Page 67 of Luci’s Lullaby

“No, I am not. What I am telling you is if you do not give him some time to adjust and handle things, I will go to the press. By the way, his attorney is Pennington and Pennington. I suggest you call them before you come by again. Good day.” I step back and slam the door in her face.

Alden’s mouth hangs. “Wow.”

“Too much?”

The corner of his mouth curves up. “Not at all, thank you.”

“I took a chance on dropping by, I hope you don’t mind.”

Something flutters in my stomach as his lip quirks. “Did you mention food?”

“I did.” I steeple my fingers. “Would you happen to be hungry?”

His eyes shine. “I am very hungry, and I also stink.”

“I hadn’t noticed.” I pinch my nose as I push past him.

He follows me to the kitchen, and I make myself at home. “Charlee, you don’t have to do this.”

“I know.” My eyes flicker to his. “Are you afraid of my cooking skills?”

He holds his hands up. “I know not these skills which you speak of.”

“Oh, no. It’s worse than I thought.”

He gives me a lopsided smile. “What is?”

“You’ve gone mad.” I cross my eyes.

He laughs. “Cut me some slack, my baby momma left me.”

“I’m really sorry about that, I shouldn’t have assumed. Forgive me?”

He taps his chin. “Let me think, should I forgive you?”

“I’ll let you take a shower.” I shove my hand out in his direction.

His eyes glint as he takes my hand. “Deal! I’ll hurry.”

“Take your time, I’ll be fine.” I wave him away. “Oh, if any women show up, I’ll tell them you have the clap.”

He lifts his chin. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” I narrow my eyes.

He backs away slowly. “I’m watching you.”

“You do that, I’m gonna make some food.”

He pauses at the doorway. “Thanks, Charlee.”

“No worries, it’s what friends do.” A sharp pinch in my stomach takes my breath as something changes in his face.

He fakes a smile. “Yeah, sure. Friends helping friends.”

I avoid any further eye contact as he leaves the kitchen. A pang deep in my stomach tells me some thing’s off. I get busy on dinner so not to think too much about it.

I pick up the kitchen as I go, filling the dishwasher and turning it on. Once the food is baking, I finish cleaning the area. I work my way into the living room with a trashbag in hand.