When we arrived at my new home, Hunter was already fast asleep. I guess the little tyke had been tired after all. I carefully picked him up, resting his head on my shoulder as we approached the door.

“Do you mind grabbing the key out of my pocket?” I asked Amelia.

She raised an eyebrow in question.

“I’m not trying to be perverted; I just don’t want to wake him,” I said quickly, trying to defend my honor.

“That’s not what I was implying. I was just going to ask you what pocket.”

“Oh. Front left.” I said, feeling the heat rising on my cheeks as her hand slithered into my pants. It took every ounce of my will to keep my excitement at bay. I held my breath to keep my cock from twitching. I didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. “It’s the one painted red.”

She nodded, bending over slightly to push the key into the lock. Her hips swayed from side to side. My eyes traveled over her lovely curves, drinking them in. I could already feel myself becoming intoxicated with the sight of her.

Finally, she opened the door.

“Light is on the left,” I said, trying to ignore the surge of lust that coiled within me like a snake ready to strike. I had never felt a need so carnal before. I managed to control myself as I crossed the house toward Hunter’s room.

It was a little bare and depressing, but I had promised to decorate it any way he wanted in the following weeks. It seemed he was leaning toward a Batman theme. Hopefully, he wouldn’t want to paint the walls neon yellow.

“I’ll just be a few minutes, okay?”

“Take your time.” Amelia settled herself on the couch.

I wanted to turn around and join her, but right now, Hunter was my main priority. As slowly as I could, I took off his clothes, changing him into a set of flannel pajamas. I slipped some cozy socks onto his feet before gently placing him on the bed and tucking him in.

He curled up, his arm reaching out for the bear he had given to his mother. I picked up a stuffed panda I had bought him the day before and placed it beside him. He cuddled it tightly, a smile spreading across his face.

I eased back his hair and kissed the top of his head. I lingered by his bed for a moment before I turned on his night light. “Good night, Hunter,” I whispered, softly shutting the door behind me.

To my surprise, Amelia was standing right there, a smile on her face. “I’m impressed.”

“Oh?”

“Most guys don’t know a thing about kids, but you seem like a natural.”

I shrugged. “Most of it is just common sense.”

She shook her head. “No. I mean, the way you handle him, there’s clearly a sense of love there. But from what Lela told me, you didn’t meet Hunter until two days ago.”

“He’s my flesh and blood. Of course I love him.” I moved into the kitchen, pouring two cups of wine. I handed one to my guest before I sat down on the couch.

“Can you tell me why you and Heidi didn’t speak to each other? It seems strange that she would hate you so much and then leave her son in your custody.”

“Well, actually, she didn’t have a formal will. I was notified as the next of kin. I had the option of becoming Hunter’s legal guardian or putting him up for adoption.”

“And you chose to become his legal guardian?”

“Of course. I couldn’t let him fend for himself when I could easily provide for him. It’ll be hard being a single dad when I’ve been a bachelor for most of my life, but I think I can manage.”

“A single dad? You know, some girls find that incredibly attractive.” Amelia shimmied closer, narrowing the distance between us.

Since I was a little taller than she was, I had to look down at her face. Doing so, my eye caught sight of her black lace bra, peeking out from under her shirt. I tried to force myself to look away, but I just couldn’t help myself.

“Eyes up here,” she said, with her finger under my chin. The sharpness of her nail on my skin sent a shiver through my body.

Our faces gravitated together. My lips burned with the need to kiss her. I cupped her cheek in my hand, my thumb caressing her silky skin. I braced myself for a kiss, but just before our lips could collide, she pulled away.

She was on her feet a second later, walking toward the window. “This is a nice place. How do you afford it?”

“You’re still hung up on my job, aren’t you?”

“Hunter says you’re a secret agent. If I remember anything about James Bond movies, it’s that Bond always seduces beautiful women so that he can use them. Sometimes, they even die for his sake.”

“Trust me, I’m no James Bond.” I pressed her against the wall. Our eyes locked. “I might try to seduce you, but I would never use you.” My voice lowered to a sensual whisper as I leaned down, letting my lips gently brush against her collarbone. “Now, the question is, are you really the novelist you say you are, or is that just your cover story?”

“Maybe…” She smirked, her lips so close to mine that I could feel her hot breath.

My instincts bubbled. Everything about this moment made me want to pounce on her, but the logical part of my brain kept me in check. It was too soon. If I made a move now, I would scare her away.

“You’ll just have to find out.” She pressed her hands to my chest, pushing me away. “Next time.” She winked, her body snaking further and further away from mine. With a clink, she tapped her glass against mine, downing the rest of her drink. “Because I really must be going.”

And just like that, she was gone.