I looked back at Isaac and found myself smiling. He hadn’t bothered filling in the gaps my silence left in the conversation, and something about that radiated confidence that I couldn’t help finding attractive. “It’s not easy to date with a baby.”
“I’m sure Kara would happily babysit.” His grin cut through his full beard and his eyes lit up with laughter. “Or have you tried double dating?”
I laughed while rolling my eyes. “I haven’t actually tried dating at all since I had him. Since I found out I was pregnant, actually.”
“Not because I have any interest, at all, even in the slightest, but I think you really should go on a date with someone.” He met my eyes again, heat clear in his gaze. “I wouldn’t wait. I’d just grab the first guy you see, like right now, and tell him he’s taking you on a date.”
My heart thumped faster in my chest and I pretended to look away from him. “The first guy I see?”
Isaac surprised me by reaching over and cupping my chin in his big hand, just to pull my face back around to him. “Just any old guy you see first.”
“Did my sister put you up to this?” I felt wary suddenly and unable to believe that he’d actually be interested. I felt out of shape and…motherly. How could I feel sexy when I just felt motherly nonstop?
“Your sister invited me to a baby’s birthday party and told me that you desperately needed to be taken out, but I had no intention of doing anything other than being a gentleman and saying hello until I saw you.” His thumb stroked the bottom edge of my mouth before he dropped his hand and smiled. “I’m a big boy, though. Say no and I’ll accept it.”
I fanned myself and looked around the room again, unsure of what the hell was actually happening. I spotted Kara peeking out from behind a couple of her friends, spying on us. “I hate my sister.”
“I wasn’t sure about her until tonight. Now, I think I really like her.” Isaac caught Hank’s teether as he tossed it and gave it back to him. “Looks like little man has quite the arm.”
My hormones raged at seeing Isaac interacting with Hank and I felt myself slipping. Any promise I’d made to remain celibate and single crashed around Isaac’s massive feet, and I turned to him fully, knees pressing into his leg. “You’re taking me on a date.”
“Want to go now?”
I stammered, not expecting him to mean right away. I thought there’d be some back and forth and then he’d take my number and call me in a few days. “Now?”
Kara popped up out of nowhere and took Hank. “I was missing this little nugget. Couldn’t help overhearing that there’s been a date proposed. You go on, Mal. I’ve got Hank. I’ll even keep him in my room tonight in case you get home late.”
My face flamed and I glared at her. “Kara, that’ssonice of you.”
She beamed at me. “Isn’t it? You kids have fun, okay? Stay out as late as you want. Paint the town red.”
Isaac looked over at me and raised his brows. “If red’s not your color, we could try something else.”
I fought a grin and shrugged. “Fine. I guess we’re going out to paint the town some undecided color.”
Tyler showed up, all wagging eyebrows and finger guns. “You remember the condom conversation, right?”
I stood up and flipped him off. “You suck.”
Isaac followed me up and rested his hand on my lower back. “Thanks for inviting me. It was the best birthday party for a one-year-old I’ve ever been to.”
“Do you like waffles, Isaac?” Tyler ignored my look and smiled. “We always have a big breakfast on Sundays. Waffles, bacon, real maple syrup, the whole nine yards. Come on over in the morning if you want. Around ten.”
Kara nodded emphatically while simultaneously readjusting Hank and his teether. “Oh, yeah. Definitely come in the morning.”
“Sure, if Mallory decides she can stand my company for a bit longer.”
I pulled Hank into my arms and hugged him close. Kissing the top of his head, I told him I loved him and that I’d be back. I had a moment of grief at the idea of leaving him, but it was easier when I knew he was going to be with Kara. I handed him back to her and planted one last kiss on his cheek before pulling away.
Isaac’s hand on my back moved up slightly as he leaned closer to me. “We can stay here. Or take him with us. I don’t mind.”
I shook my head and gave Hank one more kiss before I met Kara’s giddy gaze. “I don’t like you. Just so we’re clear.”
“No, you love me. Get out of here.”
I stuck my tongue out at her and then looked way up at Isaac. “I just need to grab my purse.”
I met him at the base of the stairs a few minutes later, after checking my hair and makeup in the bathroom, and then he led me outside to his truck. I had a moment of shame as he opened the truck door for me, knowing what I’d done with his brother in another truck. I felt guilty, knowing that he probably wouldn’t want to take me out if he knew that I’d been with his brother.