say or promise in order to reassure her. She was right. He had a job that kept him on the move and he didn’t see that changing any time soon. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be a permanent fixture in Aurora and Leah’s lives.

“I’m going to do my best to get up to speed as a parent,” he promised her.

Her lips twitched but her smile was genuine. “I know you will and I’m sure you’ll be a fast study.”

“I appreciate that.” He wanted to say more but it would only be rehashing what she’d already said.

He knew her fears and he needed to think about what he could do to make things work between them. Early on, he’d been overly optimistic that sheer determination would win her over and get him what he wanted. Them as a family…on his terms. He realized his mistake now.

“Look, it’s been a long day and I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

“And you need to get ready for your trip,” she said.

He nodded. “I do.” He rose from his seat and held out his hand. “Walk me to the door?”

She slid her palm against his and followed him through the main area of the house, to the front entrance.

Although he felt like they were at an impasse, they’d still made progress over the last couple of days. He wasn’t going to let her minimize their connection.

So he slid his hand around her waist and yanked her against him.

She let a surprised gasp but didn’t pull away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him, too, her hands settling on his hips.

“Be good while I’m gone,” he said in a gruff voice, knowing he’d miss her, no matter how long or short a time he was gone.

“Be good while you’re away.”

“Always,” he said, and captured her mouth, sliding his tongue inside her parted lips.

She moaned and tightened her grip on his waist, letting him back her against the nearest wall as his mouth plundered hers. He needed a thorough taste to hold him over until his return. He tasted a hint of wine and everything Aurora and his cock throbbed, urging him to take her upstairs to her room. But that couldn’t happen—not now. She had a lot to think about and he’d pushed her far enough tonight. Not to mention, their daughter was home and he had no idea how to handle that with care.