Page 15 of Mine to Keep

She couldn’t understand the desolate feelings because he was gone. It was better this way. She had time to shower and dress before seeing him, and it would give her the much-needed time to evaluate her feelings.

Laila showered, blow-dried her hair, and put on a summer dress she loved. She slipped on sandals and made the bed before walking out of the room and down the stairs.

At the bottom, she looked toward Roland’s office to see the door open but then turned to the kitchen because she didn’t know what to do. She walked to his office and looked in to see him writing something on his desk. Not wanting to disturb him, she turned to go.

“Laila.”

She turned to look at him and tried to smile. “Good morning. I’m sorry to disturb you. I didn’t know what you wanted me to do.”

Roland sat back in his chair. “Come in, close the door, and come over here.”

She did what he asked without question.

She noticed that even sitting, he was about as tall as her. It should have made her feel like a child. Instead, it just made her feel feminine.

He easily lifted her and placed her across his lap. Laila stared up at him and waited.

“How did you sleep, Pet?”

“Very well, thank you. Probably better than I have in years.”

He nodded and swept the hair from her face. “Every morning, I want you to come see me and give me a good-morning kiss.”

“What if the door’s closed?”

“Then knock.”

“All right,” she said.

He cupped the side of her face, lowered his head, and pressed his lips against hers. A burst of molten fire rushed through her, making her nipples tighten, and her cunt convulse with desire. A moan slipped from her when his tongue penetrated her mouth. The sensation sent her body’s need higher.

Her arms crept around his neck, and she kissed him back. She wanted to taste him and imprint this feeling into her mind. She almost cried out when he raised his head. They stared at each other for a moment before he exhaled.

“Good morning, Pet.”

“Hi.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

Excitement rushed through her. “Really?”

“Yes. We are going on a picnic today.”

“Where?”

He chuckled. “That’s the surprise. I want you to eat a light breakfast, and we’ll leave in two hours.”

She couldn’t help the smile that bloomed. The excitement of a surprise was something she’d never had before. After her mother passed, she never celebrated her birthday or holidays.

“Do you want me to come back here?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’ll get a little more work done so I can spend some time with you.”

He lifted her off his lap. “Go on. I’ll see you soon.”

Laila smiled and walked out of the office. In the kitchen, she spent several minutes talking with Betsy and eating a small bowl of fruit.

“Is it okay if I go look out in the backyard?” she asked.

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