I slip my gloves on as we head outside into the chilly night air and hurry across the parking lot to Luca’s car.
“Thanks again for driving us.”
“Of course. I wasn’t about to let my wife walk with our son alone at night.”
Wife.
Our son.
Luca doesn’t usually refer to Zeke as anything but my son. It sounds odd coming from his lips, but I have to admit that I like it.
“How long have you been waiting to call me your wife?” I smile jokingly.
He laughs under his breath. “Just trying it out. It does sound odd, doesn’t it?”
“It’s new. But I like it.” I appreciate that he’s trying, and while he may not have forgiven me entirely for running off on our wedding day, perhaps it’s time that we can finally move forward together.
“Me too.” Luca smiles and unlocks the car door, opening the back seat. He gets Luca situated into the car seat and secures him.
I watch, making sure everything is correct, and he’s buckled up tight before I climb into the front seat.
Silence fills the car, but it’s a comfortable quietness that I quite enjoy. The car takes a few minutes to heat up, but by the time we get to the house, it’s warm and cozy.
“Wait,” Luca says before he parks the car and I climb out.
I turn to face him, and he pulls up in the parking space outside the house, the engine running with the heat still on full blast.
He reaches across the seat, his hand grazing my cheek, his fingers in my hair as he leans closer and pulls me toward him. His lips find mine, and while I’m surprised he’s kissing me again, my body remembers everything from before and warms instantly to his touch.
There’s no fighting desire, nor would I want to with Luca.
My lips part, and he hungrily devours me, tongues dueling as the world around us seems to disappear.
Heat peppers my skin. His lips move across my neck and back to my lips again, fueled with need.
“I’ve been dying to kiss you.” He leans his forehead against mine, breathless.
“Do you want to come inside?” I ask, offering him more than just a kiss for tonight.
His lips crush mine again, and then he unbuckles my seatbelt, his fingers roaming over my body, setting me aflame.
“Yes,” he rasps, panting heavily.
He shuts off the car, and he hurriedly unbuckles and carries Zeke up to the front door while I fiddle with the keys. My hands are shaking.
Luca smiles that sweet and warm grin that melts my insides. “You’ve got it.” His thick and raspy voice sends warm tingles throughout my body.
I slide the key into the lock, and it turns, unlocking the door.
“Good girl,” he whispers, and I swear I shudder from his voice and words alone.
I help Zeke out of his coat, shoes, and then my own winter clothes before taking him from Luca.
Luca removes his shoes and coat, and a minute later, he’s standing in the doorway watching me get Zeke ready for bed.
Usually, he doesn’t seem interested. Tonight, he’s watching everything. Taking mental notes as I gather his pajamas and change his diaper.
I don’t read him a story tonight. It’s well past Zeke’s bedtime, and I tuck him in, giving him lots of hugs, kisses, and cuddles.
