Page 42 of You Are Enough

“You’ve got to go, don’t you?”

The look he gave her warmed her insides and gave her chills at the same time. She nodded. “I’ve got to get home to Sky. I told Diane I’d be home around six.” She stood, and he followed as she smiled at Stacey and Tristan. “Good night. It was great spending time with you.”

Stacey stood and gave her a hug. “Good night. Give that baby a hug.”

“I will.”

Adler held her hand as they walked to the car. “Can I see you tomorrow?” Adler asked. “Maybe I could come over and spend time with both of you?” He wrapped his arms around her.

She placed her hands on his chest. That hard warm chest. Butterflies stirred in her stomach. She still couldn’t believe he wanted to be with her and her baby. Why would he, when he could be with anyone? She had so much baggage. It wouldn’t be easy.

“Hey.” He gave her a gentle shake. “You’ve gone somewhere. You need to be right here.”

His voice was calm and caring. She gazed at him, and that familiar pull melted her heart. “You really want to spend time with me, a mother with a baby?” It was hard to believe. “Why? You could have anyone. Anyone who doesn’t come with so much baggage.”

“Stop.” His hands grasped her arms. “I don’t know what kind of baggage you think you have, but I know what I think, and I think youandSkylar are awesome, and I want to get to know you both better. Enough said.” He lifted her chin. “I don’t want to hear anything else. Got that?” His gaze was intense, and her heart fluttered.

Should she open her heart and life to him and give him a chance? She really wanted to. The cabin popped into her mind. The kiss, the heat between them, her desire for him. Yeah, she really wanted to.

“Leila?” His voice was a question. His lips met hers.

The kiss sent her head spinning. Her breath became rapid as he pressed deeper into the kiss and sent her to the next level of need, of desire. Her hands slid up his chest and grabbed his neck desperately, pulling him closer.

Yes, she wanted this. If he wanted herandSkylar, she wanted him. All of him. He pressed her against her car and deepenedthe kiss. His mouth devoured hers until it was hard for her to breathe.

Finally, she found the strength to pull away. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her body was warm. She had to go. If she didn’t go now, she wouldn’t want to go at all, and Skylar needed her. And she needed Skylar.

“I know,” he said as he reached around her and opened her door. “You need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow. Noon? I’ll bring lunch.”

Noon sounded great. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said as she got in her car.

“Me too.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was soft and lingering. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Drive safe.”

She waved as she pulled out. The warmth that spread through her continued as she drove down the driveway. He liked her. Really liked her. It was like she was living in a dream, and if she was, she never wanted to wake up.

Chapter 18

“I’m home.” Leila floated through the front door and there was Skylar, playing on the floor with Tom. Skylar squealed when she saw Leila, and Leila scooped her from the floor and planted kisses all over her face. Skylar’s grin was wide and toothless and melted Leila’s heart.

“Someone’s in a good mood,” said Tom as he hoisted himself from the floor. “I guess you had a good night.”

“I did, Dad.” She kissed his cheek. “Thanks for watching her.”

Diane came in from the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel. “You know it wasn’t a problem. She’s the sweetest girl ever.”’

“Thanks, y'all are the best."

“Hey.” Tom wrapped his arms around them. “We're family. We love you.”

Leila relaxed in the warmth of his embrace. “I know, and we both appreciate all you’ve done for us.” She sniffed. “I need to get this baby ready for bed. Good night.” She hugged Tomand Diane, and kissed them both, then took Skylar to their apartment.

Skylar quietly played with her koala and sucked on its nose while she cuddled on Leila’s lap.

The corner of Leila’s mouth ticked up as she thought of the fair and the uncomfortable and unsure look which filled Adler's face when he met Skylar for the first time and gave her the koala, and tears filled her eyes when she remembered how Skylar cuddled against him during the fireworks when he held her.

She couldn't lie. He’d surprised her by being so considerate, thoughtful, and absolutely sweet to Skylar. She let out a contented breath and blinked back the tears.Get a grip on yourself.

Even though she’d tried hard to ignore the connection between them at the carnival and the current that ran through her skin when he slapped his hand over hers begging her to stop rocking the car on the Ferris wheel, she couldn’t ignore it anymore.

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