Page 109 of Luci’s Lullaby

I nod. “We’ll be there.”

I climb behind the wheel and watch as she does the same and pulls out after me. She follows me to town and turns into her subdivision as we go on down the road to Alden’s.

A few lights later, I turn into his complex and park in front of his place. I force myself to get out and not cry until I get Luci inside. As soon as the latch locks, I slide down the door and into a pile of tears.

After a few minutes, I pick myself up and take Luci from her carrier. I get her bathed and fed for the evening and do the same to myself just in time for Alden’s first call.

When my phone buzzes, I jump and grab it.

“Hey, handsome,” I mewl.

He sighs heavily. “Hello, beautiful. How are my girls?”

“We’re good, snuggled in bed.”

“Wish I were there with you.” His voice is low.

“Where are you?”

I hear Aksel in the background. “Thanks, man. Getting my luggage.”

“I’m glad Aksel is with you.”

He takes a deep breath. “I think we’re ready. I’ll FaceTime as soon as we’re settled.”

“Sounds perfect,” I say as my heart races. “Later.”

“Later, babe.”

I click end and curl up into a ball. My heart tells me he loves me, but my head keeps screaming, ‘he hasn’t said it’. Memories of my dad and when he left flood my mind, and I remind myself this is different.

I check the time; it seems as though it’s been hours and it’s only been minutes. Luci’s restless tonight, I suppose I can understand. I pick her up, taking my phone with us, and walk to her room.

I sit back into the rocking chair Reese found at an antique store in town and begin to slowly move. “I feel your pain, sweetie.” With Alden gone, I feel everything again.

The chime of FaceTime startles me, and Luci whimpers. “Shhhh, baby girl. It’s Alden, we’re okay.” I hit answer as she continues to snivel.

“Hey, girls. What’s wrong with my baby girl?” Alden says sympathetically as he watches her through the screen. “Oh, gosh. Look at that pouty lip.”

“She’s restless tonight.”

“I know the feeling.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Do you have one of my shirts on?”

I bite my lip and release it. “I do. Is that a problem? Because I’m sleeping on your side of the bed too.”

“Not in the least.” He lays back in bed. “I can imagine your nipples from here.”

I ease from the chair and head back to bed. “Well, you don’t have to imagine.” I lay Luci in bed and hold the phone out from me.

“Damn, you look so fuckin’ good in that.” His eyes smolder.

A tingle spreads through my body as he stares at me, making me feel wanton and a little dirty. I love to feel sexy, but hot damn, give me dirty once in a while too.

“Have you unpacked?”

He shakes his head. “Nope, but you’re about to make me unload.”

“Perv.” I giggle. “You should at least check your pockets before you go to bed.”