“Hey Lay, what’re you up to?”
“I made you a picture!” Her proud smile was contagious, and I put my search for the nanny on hold, sitting beside my niece to compliment her artwork.
“What did you draw?” I peeked over her shoulder and my mouth hung open. “Holy shi- crap, did you draw this for real?”
She looked up at me with a sparkle in her eyes. “Yeah, I did. What do you think?”
I was stunned into silence at her talent. “I think this is wonderful.” The sketch was so lifelike it was jarring, the way she’d captured me deep in thought, my gaze staring off into space with a thoughtful expression. “This is incredible, Layla. I mean, you’re seriously talented.”
“Duh, Uncle Brady.” She giggled, and the sound was wonderful and adorable. “You really like it?”
“No, I reallyloveit. I’ve never seen a sketch so life-like before. How…why did you draw this?”
“Because I like to draw, and I wanted to draw you something.”
“Well I love it, so I think you need to tell me the best way to hang it. Should I buy a frame or can I just nail it to the wall.”
Layla shrugged, laughing sweetly. “I don’t know, Uncle Brady, I’m seven.”
“Oh now you’reonly seven?Any other time you’re the most mature seven year old on the planet, but now when I need your help, you play the kid card.”
“You’re funny,” she said and erupted into a fit of giggles.
“I love it, Layla. Thank you.” I did something I’d never done before, I wrapped my arms around my niece and smacked a loud kiss against her cheek. “Thanks.”
Her cheeks flushed an adorable shade of pink and I gave her one last squeeze before I went in search of Toni. My fingers itched to touch her, my mouth vibrated with the need to taste her succulent lips. My heart raced to set eyes on her again.
“Looking for someone?” Toni called out to me and I turned to face her with a smile.
“Holy fuck, Toni.” She wore a simple outfit of skintight jeans and a white tank top that molded over all of her curves. Her nipples were hard and her mouth was slightly open. “You’re gorgeous.”
She smiled. “You were looking for me, Mr. Winsome?”
I nodded. “I was. Are you busy?”
“Nope. What’s up?” She grinned again and leaned against the wall, arching her back, which drew my eyes to her beautiful breasts.
“I’d like to take you out. On a date.” Where in the hell those words came from, I had no idea.
“A date?” She nearly choked on the word, which wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for. “Seriously?”
I nodded. “Is that something you’d like to do?” I felt nervous for some reason and I tried to shrug the feeling off.
“Yeah,” she grinned. “Of course. That sounds lovely.”
“Where would you like to go?”
Her green eyes widened and she licked her lips. “I know the perfect place!”
My heart lurched at her words, but I swallowed down the worry and smiled. “Sounds good.” I hadn’t planned a date in years, and even if she chose the most expensive restaurant in the state, I would be all right with it. “Are you nervous about taking me out, Brady?”
“Yes,” I growled. “Incredibly nervous. You?”
“A little, but I’m also excited. I’m curious to see what ‘Date Brady’ is like.”
“Date Brady? Is he supposed to be different from regular, everyday Brady?”
“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “That’s why I’m curious to see for myself. When?”