Page 136 of Playing For Keeps
“Take it or leave it.”
“I choose to take it.” I push my chair back and pat my thighs. “Now get over here and sit on my lap. I need your lips on mine.”
She slinks over to me and climbs into my lap. “Before you get carried away, this is one kiss only. I need to call Melanie and get ready for Saturday.”
“In that case, one kiss it is.”
And while she coordinates with Melanie, I have two pressing issues to take care of. If I’m going to make her wedding day as special as it can be, these need to be addressed. Otherwise, the day will be a bust.
I come out of my office in our penthouse to make sure Dori and Melanie are preoccupied. I don’t want them anywhere near me when I do the next thing on my agenda. There needs to be plenty of space between us when I do.
I step out of the hallway and find them eating pizza in the living room. “What’s this? Pizza, and you weren’t going to tell me about it?”
Mel drops her slice on her plate. “We know your weightlifting diet doesn’t include pizza, so call it us watching out for you.”
“Um-hum.” I glance atDori and wink.
“Sorry, babe. We were starving, and I wasn’t sure how long you were going to work.”
“It’s not a problem. I only came out for a quick kiss, then I’ll let you two get back to your wedding plans.” I reach her side, bend over, and plant a peck on her lips.
She blushes and smiles like it’s the first time I’ve kissed her. “Do you want us to save you a piece?”
“Nah. I’ll just snag one right now.” I reach over and take a slice. “I’ve got to make a few more calls, and then I can help out.”
“No, sir, big guy. We are done.” Mel sinks back into the sofa.
“That was fast.” I take a bite of my pizza.
“It’s a tiny wedding, so there wasn’t much planning to do.” Dori stands and hikes her thumb over her shoulder. “We’re going to take a walk on the beach. Do you want to join us?”
I swallow. “Not right now. I’ve got more things I need to clear off my calendar. Maybe later.”
“Okay, but when you’re done, I want to double-check on what you want to wear on Saturday. We need to coordinate.” She picks up the pizza box and moves it to the bar area. “I’ll leave this here in case you want more.”
“Thanks.” I start to retreat down the hall. “Have fun and be safe.”
Dori hollers back, “We will. We shouldn’t be too long.”
I get back into my office and shut the door behind me. My heart rate speeds up.
I sure hope this goes well.
I set up my computer and steady myself as I send the video chat request. The computer rings, and within a few seconds, it connects.
Aiden comes into view on the other side of the screen. “A face-to-face request. This must be important.”
“It is. Thanks for accepting the call.”
He nods as he takes a seat on his couch. “I’m glad you reached out. I have some things I’d like to discuss.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m all ears.”
“You called, so you can go first.”
I rest back in my chair. “We need to talk and clear the air.”
“I was hoping that’s why you were calling. I can relax now.”
