Page 30 of Mastered By Lust

I can’t help but laugh. “What else?”

“A group of dad friends spent a good thirty minutes humble-bragging about their babies. Things like,Oh, Suzie sat up at four months old. I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything but everyone in the family is convinced she’s going to be in the Olympics. And,Yeah, I don’t know why people talk about milestones at all, because they’re meaningless. Carlton is eight months old and speaking in full sentences. I’m sure it isn’t the big deal his daycare is making it out to be.”

I snort.

“It’s ridiculous, right?” Leah laughs. “But also kind of sweet. Like, they’re really invested in their kids’ success. Not all parents are like that.”

Mine certainly were. They were over-invested. I consider saying so, but I’m more curious about Leah’s background. “Were your parents invested?”

She scoffs. “Fuck no.”

I wait to see if she’ll elaborate.

“My dad took off when I was little. My mom remarried when I was twelve, and my stepdad is an asshole. He didn’t want kids, and he made that abundantly clear throughout my teenage years. I lived with Danica’s family toward the end of high school.”

All of that, and she still seems so bright and happy. I can’t imagine not feeling wanted by my own parents. I spent most of my teenage years trying to escape the stranglehold they had on my work as a child actor, and on my personal life as well.

My esteem for Leah has shot up. Everything I learn about her only increases my admiration.

“I’m sorry,” I say, “but your stepdad didn’t deserve you.”

“Yeah. Well.” She fusses with the edge of the blanket.

I take her hand in mine, stilling her nervous movements. It’s time to redirect the conversation; I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. “What else did you do?”

“I met Danica at the ice cream shop where she works.” She brightens somewhat. “I took her out for lunch with your card—I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not in the slightest. That’s why I left it for you—for a treat.” A mention of the card and treat reminds me of the note I left her with the map to the lingerie store. Holding back my grin, I ask in mock concern, “Did you go anywhere else today?”

She grins. “Maybe.”

“Hmm.” I look her up and down. “Why are you all covered up? Are you cold?”

She shakes her head and smiles.

“What’s under this blanket?” I tug on the edge.

Giggling, she holds the comforter in place.

“Leah. Did you go shopping with your underwear allowance?”

“Maybe?” She draws the word out.

“Let me see.”

“What if you don’t like it?” She looks up at me through her eyelashes. “It’s very…scandalous.”

As a rule, I don’t like scandalous things. I’ve had enough scandal in my life. But scandalous lingerie, on Leah? I would love to see that.

I stand up. The lamp throws my shadow over her. “Show me.”

She shivers. Sometimes she does that when I lower my voice. And because I like the reaction it brings, I do it more often.

“Leah.” I go deeper.

Her blue eyes stare directly into mine as she lowers the edge of the blanket.

I catch a glimpse of a sheer blue strap adorned with scalloped ivory lace.

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