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The relief on Luke’s face is palpable. He cups my head in his hands as he kisses me.
“Good.”
Chapter 16 Luke
Even though I’m exhausted, I’m still smiling as I finally enter the apartment. Spending time with Elle and Amy is amazing, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. Amy is an adorable little girl, and while I often have no idea what she’s talking about, she is quite bright. And she has a quick-witted sense of humor that doesn’t fail to make me smile.
As for Elle…she is just Elle. I have to stop myself from putting my hands all over her. She is enticing, and that smile of hers, one that reaches her eyes and gives her a sparkle, draws me in. It makes me want to do more than just have dinner with her.
If we do, it would be alone. In bed, with Elle naked underneath me. I would love to feast on that.
It’s been a week since we agreed to take things slowly, and for Elle and Amy to get used to me. Especially Amy; I have never been in the position where my father turns up out of nowhere, and I’m not going to push Elle to tell her the truth. Much as I want to hear her call me ‘dad’, I don’t want to end up with Amy lashing out; that would not be fair on Elle. She said that she wants to introduce it slowly, so I will have to go along with what she wants.
But I can say now that I’m very pleased with my daughter. She’s bright, sharp and talented. And she loves her sports, which surprises me. Amy did say that her papa watches sports all the time and she enjoys it.
Hearing mention of Elle’s friend and housemate being called ‘papa’ makes me feel uncomfortable. I don’t like it at all. But Elle says it’s how Amy addresses Ben, and she’s not going to change what she’s used to.
Although I have a feeling that Ben encourages it. I’ve seen how he looks at Elle, and I know that he wants to be the only ‘papa’ in Amy’s life. He doesn’t want me around.
Well, I’m not going anywhere. I have no intention of doing so.
Dropping my backpack onto the couch, I go into the bathroom and turn the shower on. I’ve got a couple of hours to shower, dress and get ready for a video conference with investors from Japan. Then I’ll be able to finally sit down and do whatever I want.
Although, knowing how long these conferences go on for, it will probably be past midnight by the time I’m done.
At least I’ll have a day off tomorrow, and I plan to take Amy to the zoo while Elle has work. Elle had agreed that I could do this, and Amy is excited about going. I have to admit that I am as well; it’s been a while since I’ve been to a zoo, and I will be going with my daughter. The trust Elle is giving me for going alone with Amy is remarkable; I don’t want to break that trust.
I’m undressing for my shower when I hear my phone ringing. Sighing, I turn off the shower and head back into the living room. Where the hell is the damn thing? It always seems to run away when I need it.
I finally find it, stuck in a crevice of my backpack. Prying it out with my fingers, I get my phone out just as it stops ringing. Groaning, I toss it onto the couch. It could wait. I need this shower, and I can’t talk to someone while I’m getting ready for a meeting.
But then it starts ringing again almost immediately, Marcus’ name flashing up on the screen. Sighing, I pick my phone up once more. What does he want now?
“Marcus?”
“Hey, mate. Sorry to call you at this time, but the video conference has been postponed?”
“What? Postponed?”
“Yeah, until next week. One of the investors got called away with a family emergency, and they’re a major player in this club. It’s best that we wait until that’s sorted out.”
So much for doing any work.
“How long ago did you find this out?”
“About ten minutes ago. Sorry, Luke, I know you’ve got things to go over where you are, but I didn’t know until just now.”
“I’ll let you off.” I rub a hand over my face. “I’m too exhausted to do anything except go to sleep at the moment. I would probably be falling asleep during the meeting, anyway.”
“Same here. Things are incredibly busy over here, and all hands are on deck.” Marcus lets out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know what a break means anymore.”
I wince.
“You really know how to make me feel guilty about not being there in the office all the time.”
“It would be just as busy even if you were here. Your presence wouldn’t make a difference.”
“Nice to know that you need me in my own company.”
