Page 69 of Fielder's Choice

Lane throws his head back in laughter, and that turns some heads from the other patrons in the restaurant. He just brushes them off. “And yet here you are on a date with an old man. What does that say about you?”

“That I like silver foxes?”

“I donothave gray hair.”

“No, you don’t,” I chuckle. “Not that I’ve seen.”

“Olive Finch, you’re a menace,” he says with a shake of his head.

“And yet, here you are on a date with a menace. What does that say about you?”

“That I like trouble, I suppose.”

He’s teasing, but I don’t think he knows how right he is. With all of my baggage, I’m probably nothingbuttrouble.

And yet, he sticks around anyway.

He’s here when I need him, ready to brighten up even my darkest days.

I wasn’t looking for anyone when we met, but I think Lane Brooks is exactly what I’ve been needing.

“The view from here is beautiful,” I say as Lane and I lean against his balcony railing.

“I love it,” he smiles. “When Sage was a newborn, and things were really tough, this is where I’d come to just catch my breath. It’s so peaceful.”

“Did you struggle when she was born?” I ask.

“God, yes,” he breathes. “I’m a single dad; I always have been. If it weren’t for my friends, I can’t see how I would have evenmade it to where I am now. They’re always here when I need help. Each one of them has earned that aunt or uncle title.”

“You light up when you talk about her,” I state, looking into the hazel of his eyes. “About Sage.”

“Because she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Lane’s grin is so broad it practically stretches from ear to ear. “She’s sassy and inquisitive and the absolute best hugger. She knows exactly how to make your heart melt. I love her to fucking bits.”

“You’re a good dad, Lane. I’ve seen the way Sage looks at you. You are that sweet girl’s entire world.”

Lane’s look right now is so tender and caring, and I feel the warmth from his gaze pulse all through me. “I love that you call her that.”

“What do you mean?” I cock my head to the side.

“You call her sweet girl. You have a nickname for my daughter.”

“Oh,” I reply nervously. “I’m sorry if that’s not ok—”

“Ballerina, it’smorethan okay. The fact that you have enough of a bond with my daughter to give her a nickname in the first place is the best goddamn thing. I love it. Truly.”

I smile and lean against his side. He wraps his arm around me and pulls me in closer. “Tonight has been absolutely perfect, Lane.”

“The night isn’t over yet.” He kisses the top of my head. “But it can be if you want. I can take you home or back to Harvey’s, or we can head inside and warm up in front of the fireplace.”

“Fireplace,” I breathe. “Let’s warm up. I’m not ready to leave yet.”

Lane smiles at me softly before leaning down and kissing me. Then he takes my hand in his, and we walk back into his penthouse, shucking off our shoes and laying our jackets over the back of the chair.

He turns the gas fireplace on and sits on the ground in front of it, opening his arms to welcome me in. I crouch down to join him, and Lane pulls me right onto his lap.

The moment I’m on top of him, we’re kissing again. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and his rest low on my hip, our bodies pressed flush together.

Our kiss turns deeper when he licks the seam of my mouth, and I part my lips to let him inside. His tongue strokes against mine as one of his hands finds the nape of my neck and rests there, holding me in place.

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