Page 101 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Here are our numbers, don’t hesitate to call. I can come anytime and Alden will if it’s an emergency.”

Alden’s all eyes on me when I stroll into the room. If I didn’t want to make a scene, I’d pick his mouth up for him. Soon enough, he snaps back to the here and now.

“Emergency? Do you think something might happen?” Alden frowns.

I close my eyes. “They will be perfectly fine, I promise.”

“Yeah, no I know.” He plays it off, but I know him—he’s worried.

Mom looks from me to Alden. “We’ll be fine, and I’ll call if anything happens. You can also call at any time.”

“It’s fine, Mom. We’ll be back early in the morning.”

“Take your time.” She kisses me.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to stay away for any longer.” I giggle.

Alden kisses Luci. “Love you, beautiful girl.”

I tug on his arm. “Come on, we’re gonna be late.”

“Tell them bye.” Mom holds Luci up to us as we walk out the door and to the truck. She waves as we drive away.

Alden turns onto Seventeen and hits the gas.

“Are you in a hurry?”

“Damn straight.” He side-eyes me, grinning.

I turn to look at him. “Why are we in a hurry?”

“No reason.” He curls his lip. “So are you gonna dance with me tonight?”

“Are you gonna ask?”

“I’m tossin’ the idea around, you know, keeping my options open.” He cuts his eyes at me.

I flatten my mouth out. “Good to know. I will too.”

“Huh?” He jerks his head around.

“You know, for dance partners.”

“Maybe we should just dance with each other, you know, to keep things low key.” He looks over at me.

I nod. “Maybe.”

He fidgets in his seat, adjusts his seatbelt, and moves the mirror.

“At least save a couple for me,” he says, almost pouting.

I nudge his shoulder. “Gotcha.”

He does a double take, narrowing his eyes. “You were fuckin’ with me?”

“Two can play the game, but there’s only one winner.” I wiggle my brows as he parks.

“What were my first words to you? Oh, yeah…” His eyes flicker to mine. “Game on.”