Page 94 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I want to, I love her too.” Her eyes glisten, and I get the feeling I’ve upset her.

“If I know nothing else, I know you love her.” I grin when her face softens. “And that you have an amazing ass.”

She slaps at me and dabs her eyes. “Don’t take her away.”

“I’m not and if you want the job, you’ve got it.”

“I want it.” She chews her lip. “Maybe I could take her to Mom’s or we could get another bed for her room. Like a twin bed.”

“Why would we need to do that?”

“You know, in case it would be better if I sleep somewhere else.” She bites her nail.

“I like our arrangement now, don’t you?” My heart stops for a brief second waiting on her.

“Yeah, it’s okay.” She shrugs. “Except when you snore.”

“I don’t snore, do I?”

“Yes. Loudly.” I shake my head when she laughs.

Friday evening comes way too soon for me. Anxiety eats me alive, and I hate the thought of leaving Luci. And Charlee. I wish things were different, but I know I need to do this if for no one else but me.

“Does it get any easier?” I ask Charlee as I walk into the living room.

She twists her mouth. “I don’t know, but I do know we’re going to be fine. So don’t you dare worry about her.”

“You ready to roll?” Aksel asks from the door.

I stare at Charlee as she smiles warmly at me. “Go get ’em, Beck.”

“Thank you.” I lean in, kissing Luci. “Y’all be good. No boys are allowed in the house while dad’s gone.”

“Dang it! There goes the house party.” Charlee pouts.

“Ha, ha, haha, ha.” She rolls her eyes. “Keep it up, lady.”

“We’ll be good, Daddy.” She grins, ramping up every hormone in my body.

I brush her cheek with a kiss and whisper, “I like that, you may need to use it sometime.”

“Well, then, you’ll love my use of sir.” She smolders when I lean away.

“That’ll get you thrown over my shoulder and your fine ass smacked.”

“Sorry, sir,” she murmurs.

“Dude, we need to leave before you get her pregnant.” Aksel chuckles as Charlee’s face reddens.

“We’re just friends,” we say together.

“Yeah, I know.” He rolls his eyes.

After my first set, I text Charlee.

How are my girls?

Good. ~C