“Lainey truly is remarkable,” Kazimir said, getting way too close.
“Yes, she is.”
Just as she started to walk in my direction, he moved in front and turned. “Selena would want you to be happy again, cuz. You know that. It’s time you did something just for you.”
I barely shot him a look, even shaking my head when he squeezed my arm. I knew he was right. It wasn’t about worrying that Selena wouldn’t forgive me or not give her heavenly blessing. It was about worrying that our worlds would collide in a way that wouldn’t make Lainey happy.
Lainey had a cute look on her face as she approached. “Your daughter is amazing.” She glanced to where Nina was ripping open a present and I allowed my gaze to follow.
I shrugged on purpose. “Yeah, I guess she’ll do.”
Her laughter was spontaneous. “You’re incorrigible. I can tell how much you adore her. That’s one of the things that attracted me to you in the first place. A beautiful and tight bond like I’ve had with my parents.”
“So there were other things that attracted you to me?”
She casually turned her head toward me, tilting her chin. “Maybe one or two. Don’t let it go to your head. You’re nothing special.”
“Ah. Going to play hard to get.”
“May-be,” she purred.
The woman knew what she was doing to me.
“Daddy. Daddy. Look what Lainey brought me for my birthday!” I had no idea how my daughter had managed to carry the huge box with her, but when Nina put her mind to something, there was no stopping her.
“Let me see, baby girl. Oh, my goodness. Are they art supplies?”
Before I had a chance to open it, she glared at me and rolled her eyes. “Dad. I’m seven years old now. You can’t call me a baby girl any longer. I’m almost a teenager. They’re the most fabulous art supplies like a professional would use. They’re exactly what I wanted.”
I choked on purpose loudly enough, both Lainey and Nina giggled. When Emily joined in, I fell onto the ground, pretending to be in distress. Lainey grabbed the things from Nina’s hand just before my little girl tumbled on top of me.
“You’re growing up too fast, you little minion.” I tickled her tummy even as she fought to free herself.
There was such delight in my daughter’s eyes that I reminded myself I was a lucky man. When I glanced up at Lainey, even though my sunglasses were askew and I knew I looked silly, I could also tell how relaxed she was. Today was a good day.
In truth, today was the best day I’d had in a very long time.
“Do you need my help, big boy?” Lainey asked and carefully placed the presents on the ground, throwing out her hand and daring to beckon me. She had no idea she was really summoning the sadistic beast awakening inside.
Nina giggled again and Emily had her little hands over her face, watching us with bright eyes. As soon as my daughter climbed off, I grabbed Lainey’s hand, jerking her down.
When she was yanked on top of me, I sensed everyone was watching. I couldn’t care less. She shook her head, whispering words so only I could hear.
“You really are a bad boy. But I like it.”
“Lainey. Lainey! Come see my room. Please? I have the perfect place for my gift.” Nina as usual wasn’t going to allow Lainey to get out of her sight while she remained at the party.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I whispered in return.
“Come on, Emily. You can come too.” Given my daughter was pushy at this age, I gritted my teeth thinking how formidable she’d be in a few years. She reminded me of Lainey more and more.
As the girls scrambled to grab the incredible gift, I helped Lainey to her feet. She took a few seconds to adjust my sunglasses before rubbing the back of her hand down my cheek. “I like you with a goatee. Very sexy. Very you.”
I rubbed it with my hand, purposely allowing our fingers to collide. Her slight gasp felt like a reward and perhaps one I didn’t deserve.
“Then I guess I’ll keep it.”
Her smile faded, her expression turning darker.
