Page 55 of You Are Enough

Leila met her gaze as a flush rose from her neck and filled her face, and a lopsided grin ticked up the corners of her mouth. She nodded.

Barbara laid her hand on her arm. “Well, you left a mark on him. He must realize how amazing you are. Now, let’s get this place closed up.” She patted Leila’s arm and walked to the back.

Leila pulled her phone from her pocket, took a picture of the roses, and sent a thank you text to Adler. It was sweet of him, and the card just said a simple thank you for giving him the time she did. He’d enjoyed spending time with her and Skylar.

Chapter 23

Leila walked around the back of the house so she could enter her apartment. She didn’t want Diane or her father to make a big deal about the flowers.

She placed them on the corner of the kitchen counter and rubbed a petal between her fingers. She loved the velvety texture of rose petals. Between that and the amazing aroma, her senses were filled and so was her heart.

She ran up the stairs, still floating in excitement. Eighties music filled the air along with Diane’s somewhat melodic voice. Leila laughed as she caught Diane dancing at the counter while she prepared a salad. Skylar’s gaze was fixed on her. This was exactly the life she wanted for Sky. Filled with people who loved her and lots of fun.

Leila joined in the chorus of the Michael Jackson song coming from the speakers, causing Diane to glance up.

“Hey, you’re home. Come sing along and help me finish this salad.”

Leila danced her way across the room and leaned over her daughter, kissing her on her forehead. When Skylar saw her, she squealed and started bouncing in her seat. “I think she likes Michael.” She pulled her from her seat and danced with her in her arms.

“Well, who doesn’t?” answered Diane as she shimmied her hips and cut tomatoes to the beat.

“Right?” said Leila as she turned circles with Skylar whose head went back a little and she let out a belly laugh.

“This is probably the best sight I could ever have when I walk in from work. All my best girls enjoying spending time with each other.” Tom entered the kitchen, and everyone stopped dancing as he gave kisses on Leila’s and Skylar’s heads and wrapped Diane in a tight hug, planting a deep kiss on her lips.

Their affection made Leila grin from ear to ear. Watching them together gave her hope that love was real and could work out. That was a thought she’d never had in Florida as she watched her mom go from one relationship to another and never find a guy who loved her and accepted her for herself. A knock on the door caught her attention, and she danced her way to the front room and pulled open the door.

Adler stood there and instantly took her breath away. The smile that was on her face was now there for a different reason. His hands were in the front pockets of his just-tight-enough pants, and his button-up shirt showed off his muscular body perfectly. He looked handsome and ready for a night out. Shoot. She’d forgotten to ask Diane and her dad about babysitting.

“Well, it’s the two most beautiful girls in the world.” His smile filled his face, showing his perfect teeth and placing adorable creases in the corners of his mouth.

Leila’s heart fluttered madly. “And we’re glad you’re here.”

He stepped inside and greeted her with a soft kiss as his arms pressed carefully around her. When they broke away, he took a reaching Skylar from her arms. “And hello to you, little beauty.”

Skylar’s face lit up, and she laid her head against his chest, which melted Leila’s fluttering heart. This guy was too much.

“Hi, Adler.” Tom walked into the room. “I figured it was you. Diane just finished dinner. It’s simple. Just grilled chicken and salad, but she makes a mean skinless chicken breast. You’re welcome to join us.”

Adler raised a brow to Leila.

“Dad, I totally forgot to ask if you and Diane would babysit. Adler wanted to take me out.”

“Well, then you’d better get ready. You don’t want to keep him waiting.”

“Seriously? But I forgot, and if you both have plans . . .”

“Nonsense. Go change or do whatever you need to. We’ll keep Adler entertained.”

“Thanks, Dad. You’re the best.” She kissed his cheek. “I won’t be long.” She said to Adler.

He was walking into the kitchen with Skylar in her arms. “Don’t worry, I’ll be hanging with your dad. Take your time. Our reservations are at seven thirty.”

Reservations. She ran down the steps and into her room. She’d never been to a restaurant that needed reservations. She changed into a knee-length dress and sandals and freshened up.

They drove to a steakhouse Leila had been past before but never thought she’d be able to eat at. They walked in, and the smell of garlic and steak filled the restaurant and caused Leila’s mouth to water. It was just before seven thirty as she followed Adler, her hand intertwined with his. The hostess’s face lit up when she saw him.

“Adler Warfield. It’s been a while.”

---