Page 135 of Lucky Mother Pucker

I glance down at the outfit I laid out on his bed. A giddy feeling flickers in my belly. I have no idea what he’s planning, but I’m excited.

When I woke up, he was already out of the house. He’s been gone the whole day. And then he sent me that text a few hours ago.

I smile so hard my cheeks ache. This feels a lot like a date. Wait, is this a date?

I shake my head, feeling embarrassed for even thinking that. Of course it’s not. Because we’re not a couple. We’re just two friends having fun, living in the moment.

A tiny pang of disappointment lands at the center of my chest. I’m not sure why. That’s what I want—it’s what I told Leo I want.

I don’t want to overanalyze or stress about labels or dating or a relationship. I just want to have fun with him.

I refocus on my outfit for tonight. I want to look cute and sexy, but not like I’m trying too hard.

I switch out the red blouse for an emerald green top with long sleeves and a neckline that dips a little low.

I try it on with jeans and high-heeled boots, then look at myself in the mirror to make sure I look okay. Then I swipe on some makeup and brush my hair. I put on a pair of small, chunky gold earrings my mom gave me years ago. I only wear them during special occasions, and this definitely counts.

I check the time. Just before five.

I glance at Wally, who’s curled up on the floor at my feet on the dog bed that Leo bought him. Warmth bursts through my chest when I think about how this is the second dog bed he’s gotten for Wally because Wally sleeps in his bedroom sometimes, and he wanted him to be comfortable.

I crouch down and give Wally a soft scratch behind his ears and a kiss on his head. I smile when he barely opens his eyes. He’s sleeping pretty hard. I head downstairs.

The front door opens a second later, and Leo walks in.

My tummy flips when I see how good he looks. He’s wearing dark jeans and a gray Henley with white sneakers.

How does he look good in literally everything? I’ve seen him in hockey gear, workout clothes, T-shirts and joggers, a tux. In every single outfit, he’s so handsome it hurts.

The corner of his mouth tips up in an achingly sexy half-smile. He runs his gaze along the length of my body. “Wow,” he murmurs.

A hot flush makes its way up my chest and face.

“You look beautiful,” he says.

I make a flustered sound and smile. “Thanks. You look hot.”

His half-smile turns full. He grabs his jacket from the nearby hallway closet. “You ready to go?”

I nod and grab my jacket. I follow him out the front door and to his car in the driveway.

When he opens the passenger door for me, I see a massive bouquet of Gerbera daisies sitting on top of the seat.

“What are those for?” I ask.

“You.”

He reaches in and grabs the bouquet. He hands them to me. “Happy birthday, Luce.”

I stare at him, my mouth parted open in surprise. I start to laugh. “It’s not my birthday.”

“Yeah, but you said you didn’t get to celebrate your last birthday. So we’re going to. Tonight.”

My heart does that funny, happy bouncing thing that it does every time Leo plans something sweet and thoughtful for me.

I stare up at him. “Are you serious?”

He brushes a chunk of hair out of my face, gently tucking it behind my ear. “I’m serious, Luce. I’m taking you out for your birthday.”