I chuckle at Samantha's questions as she rearranges the assortment of cupcakes for the twelfth time. Just as I gaze at my watch, there's a hard knock on the door.
"I'll reorganize them again," my daughter mumbles, staring at the pile of sweets.
I stop behind the nervous teenager and place a kiss on the top of her head. "Relax, Sam. Everything will be fine. She isn't an actual dragon."
She giggles and nods while adjusting the cakes on the tray. A few long strides later, I open the door.Sexy red heels, endless legs, a charming silky dress, and delicious red lips. Damn, I love it.Without thinking, I step outside and close the door.
"Uh, what are you doing? We’re supposed to go inside, Walker," Alisha says, pointing to the door.
"Yeah, but first, I need to do something else."
I pull her against me, and her radiant smile shines through when she senses my needy man of steel pressing against her abdomen.
"Oh, your boy needs to cool off," she states, brushing over it with her hand.
"Fuck." I grab her face and kiss hard.God, I could kiss this woman for hours.I forget about our surroundings until I register the sound of someone clearing their throat. I reluctantly remove my lips from paradise and raise my head. "Shit."
Alisha lets go of me and pivots around when she hears my curse. Standing two feet away is my mom. Her arms are crossed, and her lips are in a hard line.
"Cole! What kind of example are you setting for your daughter by behaving like some horny teenager?"
"Hey Mom, on time as always," I say, relaxed while placing my hands on Alisha's hips.
"Alisha, meet my mother, Carmen Walker. And Mom, this is Alisha McQueen. The woman I told you about."
My gorgeous blonde takes a step forward and smiles. "It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Walker."
With pressed lips and a slight frown, my mom inspects Alisha's bright outfit. After letting out a small cough, she speaks. "Why don't we go in? I'm here to meet my granddaughter."
I grab Alisha's hand and squeeze it. She reacts by giving me a tender smile, but it's not reaching her green jades.
The moment my mother is in the house, she gazes through the living room in search of Samantha. I roll my eyes as she offers me her long jacket. I take it and place it on the hanger next to the door.
"So, where is she?"
"Easy, mother. Samantha is waiting in the kitchen, and I had to convince her you aren't a mean dragon that will eat her alive. So behave," I say with a neutral voice. Alisha chuckles behind me. My mom ignores my comment and heads towards the kitchen, but the moment she sees my daughter, she stops.
"Oh, good heavens," she exclaims while placing her hand before her chest.
Samantha places the two cupcakes she's holding on the plate and bites her lip nervously while gazing back.
Carefully, I start the introduction. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Samantha. And Samantha, this is my mother, Carmen Walker."
"H-hello," Sam says while darting her eyes between my mother and me.
My mom stares as she walks over to her. Then, when she stands in front of her, she pulls her into a tight hug. I narrow my eyes in confusion, as my mother isn't a woman who shows her affection too often. Alisha grabs my hand, and I squeeze hers without taking my eyes off the picture of my mom hugging my daughter.
"My goodness. Cole was right when he said you had the Walker genes. You have the same beautiful eyes as your grandfather."
I swallow, hearing her mention him. Samantha's eyes are widely staring at me as my mother keeps hugging her. "Mom, can you let go of her? She likes to breathe, if you don't mind."
Instantly, she takes a step back. "Oh, sorry. It's just overwhelming to see you." As a canon, she fires questions. "How are you doing? Is your father treating you well?"
My daughter gives me a quick side glance before looking back at my mother, before answering with a careful smile. "I'm doing well, thank you. Cole has been very kind to me." She fidgets with the end of her ponytail that's hanging over her shoulder. "Would you like something to drink and a cupcake?" she asks next, pointing to the kitchen counter. My mom looks at the tray of neatly arranged cupcakes and nods.
When silence falls, I step in. "Hey, Mom, why don’t we go into the living room and talk while Samantha and Alisha get the coffee, tea, and cupcakes?"
When she nods and walks away, I squeeze Alisha's hand again. "Can you check on Sam? See if she's okay?"