“Sorry, who? Who are these guys you’re referring to?”
Rick sighs a bit, looking quickly at his daughter, but Amelia’s busy coloring away on a placemat the restaurant has provided. He lowers his voice.
“The single dads group I belong to,” he says in a meaningful tone. “Where I got your number from.”
I sit back, defeated suddenly.
“Oh that,” I say in a limp voice.
“Yes, that,” the big man repeats, his blue eyes glimmering. “Quite a few of us have used your babysitting services, honey, and like all guys, they talk. They’ve mentioned how beautiful you are, but also how wild and wanton.”
All the blood drains from my body.
“So you guys have been gossiping about me?” I manage faintly.
Rick nods.
“Well, I wouldn’t describe it as gossiping, but yes. Men talk, the same way women do. But our chats don’t slut-shame you or anything like that. It’s just that you were the perfect fit for quite a few of us divorced guys. You were able to care for our children, but also provide a much-needed relief to the fathers as well, and we appreciate that about you,” he says in a low tone.
Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel any better although I straighten in my seat with a resolute expression.
“Well, you’re welcome, I suppose,” I manage in a stronger tone. “How many of the guys were talking about me?”
Rick shrugs.
“Just two or three.”
I shoot him a look.
“Which ones?”
“David Eaton, Mark Hammer and Chris Clay,” he replies after a pause. “But again, none of this is being done to shame you, honey. If anything, we’re grateful for your services, although I’d like to throw something out there, if I may.”
I shoot him a wary glance.
“Yes, what is it?”
Rick looks thoughtful, his blue eyes evaluating what he’s about to say.
“Well, as long as we’re together, Tracy, I’d prefer if you didn’t see other men. I know I don’t have the right to ask this of you, but it’s just my preference. In fact, you don’t even have to babysit for those guys anymore if you don’t want to. I’m more than happy to make up for your lost wages.”
I stare at him.
“But why would you do that?” I whisper. “I mean, you don’t owe me anything.”
The handsome man shrugs, his broad shoulders emphasized by the slim fit of his polo shirt.
“Because I want to. And because I find you gorgeous, charming, and extremely attractive, sweetheart. I’m a territorial guy, and I like to keep my women away from others, so to say. So yes, I’d prefer it if you stopped babysitting for other men while we’re together.”
That makes me tilt my head at him curiously.
“But are we together? Kind of like you’re implying?”
Rick nods slowly, those blue eyes seizing mine.
“Yes, we’re together,” he says in a raspy voice, taking my small hand in his big one. “After one taste of you, honey, I’m not going to be able to get enough. This isn’t going to stop in Bermuda you know, because this isn’t just some vacation fling. Once we get back to New Jersey, I’m going to want more, Tracy, and that means purging your client list unfortunately.”
My heart soars because goodness, Rick sounds so possessive and it makes me feel warm all over. Yet is it really possible that this handsome man wants to date me for real? It seems unlikely because he’s a powerful, dominant alpha male whereas I’m a single, unwed mom-to-be. As a result, I fix him with a look.