“Exactly. I grew up in a house and know kids enjoy being outside. There’s a terrace on top of the penthouse, but there’s no way to childproof it.”
“Oh no! I’d be completely stressed out chasing her around.”
“Exactly. And Chad lives in the Marigny as well. It makessense from a lot of perspectives, including that I’d be closer to LeBlanc-Broussard.”
That was my cue to turn this into business talk, and yet I couldn’t. I wanted to know more personal things.
“How’s the search for a nanny going?”
“The agency found a great one—Agatha. Charlotte and I are very happy with her.”
“So, Charlotte is with her tonight?”
“No, with my parents. I’m very lucky that my entire family is in on this.”
“Yes, you are,” I said just as we turned onto my street.
Beckett drove right in front of my house and then looked at it with a grin. “All right, I’m sold. It looks very charming from the outside.”
The outside was painted light blue, and the steps to the front porch and the doors were dark blue.
“The pralines are in the trunk.” He got out of the car, going to the back. As I opened the car door, he moved in front of me.
“Thanks for driving me home, Beckett.” As he gave me the box, I added, “For the pralines too.”
I clutched the box to my chest and carefully moved his jacket from my lap to the armrest before hopping out of the BMW. I miscalculated how close he was and bumped into him. He groaned.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you?”
I didn’t think I’d stepped on his foot, but who knew?
“No, I’m good. You?” He put one hand on my waist.
“I’m fine. Didn’t lose my balance or anything. Pralines are safe.” I was still clutching them to my chest.
He laughed. “I love your priorities.”
“Of course. Can’t let a perfectly good box of pralines go to waste.”
God, he was so close. My street had plenty of lampposts, but our spot was dimly lit. Even so, I could still see the fire in his eyes. Ifeltit.
And then Beckett came even closer. He kissed me with so much passion that I couldn’t deny how much I needed him, how much I’d hoped this would happen.
I responded to the kiss with fervor. I wanted him. He deepened the kiss even more, and I was turned on. I gasped against his mouth, pressing my hips to his. I was still clutching the box of pralines between us, but with my free hand, I explored his shoulders. They were so damn muscular and sturdy. I was certain that if I jumped in his arms right now, he wouldn’t even lose his balance.
“Fuck, Piper,” he exclaimed when he tore his mouth from mine.
Instead of stopping his exploration, he continued down my neck. I tilted my head, wanting to grant him access everywhere.
“Let’s go inside, Beckett.”
He stilled. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Yes, I’m sure.”
With another groan, he straightened up and nodded. “Let’s go inside.”
CHAPTER 15
