Captured Single Dad: A Steamy Daddy Romance

by Kristen Echo

  “It’s not a good time. We shouldn’t—”

  “Well, wine can wait,” she interrupted. “Are we still meeting in the lobby for our date in an hour?”

  It was not a date. I never wanted to date again, or maybe never again. If the right woman came along, I would try. I dismissed the notion of being alone forever. I missed the all-consuming passion and love I shared with my first wife. Not a day went by that I didn’t miss her like crazy. I was a romantic at heart. But after being burned, I was hesitant to act. It had to be the right woman. The connection had to sizzle hotter than molten lava to make me risk the pain again.

  “I don’t date,” I lied. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression earlier. It’s not you.” I reached out and brushed her arms to soften the sting of rejection. “You’re gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to spend an evening with you.”

  She gave me a weak smile and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Too soon after the divorce?”

  It wasn’t too soon. I could love again, but I felt connected to someone, or I didn’t. Simple. Love, lust and attraction weren’t complicated. People, unrealistic expectations and situations made it complicated. Falling in love was the easy part.

  “Something like that,” I agreed. “Thanks for coming by Meredith. Enjoy your wine and dinner without me.” I stepped back and closed the door.

  It was a bit of a dick move, but Meredith liked to talk. She’d been chewing my ear off all day. I locked the deadbolt, marched through the living area and returned to the bedroom. The king-sized bed was untouched, and for some reason swathed in rose petals. A bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket of ice on the nightstand next to a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. It must have been delivered to the wrong room.

  I looked past the bed at the open laptop on the desk. The golden-haired sexpot filled the screen. Even from this distance my attraction to her threatened to boil over. The connection was definitely there with Christy. That was the problem.

  My willpower to keep my hands off her was waning. Avoidance had been my coping mechanism for weeks. I approached the desk and stared at her cheeky grin. My fingers traced the pouty, red lips on the screen. The sexy glint in her big, blue eyes drove me crazy. I’d noticed the way her eyes followed me, and her body melted when I was near. I wasn’t blind to her crush, but I could never act on it. She was too pure and innocent for someone jaded like me. Not to mention the fact she was my best friend’s ward. Max would skin me alive if I ever touched her. It was his job to protect her.

  Since her parents died, Max and I had worked around the clock to keep her safe from industry creeps. Men trying to take advantage of her innocence. She was only a few years older than my twins and I felt protective of her. At her age, I was married and battling the courts to adopt my wife’s daughters. Her maturity came across in her actions on set and her mannerisms. Despite our best efforts, showbiz had taught Christy many hard lessons. She was forced to grow up fast.

  The last thing she needed was my filthy hands corrupting her. I tried not to fantasize about kissing those alluring lips, hugging those luscious curves and thrusting into her tight heat, but it was hard. I was hard. Damn. This girl would get me into so much trouble. Complications I didn’t need after a messy divorce.

  I looked away from the laptop and traipsed towards the lanai. I shifted the curtains and opened the sliding doors to let in some fresh air. The salty, ocean breeze surrounded me, cooling the room. Gazing into the dark and moonless sky, I ran my fingers through my hair and inhaled. The main floor room provided quick and easy access to the pool and gym. A row of locked surfboards was visible by the gate. I hadn’t had a chance to ride yet during this trip. Putting the models on boards and snapping pictures didn’t count.

  This wasn’t a pleasure trip. I came here for work. A chance to rebuild my name after taking way too much time off after I lost Lucille. I was too young for my life to be this complicated. Three kids, alimony payments and a bruised heart. Not exactly a catch. Christy deserved better. But that didn’t stop me from wanting her. More than lust, I liked the girl. We’d been friends for years, though our friendship was strictly platonic. Never anything more. Until recently, I never even thought about Christy as anything but a little girl.

  My ex, Jessa, had hated my relationship with Christy. Jessa hated my relationship with any female. She was jealous of my first wife, which was insane given Lucille had been dead for years before Jessa and I hooked up. Her jealousy spiraled out of control after we married. Being a photographer wasn’t just my job; it was a part of my soul. I tried to cut off that limb to please her, but nothing was ever enough. I’d taken fewer gigs but her thirst for money always pushed me back into the line of fire. I couldn’t win. Her lack of trust ended us. Since the divorce, Jessa had turned into a raging lunatic. Every time I came near a new woman, she found a way to sabotage it. This trip away couldn’t have come at a better time.

  I needed a big distraction. Maybe a few shots of liquid distraction would improve my mood. I reached in my pocket and grabbed my phone. Before I placed my call, it rang in my hand. Jessa’s fire-red hair, green eyes and devilish smile flashed on the display. I silenced the call without answering.

  My phone rang again, and this time Max’s picture displayed. My best friend was my rock. He didn’t often agree with my life choices, but he stuck by me. No matter what, we had each other’s backs.

  “Hey, party boy, what’s up?” I smiled, gazing at the tourists splashing in the pool.

  “Are you headed to the club with everyone? Christy’s hellbent on heading out but I have zero interest,” he explained. “It was so much easier to watch out for her before.” He coughed and mumbled something undecipherable.

  I laughed. “She’ll be fine.” With Christy there, it was best for me to avoid that place. “Most of the crew is going. You should join them. Meredith will be there and she’s looking for a good time.”

  “She’s not my type,” he replied without hesitation.

  “What is your type? She’s good-looking, single and looking to score. Not sure what more you’re after,” I joked. “I used to know, but I haven’t seen you date since you invited Christy to live with you and your ex bailed because responsibility was too heavy for her”

  I often wondered if he missed her and held onto the past, hoping for a reunion. The guy never shared his feelings. He was locked down tighter than a vault. Unlike me, who wore my heart on my sleeve.

  “A woman in her thirties looking to settle down and have babies isn’t what I’m after,” he replied. “And since when are you into flings? You married the first woman who touched you and became a family man by eighteen.”

  I’d never been into casual relationships. I had married Lucille and adopted her twin girls as soon as I graduated high school. After years of trying, we had one son together. I loved everything about our family.

  “Having babies isn’t so bad,” I joked.

  “Says the struggling single dad.”

  When Lucille died, I’d been devastated because that woman was my everything. I survived because of the kids, but we weren’t living. They missed their mom and the way things used to be. They deserved more than I provided them. Then I met Jessa. She was in her mid-twenties, beautiful and smart. I was so tired of being alone, and she convinced me to try again, but it never felt right. Our relationship lacked passion and love. In hindsight, I may have rushed things by putting a ring on her finger after a month. It was no surprise we didn’t last.

  “When you meet the right person, making babies is the most fun. One day, you’ll get it. Between us, having kids is the best thing I ever did. Come on, buddy. You must get lonely some—”

  “I’m too busy for this conversation,” he interrupted.

  For the past few years, Max was parenting a teenager on his own and growing his agency. His multitasking skills were unparalleled, and he made it seem easy. Then again Christy acted nothing like your typical teen. She’d be twenty in a few months and soon she�
�d be on her own. I wondered how Max would deal with being alone.

  “Almost four years is a long time to go without,” I added. I had no intention of waiting that long before I made love to someone again. “There’s more to life than work.”

  With my girls headed to Oxford in the fall and my son in boarding school for soccer or football as they called it, I planned to focus on photography. The move to Europe would be an adjustment, but it’s where I needed to be.

  “Who says I’m going without?” he barked.

  “No one. But I’ve never heard you mention a lady,” I said. “You deserve to meet someone special. Someone who gets you and can make you smile. Finding a partner to love is the greatest thrill on Earth.”

  Max mumbled again. “You’re an incurable romantic. If you’d concentrated less on love and more on your career, you’d be making bank already. Instead of—”

  “I’m not hurting for cash.” My bank account had several million diversified in various investments, but I wasn’t opposed to adding more. “Still, I appreciate you for bringing me onboard for this project. Thank you.”

  “That’s what friends do. We help each other. I’ve got lots more lined up for you too,” he replied. “When can I get a look at the proofs?”

  I chuckled. “Give me a chance.” I turned, went back inside and closed the doors behind me. “Look, I just stepped into the room. Haven’t even eaten or showered yet. Speaking of dinner, what are you doing?”

  “You’re seriously not heading out with the group?” he asked. “I was hoping you’d keep an eye on Christy for me.”

  “No.” I wasn’t ready for another run in with Christy. I was liable to toss her caveman style over my shoulder and claim her. Those thoughts were best not shared. “I’m staying in,” I answered. “You?”

  He huffed. I was certain he’d noticed the changes in Christy over the past year and that his cock was as stiff as mine around the girl. I adjusted my crotch. Then again, Max was too focused on work to notice.

  “Room service and bed,” he answered. “If the pictures aren’t ready, we’ll talk later.” He hung up.

  Typical Max. I laughed and put my phone away. I ordered room service, had a quick shower and sat back at the desk. After a quick bite and minor edits, I needed a break. I also needed to grab something for the kids. Buying souvenirs for the twins was easy. Anything with bling. My son was tougher to buy for. At thirteen, he was only interested in playing ball and FIFA.

  I headed down the hall to the lobby. A grand piano was tucked away in the corner across from the giftshop. I checked the shelves, and they had plenty of jewelry. For the girls, I bought two flower charms. My son got a humorous, hula girl bobblehead. If nothing else, it would earn a laugh.

  My smiled disappeared when I stepped out of the shop and spotted Jessa at the reception desk. Her bright red hair was difficult to mistake. Her throaty voice traveled, raising the hairs on the back of my neck.

  My legs carried me straight to her. The expansive marble tiles drifted under my feet. If the lobby was packed with people, I couldn’t tell. My eyes were glued to my ex.

  “Why are you here?” My tone was harsh.

  She pivoted and smiled. “That’s my husband,” she said to the clerk. “Sweetheart, they wouldn’t give me your room number, but they said they delivered my present.”

  “Ex-husband,” I corrected, grabbing her arm and hauling her away from the desk. “I’ll repeat my question. Why are you here?”

  Jessa ran her hands down the front of my t-shirt. “I wanted to surprise you. You must be so lonely in paradise without me.” She leaned towards me, trying to kiss me.

  I stepped away, avoiding her lips. “Have you lost your mind?”

  Our divorce had been her idea. She’d initiated the paperwork and completely blindsided me. I would have worked through our issues, but she wanted my undivided attention. I couldn’t offer that and she split.

  “Don’t act like you’re not happy to see me.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and tugged on the ends of my hair. “I’m sure you got my flowers and bottle of bubbly. It’s been months and I know you haven’t moved on.”

  “What I do is none of your business. You made your decision when you ended our marriage. I’m not happy to see you,” I answered, jerking her arms off me. “You’re getting your money. Leave me alone,” I barked.

  “I made a mistake,” she whispered, clasping her hands in front her. “Don’t you miss me? Even a little. Maybe at night when you’re all alone with no one to touch. No one to rub that—”

  “Jessa, you confuse the fuck out of me.” I ran my fingers through my short hair. “What the hell kind of games are you playing?”

  “No games. Let’s finish this conversation in your room,” she said, sidestepping my question. She pressed her body against mine and rubbed her hand over the front of my jeans. Her fingers pressed over my dick, leaving no doubt about her desire.

  The days of inviting her into my bed were over. But damn if her hand didn’t feel good down there. My cock responded on instinct, growing and hardening against the movement of her palm. I closed my eyes for a brief second, before coming to my senses. Jessa was unstable. A relationship without trust was doomed for failure. Her decision to end things was a blessing I had accepted far more easily than I should have.

  I pushed her hand away. “It’s over,” I said through clenched teeth. “Go home.”

  Her jade green eyes narrowed. “We will never be over. You were supposed to chase me, not sign the fucking papers. I love you so much, Brent. I’ll win you back, or I’ll die trying. No one else can have you.”

  “Is that a threat? Do I need a restraining order?”

  She laughed, and I shivered as if someone had walked over my grave. “It’s a promise.” She blew me a kiss and turned away. Her ass swayed in a pair of tight cutoff shorts.

  When I got back to my room, I was pissed, and my cock was still hard from the small amount of attention. I locked the door, tossed the gift bag on the coffee table and tore my shirt off. I needed a cold shower.

  Two steps into the bedroom, I felt the breeze lick against my bare chest. The door to the lanai was open, the curtains swayed, and my heart stopped beating.

  I wasn’t alone.

  My jaw hit the floor. My cock pressed harder against the fly of my jeans when I spotted the bright, red heels and a pair of tanned legs. I soaked in every luscious inch. Shapely legs, bare pussy, flat stomach and breasts so supple my mouth watered. Her wet, pouty lips begged to be kissed. Her big, blue eyes roamed my body with the same amount of hunger I had for her. I blinked several times, but the vision remained.

  Christy stood in the shadows wearing nothing but sex-kitten heels and my camera around her neck.

  Every fantasy and wet dream I’d ever had just came true.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Christy

  I’d never done anything like this. From the moment he set foot inside his hotel room, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Brent whipped off his shirt, and I stared unabashedly at his chest. Covered in tattoos and muscles. He was fit and my legs trembled with desire. I picked up my chin from the tiles and sucked back the drool.

  Passing out from oxygen deprivation probably wasn’t sexy. I had to remember to breathe.

  It wasn’t like me or my heart to go pitapat over a man. I was constantly surrounded by attractive men. Working with models and actors in their prime, I’d almost become desensitized to washboard abs and bulging biceps. But I’d never seen Brent topless. The closer he came the faster my pulse raced.

  When I had knocked on his patio door and he hadn’t answered, I dreaded I was too late. It had taken me way too long to work up the courage to come over. The possibility of rejection had twirled through my mind making me second guess everything. To my surprise, his door wasn’t locked. I slid it open. The lights were on, but I couldn’t find him. I considered turning around and leaving, but I stayed and removed my clothes. I planned to surprise him.

&n
bsp; My gamble was paying off. Brent was alone. I knew the instant he spotted me because he stopped walking. He stood three feet away near the foot of his bed, staring at me. His eyes roamed my body from the bottom up. The temperature in the room increased by one hundred degrees. Sweat dotted my brow.

  He didn’t say anything, but his full lips parted. His dark eyes locked with mine as I struggled to catch my breath and remain upright. He licked his lips and my core clenched with yearning. I’d kissed boys. I’d played around, but Brent was experienced. He was all man, and I had no doubt being with him would be something I’d never forget. I wanted to come across as cool and confident, but I was way out of my comfort zone.

  Putting myself out there like this left nowhere to hide. I wanted him to see me. My body was his for the taking. I kept my hands on my hips, even though I desperately wanted to touch him.

  “You left your door unlocked,” I said. My voice was barely above a whisper. “Instead of coming to my room, I figured I’d come to you.”

  Lust hovered in the air like a heavy fog. It was tough to see through it. Even tougher to breathe.

  “Here you are.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “And you’re only wearing shoes.”

  Maybe he was trying to hide his obvious erection. All it did was bring attention to the attraction that sizzled between us. The bulge renewed my confidence.

  I glanced at the bed. The white blankets were pulled tight and covered with flower petals. Whatever he had planned hadn’t happened yet.

  “Expecting company?” I held my breath and crossed my fingers, hoping he hadn’t prepared a romantic night for Meredith.

  His eyes followed mine to the bed and then back. His gaze was intense and penetrating. “No. They confused my room with someone else. It’s… this wasn’t planned,” he said.