“Dad.Could we get an alpaca when we go home?”
Nina’s question was so sincere, said without any amusement, and I didn’t react at first. Until the question settled in. Coughing, the entire lick of ice cream from the already dripping cone spewed all over my face.
The girls immediately shifted into a fit of giggles.
Lainey pressed the back of her hand across her mouth, laughing so hard she almost dropped her cone. Nina stumbledbackward on purpose, her giggle turning into an adorable little snort.
Meanwhile, I licked my lips, shifting my very pointed gaze from one to another. “Wha… what did you ask?”
Without hesitation, Lainey stepped forward, wrapping her long fingers around my arm holding the cone and rising onto her tiptoes. In one fell swoop she pressed her lips against mine, darting out her tongue and licking away the drops.
Almost instantly, the heat spiraled between us and I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. For a few precious seconds, there was no one else around. Just the two of us. Just the intense chemistry. Just the fire.
The kiss became even more passionate, her tongue finding mine. The taste of her was sweet and sinful.
“Dad. Your ice cream is melting.”
Nina’s voice jarred both of us. Lainey pulled away, a tiny gasp slipping from her lips as she realized she’d kissed me in front of my daughter for the first time. With her eyes open wide, the hint of horror creating a luminous glow, my hunger only rocketed way past the surface.
“Mmmm… I think I prefer your choice of ice cream to mine.”
My words were laced with all kinds of innuendos and without missing a beat, Lainey smashed her cone into my face.
Now the two of them were close to becoming hysterical.
“I’m going to get you both for this.” My statement was muffled as I tried to wipe away the chilly goo with the back of my hand.
“You were kissing. I caught you. My daddy has a girlfriend. My daddy has a girlfriend.” Nina’s singsong voice carried to just about anyone in close proximity.
A sudden wash of embarrassment tickled Lainey’s face with a hint of the perfect shade of rose. She inched closer again as if worried what I would do, her eyes never leaving mine as sheused her handful of napkins to wipe my face. The action was subtle yet sexy as hell.
Thank God the ice cream cooled me off or I’d be in some kind of trouble.
I glanced over my shoulder at Bernie and Tony, both men assigned to follow us. They were grinning like loons. Maybe it was overkill to have them as security, but no matter the lack of activity and zero threats made, I wasn’t taking any chances.
Not with the two people I cared about the most.
“I pegged it,” Nina added.
“What?” I managed.
“You’re getting married. You’re getting married. I’m going to have a new mommy.”
As had occurred before with Nina’s declaration, Lainey and I looked at each other.
Questioning.
Wondering.
And hell, maybe hoping. Was that ridiculous at this point? You bet. There were far too many reasons the relationship wouldn’t work but for now, we could pretend. And enjoy.
“He couldn’t handle having me around all the time, Nina. You know how your father is.” Lainey’s voice dripped of sarcasm and we both glanced at my daughter.
Who promptly rolled her eyes, nodding profusely. “Oh, yeah. You’re right. Daddy is a softie.”
I did so enjoy hearing them laugh. As if they didn’t have a care in the world. As if they both knew I would do anything to protect them.
And I would.
