“I can hear it in your voice.”
A few seconds later, Mom came into view. “You’re wearing that stunning blue dress. I’m glad to see you happy and looking forward to going out with a guy.”
I smiled sheepishly. “He’s different. I’m excited.”
“I can tell. Last time, you looked like you were going on a date more out of duty.”
I burst out laughing. “I didn’t have a good feeling about that one.”
“Have fun, sweetheart. How is he handling life as a new father?” Mom frowned slightly.
“Good. He’s very devoted.”
“Oh, that’s very nice to hear. Being a single parent would be difficult, I would think.”
I realized she was hesitating. “Everything okay, Mom?”
“I was just wondering if you’re ready to date someone who’s raising a child.”
“What do you mean?”
“It can come with challenges. You might have to take the back seat from time to time.”
“We’re just going on a date,” I assured her, “so don’t y’all go worrying yourself, okay? For the record, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that someone puts their kid first.”
“Of course not. But you’remykid, so I want the best for you.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I can take care of myself.”
She smiled. “I know you can. That’s how I raised you.”
I heard steps on the front porch. “I think he’s here early. Talk to you soon, okay?” I sent her an air kiss.
“Sure, hon. Have fun.”
The second I hung up, my doorbell rang. I quickly put on my high heels and grabbed my matching silver bag. I was so ready for a night out with this gorgeous man.
As I opened the door, I sighed, taking him in. He was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans. How could he look even sexier than usual?
“Hi,” I said.
Beckett didn’t reply. Instead, he slowly dropped his gaze over my body, stopping at my waist before looking down at my feet. I purposefully pulled the dress up a bit, showing off my ankles.
“Like what you see?”
“You’re so fucking sexy,” he said with a growl.
“Thank you.” I turned around once, making a spectacle out of it. I swear Beckett’s eyes were even darker when I faced him again.
“Fuck. I won’t make it out of the house with you tonight if we don’t leave right now.”
“Really? My floor-length dress is giving you dirty thoughts? That’s interesting.”
“Piper, I have dirty thoughts no matter what you wear.”
I smirked. “All right, then.”
He growled yet again, then took a huge step back. After I locked the front door, we stepped off the porch and headed to his car.
