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I wonder if I have saltines…
When I looked up, Alice’s chair was empty, and she was back in the living room staring curiously at disoriented Luna with questions.
“Alice, come here and leave her alone,” I whisper-shouted.
Luna had given me a hell of a scare and her body needed rest. Given her track record, it wouldn’t surprise me if the woman popped off the couch and decided to take off for another midnight run.
She wouldn’t dare do that under my watchful eye…
Would she?
Luna shuffled into the kitchen, the blanket a protective shield around her. Her bedhead did nothing to diminish her natural beauty. With her face clear of any trace of makeup, she looked young and innocent with a hidden naughty streak.
Those plump lips of hers twisted as if she knew exactly how dirty my thoughts were.
Alice tailed behind Luna peppering her with questions.
Why were you sleeping on our couch?
You’re pretty. Did you know you’re pretty?
Can we do another pineapple pizza party? I’ll even try watching that boring movie you like so much.
Using her whole body, Alice pushed the high-top chair away from the counter, making room for her to climb up onto the seat before diving into her snack.
Luna laughed lightly. “Hungry, Alice?”
“Starrrrrving,” my daughter said dramatically, clutching her belly.
I walked around the counter to support Luna as she got on the chair next to Alice. She wobbled a bit, but I caught her unsteady form. “Careful.”
My hand gripped her tight, and I ignored the pang in my chest that she elicited with just her mere presence. Instead, I focused on the external clues to assess how she was doing. The color that returned to her cheeks, the purple under her eyes that wasn't as pronounced as before. The time at the hospital combined with the impromptu nap had done wonders.
After a fleeting look of what appeared to be appreciation, Luna resumed her normal glare. “You can let go now. And I'll take an orange juice for the road.”
Reluctantly, I released her, my senses returning more with each step back I took.
I slid the plate in front of her and pointed. “You finish that without hurling and I'll walk you home with a to-go cup.”
Just then the nanny arrived. After a quick round of introductions, Mrs. Corbett took over Alice’s care for me with a silent warm handoff. I gave her an appreciative nod as she ushered Alice out of the room, firmly letting her know that it was time for homework.
“Wow. The nannydoesexist,” Luna quipped once Mrs. Corbett and Alice were firmly out of earshot. “For a while, I thought you’d made up the fictional nanny story just to mess with me.”
I blinked. “You thought I was lying about my nanny having an emergency? That I would just drop my daughter at your doorstep to mess with you?”
Luna began to trace the lines in the marble countertop, her gaze not meeting mine. “When you say it out loud like that…”
I leaned forward, my hand cupping her chin so that I could peer into her eyes. “It sounds ridiculous?”
She scoffed. “Ridiculous is a strong word.”
“In this case it’s the right word.”
She narrowed her gaze. “You calling me ridiculous, Bennet?”
I grinned. “Never.”
Her top teeth sunk into that plump bottom lip, and I suppressed a groan. “I should take you back now. Make sure you get home safely.”