Page 110 of Luci’s Lullaby

A smile plays on his lips as he glances across the room. “What did you do?”

“No way in hell was I letting you go on tour with women being slung at you daily without reminding you who you belong to.”

He adjusts himself as he stands and walks over to his suitcase. “Trust me, baby. I damn well know who owns me.”

“I don’t own you, but it’s a goal.” I giggle.

He picks his pants up and shoves his hand in. A smile spreads across his face. “No, you did not.” He pulls out a pink pair of my panties.

“Just a little reminder and hopefully tease to keep your mind here, even if your body can’t be.” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip.

He stares into the camera and reaches into the pocket of the pants he’s wearing. He holds up my purple ones. “They match.”

We both laugh, sharing a smile across the miles. “Well then, I suppose you’re all set.”

“Please tell me you’ll be wearing panties while I’m gone.” He glares.

“Only if I’m not thinking of you.”

He narrows his eyes. “What are you saying, baby?”

“If I think of you, I might need to touch myself. Ya know, to relieve any issues.” I shrug.

His nostrils flare. “Those are mine, no one else’s.”

“What are yours, Alden?” A delicious pull yearns deep in my core.

His lips part, and my breath hitches. “You are, Charlee Rae. You’re mine.”

“Two weeks and a few more FaceTime’s like this and we’ll not make it out of the airport.” I press my thighs together.

“Trust me, baby. I’ll not make it two weeks if you plan to wear my t-shirts during every call. We’ll have to plan a shower call.” He rubs his chin as if he’s planning it all out.

“I’m down with that. Nothing like a sexy bath with a country crooner.” I wink, making him chuckle.

“Miss Wright, I do believe my country charm has won you over.” His boyish smile knocks the breath out of me.

“Yeah, yeah. I think you might be right, but don’t let it go to your head.”

He lowers his chin. “You already have.”

“Geez, we sound like hormone-ravaged teenagers.” I giggle.

He bites his lip, and I melt. “One of my biggest regrets, I should’ve ruined you in high school.”

“Oh, but you did, Alden Beck. You so did.” His face lights up, and I swoon.

We spend the next hour talking about everything, from his room to the tour dates and city, to Luci and him coming home. My heart feels lighter when we hang up, but my chest still feels heavy.

I don’t like this feeling.

Emerson helps to carry Luci’s bag as we deplane. We trek through the tunnel to find our guys on the other side. Alden swarms us with kisses as he wraps us in his arms.

“I don’t think I ever needed to see two people more in my life.” He kisses me again.

I hold him with one arm as we gaze at one another. “It’s so good to see you.”

Luci begins to babble, and Alden takes her from me. “Look at you, baby girl. You’ve grown so much. Is this even possible?”