Page 85 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Let me know if you want to do it again.”

“Can we?” Lucas asked Juliette. “Do you mind if he takes me driving again?”

“I would hate for you to be forever traumatized by my fake braking,” she teased.

“I can pick you up Friday after practice,” Doc offered. “I can also do a few hours Saturday. Your pick, or we can do both.”

“I want to do both,” he said. “I told Layla I’d try to hang out with her this weekend, but I can do that after we go driving, and, Mom, Robert invited me to spend the night Saturday. Is that okay?”

“Sure, as long as his parents will be home.”

“They will.” Lucas shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, looking nervously at Doc. “Do you think next weekend you could take me driving through the ranch again and maybe I can meet some more of your family?”

Doc’s heart soared, but he tried to play it cool. “Absolutely. How about we have your mom meet us there next Saturday afternoon and I’ll show you both around? You can join us for dinner, and we can kick Dare’s and Cowboy’s butts in paintball. Maybe have a bonfire afterward if you’re up for it.”

Lucas looked hopefully at Juliette. “Can we?”

“Sounds fun to me. I’d love to see everyone again,” she said.

“Awesome. I’m starved. Is there still leftover pizza in the fridge?” Lucas said.

“Yes,” Juliette said, and Lucas ran up to the house. She turned a curious gaze on Doc. “Did you add kid whisperer to your résumé when I wasn’t looking?”

“I’m as surprised as you are. I thought we’d drive by the ranch so he’d know where it was, but he asked if it was okay to drive through it.”

“Wow. I’m floored.”

“I think Layla had a little something to do with his change of heart. He told me that he told her I was his father.”

“He did? He must really trust her. He doesn’t even want to talk to the therapist yet. He said he doesn’t need to.”

“He may not right now. Kids are pretty resilient. But we shouldn’t give up on him talking to a professional. Maybe wait a couple of weeks and then bring it up again.”

“That was my plan. I’m glad he trusts Layla, but if they’re that close, their relationship could progress quickly, and she’s way too young.”

“They both are. But the reality is, we can’t control what they do. All we can do is teach Lucas respect for himself and for her, guide him in the right direction, and hope that if or when they do more, they’re safe.”

“Lucas is proof that passion can obliterate safety. Did you talk to him about yesterday?”

“Yeah. They weren’t fooling around in the barn, and he’s in no hurry to do more than kiss.”

“He kissed her?” She put a hand over her heart. “My baby boy is growing up too fast.” She looked up at the sky. “I’m not ready for any of this.”

“There’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“We,” she said a little dreamily. “I like how that sounds.”

He stepped closer, wishing he could pull her into his arms, but they were in view of the windows. “Then I hope you love how this sounds. Saturday night, you on the back of my motorcycle, dinner and dancing at the Roadhouse, and a slumber party at my place.”

“A slumber party, huh?” she teased. “Will there be snacks?”

“Darlin’, if you agree to stay over, then I’ll have my favorite snack, and I’ll happily be yours.”

“Seeley Whiskey, you do know how to entice a woman.”

“Well, you deserve to be spoiled on your birthday.”

Her brows shot up in surprise. “I can’t believe you remembered. Did Lucas mention it? He always makes me cinnamon toast for breakfast on my birthday and gives me a homemade card.”