Page 76 of Who's Your Daddy
As he climbs into the Jeep and drives away, I stand on the sidewalk, rooted to the spot, wondering: What exactlydoesLola want?
Chapter 25
Cal
Whistling, I stride to the back entrance of the building that Lola hates so much. Nothing could put me in a bad mood today. Not after spending a solid thirty-six hours with Lola. Making her laugh, witnessing the way she let loose.
Touching her. Tasting her. Making her moan. Making hercome.
Teaching her.It was the greatest experience of my life. Even if she’s still playing hard to get.
As I push the door open, I’m hit with the sound of Madame Esmeralda’s bracelets jangling. I stop just inside and when she comes into view, I smile. “Good evening, Madame E.”
“Oh, Callahan,” she says as she takes the stairs slowly, “you are just beaming.”
I am. Can’t even deny it. “It’s been a good day.”
She smiles knowingly. “I’d say so. You’ve done better with water. Now it’s time to add fins.”
I roll her words around in my mind, thinking really hard on the comment.
Nope. It makes zero sense when considering the topic of our conversation. “Beg your pardon.”
With a shake of her head, she rounds the landing and heads down the next set of stairs. “You’ll figure it out.”
“A riddle. I like it.” I slip the key into the lock. Instantly, I’m greeted by a room full of energy.
T.J., Murphy, Brian, and Sully are all engaged in a Ping-Pong match, yelling and roasting each other and bouncing around. The older two are the only ones actually making contact with the ball, but the little lads are having a grand ole time, even if they’re missing left and right.
The scene is enough to make my chest swell. This is my family. The people I care about more than anything.
Seeing the smile on my brother’s face when Murphy finally connects with the ball is the icing on top of a wonderful day. It’s been too damn long since I’ve seen Sully smiling.
“Bollocks!” he shouts as he misses the volley. “You got me!” He points his paddle toward Murphy who is beaming.
“That’s a match,” Brian says.
As I close the door behind me, they all turn, only now noticing my arrival.
“Ah, look who’s finally gracing us with his presence,” Brian teases.
“Uncle Cal!” T.J. squeals, tossing his paddle to the table.
“How was Boston? Did you talk to Henry?” My brother’s smile is gone, the rare, easygoing demeanor replaced with his usual surliness.
I drop my suitcase to the ground and head straight for Murphy. He might not be running to me for a hug but I’m itching to give him one. Worried it would make him uncomfortable though, I give him a light squeeze on the shoulder. “How was last night?”
He tilts his head back and looks me in the eye. “Good.”
That’s all I get from the miniature bloke, but it’s enough. Confident he’s fine, I crouch and open my arms to T. J. who barrels for me. “Yes,” I say, looking up at my brother as he lumbers to the kitchen. “I spoke to Henry. And Beckett and Cortney.” I release T. J. and stand. “Philips is ill. Have you heard?” I glance at Brian. “Weshould make sure his estate is up to date. His nephew Landon might be as surprised as we were with the damn clauses in Philips estate.”
Brian lets out a heavy sigh, spinning his paddle. “Well, at least he won’t have to move to Jersey.”
I chuckle.
“Thought maybe you ran into some trouble with a client when you texted to say you’d be back late,” my brother says over his shoulder as he pulls open the door to the fridge.
T.J. dashes for his Ping-Pong paddle and goads Murphy into another game.
