Page 42 of Obsession (Temptation 4)

Lachlan

“Well, isn’t this a surprise.” Naomi sauntered up as I helped Julia out of the Range Rover.

I considered taking the Mustang, simply because I knew how much Imogene loved that car. But since Nikko was with us, I figured we’d all be much more comfortable in my SUV.

“Hey, Naomi.” Julia wrapped her in a hug. “Thanks for coming out for the game.”

She waved her off. “Anything for my niece. Plus, my boss has been out of the office all week, so I can pretty much do whatever the hell I want.”

Julia rolled her eyes. “You can pretty much do whatever you want even when your boss is in the office.”

“True.” She winked, then glanced my way.

“Good to see you again, Lachlan. Congrats on the win on Monday.”

“Thanks,” I said, feigning enthusiasm.

It was hard to be excited about having a place in the playoffs with everything else going on. But I tried to do what Julia had been doing — living her life, despite the constant threat of Nick hanging over us like a tumultuous storm cloud.

“Have you met Nikko?” I asked. “He’s—”

“Of course.” She gave him a smile. “Good to see you again.”

“You, too.”

She held his gaze for a beat, then tore her attention back to me, frowning. “Wait a minute. You’re here.”

“Yes…,” I drew out.

“And so are you,” she directed at Julia.

“I am.”

“In public.”

“It would appear so.” Julia glanced my way before looking back at her friend.

“With Lachlan.”

“Yes.”

“Does this mean you’re finally telling the world you’re together?” Naomi asked excitedly.

There wasn’t so much as a hint of hesitation as Julia nodded, a wide smile forming on her mouth. She hooked an arm around my waist.

“Yes, Naomi. It does.” She craned her head back, eyes briefly locking with mine, before she looked back at Naomi. “Although, I’m fairly certain the world already knows, considering Lachlan’s driven Imogene to school in his Mustang every morning and the other students haven’t been shy about posting photos and videos on their social media.”

“So you’re telling me you’re not just openly dating, but you’re also social media official?” Her voice kicked up at the end as she struggled to reel in her excitement.

Julia laughed, joy, happiness, and contentment crossing her expression. What I wouldn’t do to keep that look on her face for the rest of her days.

“Yes, Naomi. We’re together. In all ways a couple can be together. No more secrets. No more pretending. No more hiding.”

“Well, halle-fucking-lujah!” she exclaimed, pulling Julia into a hug so tight I was certain it was going to cut off her oxygen. “It’s about damn time.”

“Naomi,” Julia admonished. “You’re in the parking lot of a school.”

Naomi pulled back, rolling her eyes. “I’m in the parking lot of a high school. Trust me. These little fuckers say much worse than me.”