Page 93 of Love… It's Messy
“Yep!” she declares easily as she plays with her headband to make sure it’s straight.
“I have always loved having you all to myself. For a long time, it’s been just us,” I say, and she looks up at me with big doe eyes. “Luke is going to be spending a lot more time with you.”
She holds her hands up and claps them together. “Can he live here?”
“No,” I say rather adamantly. “You might be spending some time at his house now and again. How do you feel about that?”
“Can I play with Joe?”
I laugh that her main concern is not about being apart from her mother. It’s whether or not she can play with a kitty. Four-year-olds are amazing.
“Yes,” I say. “Joe will be there.” Resting my hand on her back, I rub it up and down. “Why do you like Luke so much? You’ve met lots of adults, and yet you gravitate toward him.”
“What does grave-tate mean?”
“It means you are drawn to him. Pulled to him. You like being with him.Wantto be with him.”
She nods her head dramatically. “I like Luke.”
“Why?” I ask curiously.
She lifts her shoulders. “I don’t know.” The question seems to intrigue her because she places a finger to her lips and thinks about it. “Maybe it’s because we have matching butt chins. It’s a special club.”
Pulling her tight, I kiss the top of her head, careful not to mess up her headband. “I love you so much.”
She jumps off the bed and scurries out of the room.
I finish getting ready myself in a new dress I purchased this afternoon for our special dinner—a strapless, plum-colored dress that hits just above the knee. I had my hair blown out and am wearing my best jewelry—my tennis bracelet, a diamond pendant, and matching earrings. All gifts I received from my parents and grandparents throughout the years.
I slide into my heels and head downstairs to the kitchen. When the bell rings, I allow Ainsley to answer it because I know it’s Luke.
I hear them barreling down the front foyer as I’m putting my things in my purse. Luke has Ainsley in his arms, and they’re laughing as he bobs her up and down like she’s a unicorn on the run.
When they get into the kitchen, Luke sees me and stops.
The smile on his face morphs into an irresistibly devastating grin. His eyes smolder with fire as he takes in my appearance—the exposed calf, the fabric of my dress that hugs my curves and clings to my breasts, and the bare shoulders that give way to my neck, which he appraises. When his eyes land on my face, it’s with a dreamy gaze that’s sweet and sexy.
“You’re beautiful.” His voice is deep.
Warmth creeps up my cheeks. “Thank you.”
He places Ainsley on the floor and adjusts his suit. Black satin lapels line the suit jacket, which is cut to precision to accentuate his broad shoulders and the gentle lines of his waist. His callous hands look smooth as they peek out the French cuffs of the shirt he’s currently adjusting. His tie is slim and narrow yet slightly crooked.
I close the distance between us.
“Here,” I offer, taking the tie in my hands and straightening it for him.
Luke raises his chin, yet his eyes remain trained on mine. He smells divine, like musk and man. I trail my hands down his tie and feel his chest rise with a deep inhale.
I leave my hand there a beat too long.
“A tuxedo?” I lift a brow. “Where exactly are you taking us tonight?”
“A special evening for my girls.”
Every time he says things like that, my heart turns over in response.
I spin around and grab my purse, then walk with Ainsley to the coat closet. She puts her furry pink dress jacket on, and I slide on my wool overcoat but leave it open.