Page 144 of Broken Grump

“They’re multicolored flowers that most people think smell like fresh strawberries.”

She brings her wrist up and inhales. “Yeah, I guess I can pick up on those notes. You want in on this action?”

Boy, do I ever?I take it and bring it closer to my nose. “And there are also notes of patchouli, I believe.”

Her face falls. “Patchouli? Isn’t that what they say old hippies smell like.”

I laugh. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that comparison. Although, I suppose it makes sense. It’s said to have a calming, libido-enhancing effect.” But it’s not like I need help in that latter part right now. Just her proximity has made me completely bricked up.

“Speaking of thank-yous,” she segues. “I didn’t get the chance to thank you for that thoughtful gift. The basket, I mean.”

“Oh, right.” With all of my blood flowing away from my brain and into another part of my body, I’m having a hard time focusing. “You’re—you’re welcome.”

“Luna loved it too.”

Like when I thought about my grandmother’s aging body, the mention of our daughter also seems to do the trick when it comes to calming me down a bit.

“Did she?”

She faces me now. “But don’t worry, I told her they were expensive. So, she only got a few squirts out of each bottle.”

“Oh.” I have to chuckle a little. “I wasn’t worried about that.”

“Right.” She also lets out a small laugh. “I just don’t want you to think I take stuff like that for granted. Because I don’t.”

I spin her around and bring her close to me again. But this time, my hands fall on her perfect, curvy waist. “I know that, Addie. When it comes to your judgment with Luna, I trust you completely.”

“Really?”

“Of course.” She’s been at this mom thing for seven years. And I’ve only just become a parental figure in her life recently. It would be pretty hypocritical of me to come in and start changing or questioning the way Addie’s done things all this time. Plus, she’s clearly been doing an amazing job.

“Now that we’re on that subject, do you mind if I call Penny? Just for one little check-in?”

“Knock yourself out.” I release her from my grasp, and she wriggles a few inches away before pulling out her phone.

“Hey, Pen. It’s Addie. Just checking in.” Although I know she trusts her grandfather’s old assistant, she’s still pacing and biting her nails as she listens. “She’s asleep? Oh, good. That’s good. She didn’t give you any trouble going down, did she? No? Good.”

She stops momentarily before giving me a thumbs up. Just like her, I’m glad to hear that Luna was her typical, well-behaved self tonight.

“You didn’t tell her who I was with, right?” Addie then asks before sighing what I assume is relief. “Great. Thank you.” She covers the mouthpiece and mouths, “I’d never hear the end of it if she knew I was with you tonight and didn’t invite her.”

That warms my heart. The instant connection that Luna and I had has truly been remarkable to witness and see blossom into more. Now, I can honestly say she’s one of my favorite people. And that isn’t just because she shares half of my DNA. I like her for the person that she is—she’s smart, kind, and funny. Just like her mother.

“Thank you for letting me do that,” Addie says after wrapping the call and pulling some stray hair away from her face.

“Hey.” I slide my hand past her chin and under her ear. “You don’t ever have to ask or apologize for making a call like that. Okay? I love that you’re such a great mom.”

That causes a big smile to spread across her face, and I think her cheeks get even rosier. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”

Shortly after that, Lionel finally pulls up.

But before we get in, I nuzzle my mouth in her hair and say, “Now, if you don’t mind, can we stop talking about our daughter? It’s going to be a real buzz kill for all the nasty things I want to do to you tonight.”

She glances back at me in wonder. “Why, Hayden Cohen, did you hear nothing of what I said—”

“Yeah, yeah.” I swat her ass. “You’re a lady. Blah, blah, blah.”

Usually, I wouldn’t be so rude as to put the partition between the front and back of the car up, but I think I’m doing him a favor by protecting Lionel’s eyes from what we’re about to do here.

---