Page 33 of Luke

“Okay. Thanks. I’ll get the diaper bag.”

Luke opened the back door, removed the car seat and stared down at Leah. She was asleep. It must be nice to just drift off all day long. Chuckling, he knew that wasn’t possible, but it sure sounded good for some days. He put a blanket over the seat to keep the cold off her.

After he entered the apartment, he set the car seat on the counter, and watched as Bryce removed Leah from it, took off her snowsuit, then carried her to the bedroom. She returned in a few minutes.

“Thank you for today, Luke. It’s been a long time since I’veshared dinner with someone.”

“I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I did. Seeing the decorations for St. Patrick’s Day made me want to get some.” She laughed.

“She decorates for every holiday. I can take you to get some if you want. You’d be able to get out a little more. We could have my mom watch Leah.”

“That would be nice. Do you think she’d mind?”

Luke chuckled and shook his head. “No, she’d love it. We can go to Walton’s in Spring City.”

“Sounds good. Just let me know when your mom can watch Leah.”

“I’ll ask her tonight. What’s your schedule?” he teased.

“I’m pretty busy. I might have to pencil you in,” Bryce said, grinning.

Luke chuckled. “Alright. I’ll let you know after I talk with her. Get some rest, Bryce.”

“I plan to. You too.”

He walked toward the door with her following him, put his hand on the knob, then faced her. He couldn’t seem to stop looking at her. She stared at him, and he looked at her lips, then into her eyes again, then he leaned forward and lightly kissed her lips.

“I’ll talk to you soon.” He opened the door, and walked out, pulling the door closed. He took a deep breath, blew it out, and hung his head.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Shaking his head, he walked down the steps, climbed into his truck, and drove home.

Chapter Five

Bryce touched her lips. Why had he kissed her? Not that she minded, but why? She felt that little kiss all the way to her toes, so she couldn’t imagine a deep, passionate kiss from him. She could admit she was very attracted to Luke, but getting involved with him was out of the question. If Mick showed up, it would not go over well, and she didn’t want Luke to get hurt.

Not that she didn’t think he could handle himself, it was that Mick would do whatever he needed to make things go his way. She even told him she wanted nothing from him, but she would keep her baby.

For months, he didn’t bother her. They didn’t speak at all, but when his wife found out about Bryce’s pregnancy, she gave him the ultimatum. There was no way that woman would raiseherchild.

Since Leah was sleeping, Bryce decided to relax on the sofa and watch a movie. Just as she got comfortable, her phone buzzed with a text message. She picked it up to see it was from Luke.

I’m sorry.

For what?

Kissing you.

She smiled, then sent a text.

You regret kissing me? Now I’m offended.

I don’t regret the kiss.

Make up your mind, McCallister.

You really are a smartass, aren’t you?

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