Page 35 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

Stop thinking about it.

“I’ll be here next weekend, Liv.” I meet her gaze. “And I’ll play your game.”

Her eyes narrow. “It’s not a game.”

“Then I’ll play whatever the hell this is.”

Then I nod and walk away before I say something I’ll regret.

Chapter 11

Olivia

When Luke requested the next playdate to be on his terms, I never expected it to be at his place. I stare at the building we are directed to, located in Upper Manhattan and perhaps one of the most expensive properties in the area. Then we’re ushered to the lobby and up the elevator, every step surreal as I examine the bold chandeliers and the lush carpets.

“Mom, is this where Luke lives?”

I nod, distracted when I realize we’re headed for the top floor. But what did I expect? Shock hits me when the elevator doors open, and instead of being met with another hallway, we’re met with a penthouse suite that looks like those dreamy, luxurious places in home magazines.

“Hey, Riley and Liv. I’m glad you made it.”

Luke strolls over to us, ushering us in with a nod. I watch out of the corner of my eye as he gives a tip to the building staff member before the elevator doors close. Then it’s just the three of us.

“The address you gave us was easy enough to follow.” I desperately try not to ogle the place too much, most of all him. He’s dressed in slacks and a casual dress shirt that emphasizes his broad shoulders and highlights just how well he fits into this sophisticated world. “Thanks for inviting us over.”

“My pleasure. Riley, what do you think of the place?”

Riley isn’t as tactful as I am as she openly looks around the place. “It’s so cool. Do you live here alone?”

“Yes.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Isn’t it too big for you?”

Luke laughs. The sound makes my stomach jump. “It is, which is why having company like you guys is a welcome change. Come on. Let me show you the coolest part of the place.”

I watch as he offers his hand, and I soften when Riley takes it. I follow them as they slip through the glass doors opening up to a balcony, where there’s a pool and a view of all the other buildings surrounding us.

I’m not going to lie, I’m overwhelmed and just a bit intimidated, the complete opposite of Riley, who’s already having a blast oohing and aahing over the view. I’ve never been exposed to this environment, and knowing Luke is a part of it only emphasizes how different we are. I’m almost relieved when we finally leave the balcony and return inside, but it looks like Luke isn’t done trying to impress us.

“My chef has prepared lunch for us. It will arrive here shortly and I hope you guys enjoy the meal.”

I raise a brow. “You have a chef?”

There’s a hint of amusement in his tone. “Sometimes. When I have events and I need help. Mrs. Simmons isn’t your regular chef, though. She makes the best home-cooked meals.”

When the food arrives, I understand what he means. I anticipated us eating gourmet delicacies, but instead, we get upgraded pizza, pasta and sauce made from scratch and various finger desserts. Riley stuffs herself while I try small bites of everything, unable to stop my appreciative murmurs at how good everything tastes.

“Your chef is phenomenal. Can I have her?”

At my joke, he smiles. “You can try, but she’s extremely loyal to me.”

“I’ll try to convince her!” Riley grins as she hastily wipes the sauce off her chin. “Does she also make strawberry shortcake?”

“She did make it today. But it’s a different version. And a surprise for later.”

The surprise ends up being strawberry shortcake-flavored ice cream, which Riley goes nuts over. I can’t blame her since it’s so good, too. I can’t begrudge her, either, especially when I see how she lights up over every bite.

“You’ve done it, Luke.”

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