Page 39 of Lost Times

“I didn’t think you’d be here, but it’s so cool!”

Before she could get into the car, I gently stopped her. “Easy, Jasmine. We’re going home in different cars, but once we’re there, you can chat his ear off.”

She pouted but gave in with a nod. “Okay.” Then she ran over, getting one more hug before vaulting into the car. Shaking my head at her, I shut the door.

Getting into the car, I waited for him again, then started on the way home. Jasmine’s excited chatter filled the car, and I reveled in it. This was our new normal, and I loved every minute of it. He probably wouldn’t be able to do things like this all the time, but I could enjoy them when they happened.

Chapter 16

Ludwig and I sat at the kitchen table, Jasmine happily running around in the background as she gushed about the fair we’d be going to. Naomi was due to arrive anytime now and, to my surprise, when I’d told Ludwig about our plans last week, he’d cleared his schedule to make it.

I still went a little gooey when I thought of that.

He’d made good strides in delegating his work when it was necessary, and now he went home with us more often than not, something he’d said time and time again that he much preferred.

Jasmine and I definitely liked this better, at least. Having him here for dinners meant more time together, and we’d never turn that down.

Sneaking a look down his frame, I bit back a shiver. This was the first time I’d seen him in jeans, andwowdid it do nice things to his butt. They weren’t skin tight–Ludwig would never be comfortable with that–but they were just snug enough to paint a gorgeous picture, and my fingers itched to squeeze a cheek anytime he stood in front of me.

His lips quirked, amusement clear as he raised a brow. “Youreallyenjoy these pants, don’t you?” He asked, and heat slapped across my cheeks.

I nodded all the same. “Yeah, I like you in any clothes of course, but the jeans in particular are nice.”

He reached across the table, taking my hand with a chuckle. “I’ll keep that in mind for future reference. To be honest, they were the only thing I owned that wasn’t business or formal.” He rolled his eyes. “Even I know not to bring those to a fair.”

Before I could come up with something to say, a familiar knock sounded on the front door and Jasmine raced for it. In hardly a second, her voice rang out. “Naomi!”

Ludwig got up, offering me a hand. “It appears we’re all here now.” He said and I nodded, taking his hand and leading us toward the front door.

Naomi had Jasmine wrapped into a hug, a smile stretching her lips that perfectly matched Jasmine’s. Her long brown hair hung in waves, and when she pulled back, she dragged me into a hug next.

“It’s so good to see you guys again!” She said, then turned to Ludwig, her smile not fading. “So you’re the Ludwig that Jasmine never stops talking about?”

He straightened, a trace of tension sliding along his back as he nodded, offering a hand. “I guess so, and you’re Naomi. Thalia’s told me a lot about you.”

She took the hand and shook, shooting me a sly look. “All bad things, I’m sure. But joking aside, I’m glad you two worked things out.” She gestured to the empty spot at her side.

“Robby would have been here, but work calls, you know how it is.” The last bit was angled to me and I nodded.

“Tell him we said hi.”

She nodded, then hefted her purse higher on her shoulder. “Of course, now let’s get this show on the road! I’ll take my car.” Then she pulled me to the side, whispering just loud enough for both me and Ludwig to hear.

“I’ll take the munchkin afterward so you two can have some ‘adult’ time.” She ended it with a wink, and a blush burned through my cheeks. Ludwig cleared his throat, not sure how to respond, so I did it for both of us with a smile.

“Thanks, that’d be much appreciated.”

She waved the thanks to the side and faced Jasmine. “Guess what sport? I get to take you after the fair, and we’re having the best sleepover ever!”

Jasmine froze, her mouth hanging open, then she lunged at Naomi with a jubilant cry. With her distracted, I inched closer to Ludwig and offered.

“Sorry, Naomi can be a lot, but I promise she’s well-meaning.”

He shook himself, the surprise and discomfort sliding away. “It’s fine, it’s obvious that she cares for both of you, and while I’m not comfortable with how easily she talks about our…intimate life, I can understand that it’s just who she is.”

Then his voice dropped into a growl. “Besides, she’s taking Jasmine so I can enjoy your full attention. I won’t complain about that.”

A shiver trailed up my back at the promise lingering behind his tone and I took one of his hands, squeezing. “I didn’t think you would.”

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