Page 111 of Luci’s Lullaby

“She loves cereal.”

Alden’s eyes glisten. “I can’t wait to feed her. I’ve been so worried she’d forget me.”

“Never.” I slide my arm around his back as we walk toward the luggage.

Aksel drives us all back to the hotel after we grab our bags. Alden has a spacious room and already had a crib brought up.

“Like she’s gonna use that. She’ll be sleeping on your chest like always.” I cock my brow.

He yanks me to him and takes my lips, not releasing me until I can’t breathe. “She’ll need her own bed at times.”

A knock at the door cuts our reunion short. I could scream. Alden places his forehead against mine and sighs. He pushes off and walks to the door. He peeks out the peephole and groans.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” He opens the door to Samantha Moxy.

Yeah, I’m screaming. Of all the stories I’ve heard about this woman, never once have I heard about how beautiful she is. Long legs and longer hair. No wonder she signs all the men.

She rakes her nails down Alden’s chest in plain view. “Hello, handsome. I’m so glad I could come.”

Did you just gag? I did. Now, I see why Alden doesn’t like her. She’s too damn handsy. He takes her by the wrist and peels it off of him.

“Why are you here?” Alden borders on being rude, and I like it.

She pushes past him without so much as a nod in my direction. “I came to see your bundle of joy.”

“She’s sleeping.” I leer at her.

She cuts her eyes at me. “Aren’t you a wonderful sitter, or do they say nanny now?”

“Sam, this is Charlee, my girlfriend. You know this and the fact we’re raising Luci together.” Alden takes my hand as my heart pounds against my chest. He called me his girlfriend, yeah, I’m a teenager again.

Sam cackles, waking Luci. “Of course she is. It’s good to see you’re dressing the part.”

Alden bends over, picking Luci up. “We just got off the plane.”

“So I see.” She raises her brows. “Alden, please remember we have a fan signing before the performance this evening.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” He grits his teeth.

“Please,” she side-eyes me, “try to be on time tonight. No more dawdling; these girls need to learn to let you go.”

“We haven’t been here to hold him up.” I cross my arms.

She narrows her eyes. “I wasn’t speaking of you.”

“I’ll be on time,” Alden huffs. “Now, if you’ll leave, I can get ready.”

“See you later, star.” Sam runs her hand over his jaw and walks out.

I shudder. “Ewe, she’s so gross.”

“Tell me about it. I can’t stand her.” Alden rolls his eyes. “Enough of her, back to us.”

“Let’s get her down so she can finish her nap, and then we’ll talk.” I wink at him.

“Sounds fantastic.” He leans in, kissing me.