Page 71 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“Just don’t give up on it. That’s all I’m saying, Liv. And when the time is right in your mind, then chase it with a smile and without worries.”

Silence. Then she smiles, bright and brimming with hope, and it sends an arrow right through my heart.

“I will. Thanks for the encouragement, Luke.”

I smile back and kiss her again. “Anytime, baby.”

We meet the museum owner, Jennifer Lane, and her husband, Jacob Lane, both of whom are very excited to talk to Olivia. Olivia becomes animated as Jennifer gets into the gist of her artwork, and Jacob and I leave the two behind as they delve into art lingo. Jacob’s adoration is clear as he eyes his wife.

“She’s crazy about stuff like this.”

I tilt my head in curiosity. “Stuff like this?”

Jacob nods. “Discovering new artists. Dissecting their minds. It’s why she knows all the art pieces in her museum and has met all the artists. She doesn’t have the talent, but she admires it so much and wants the public to admire it with her.”

“Then she’s doing them a great favor.”

“She is, but she doesn’t see it that way. She sees it as a privilege for her to share it.”

If I’ve ever seen a man in love, Jacob fits that description perfectly. I look at Olivia, feeling at peace at how she flows from one emotion to another: happiness, shyness, giddiness, and a general sense of awe, nerves, and excitement. I don’t know what Jennifer is telling her, but whatever it is, I want Jennifer to keep telling her that because Olivia is a fucking delight when she’s this happy.

I want to keep her like this forever—happy. But I know that’s not my call, so I don’t say anything and let Jennifer do the talking until we’re out of the museum and back in the car. Olivia grins at me, her eyes still sparkling.

“Jennifer’s amazing. Jacob, too. They want me to keep my artwork in their museum even after that area’s exhibit is over. In fact, they want to keep my artwork until they sell out.”

“They will.” I’m certain of it. “Are you okay with the arrangement?”

In response, she takes my hand resting on my knee and squeezes it.

“More than okay. It’s perfect. Thank you, Luke.”

I smirk. “You already thanked me.”

“Is there anything I can ever do to repay you?”

The playful way she says it turns my imagination wild, but I don’t bite. While I want to touch her and make her feel so good no matter how many times I’ve touched her already, there’s something that I’ve wanted for so long but have just been hesitant to ask—mostly because despite how things are developing between our little unit, I still know my boundaries and respect hers.

But maybe it’s time to bring it up now.

“Are you sure about that question?”

She winks. “Yeah. Tell me what you want.”

Fuck. I want to stop this car and turn that wink into a moan while we fog up the windows. I want to take her to my apartment, bend her over my couch, and give her pleasure right there until it’s all I will ever think about whenever I look at that couch.

Focus, man.

“I want to take Riley to and from school, Liv. If you’ll let me.”

Silence. The twinkle in her eyes disappears as she regards me seriously, then thoughtfully. Still, her face is mostly unreadable, and it’s a good thing there’s a red light because I don’t think I can focus on driving anymore.

Finally, she clears her throat. “She takes the bus to school. To and from. It’s easier since I commute to work, and her bus has a reliable route.”

It’s a reasonable answer, but I brace myself for the next part: rejection. I know it’s coming?—

“But sure, Luke. I see some students taken to and from school in cars, so you can do that during your free time. But you have to let me know when so I can inform the bus driver.”

And I’m floored when it doesn’t come.

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