Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

“Mathis did. Detective Flores reiterated his desire to use Carlos as a weapon to pull Stefano out of hiding. Like always, we refused.”

“He says you’re safe. Do you believe him?” Grace speaks up.

“I always have.”

The timer goes off, and I move to Grace’s oven to get the cakes. “Now, all that’s left is the icing.” I pop the layers onto the cooling rack.

“It’s really sweet of you to do this, Claire, but unnecessary.”

“It’s my gift to Nick.”

“He’s not as torn up over losing as you think.”

I glance at the bassinet in the far corner at a sleeping baby Kayla, and my heart melts. “I guess not.”

Miami lost the last playoff game and won’t be making an appearance at the Super Bowl for the first time in three years. And Grace is right; he wasn’t nearly as upset as I expected. Kayla’s birth did a number on him, and for the second time in my life, I watched a Bennett brother fall prey to a tiny baby girl. He’s insanely in love with Grace, but he’s a fool over his daughter.

Just like Shaw with Bizzy and Brinley.

“Would you like some help?” Bizzy offers as I check the pot on the stove and shriek at the contents. A huge bubble of boiling chocolate explodes right as I reach for the spoon.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit!” I jump around in a circle flapping my hand to ease the burn. Splashes of chocolate fly everywhere, splattering on my shirt.

“What’s going on?”

My head snaps up to find Mathis smirking openly as his eyes roam over my appearance. “What are you doing?”

“Watching you.”

“More specifically, what are you doing here?”

“You’re here.” His explanation is simple, and I can’t miss the dreamy expression on Grace’s face.

I gl

ance around the kitchen at the mess and back to the stove. “That’s supposed to be chocolate ganache, but I think it’s scorched.”

I wait for a witty remark, but his only response is to continue to stare as if I’m the only person in the room until my skin prickles

“Why are you ogling me? I know I’m a wreck.”

“Not to me. You’re beautiful as ever, but if you must know, I’m standing here picturing you in this same predicament in our new custom designed kitchen. Imagine the destruction you can cause there.” His eyes glitter in a way that sends signals to my brain that I’m in trouble.

He slowly prowls my way, his eyes never wavering until he’s close enough to take my hand and bring it to his mouth. My stomach pitches when his tongue darts out and licks the chocolate off every finger.

“Stop—” I don’t finish the statement before his lips cover mine, tracing back and forth.

“That house was perfect for us. I want my wife to have perfection. “

“Perfection is laying it on a little thick,” I mumble.

“It’ll be perfection once we’re through with it.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“You said that two days ago. I want a yes.” His voice drops low right before he nips on my bottom lip.

I try to stay strong but my body betrays me, arching into him. “Mmmhmm.” My hands frame his face and attempt to deepen the kiss.