Page 72 of Luci’s Lullaby

“No.” Her eyes widen. “I mean, one minute. I know it’s here somewhere.” I scan the room and spot it on the console. I rush over to grab it. “I can’t believe you don’t have it. Why do you not have it?”

“You never gave it to me.” She looks away, breaking eye contact with me.

“I want you to have it, always have.” I stick my phone out for her to take it.

“What do you want me to do?” she stutters.

“Send your phone a text from me.” She hesitates. “I’ll type it, you add your number.” I write something she’ll never forget and hand it to her.

She takes it without reading it and adds her number. She hands it back and I press send. “Don’t read it until you get home, and then send one back so I’ll know you made it.”

“You’re so weird.” She giggles, holding up her phone and giving it a shake. “Thanks.”

I nod. “You’re welcome and thank you. I enjoyed tonight.”

She twists her mouth. “Yeah, me too. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” I wave and wait for her to get in her car and pull away.

Luci is snuggled in my arms, still sleeping. Her pouty mouth moving every once in a while. I walk her back to my bed, laying down with her. I have figured out, she sleeps well on my chest.

I start to doze, so I roll over and place Luci in the bed beside me. There’s a pillow on each side of her so I rest my arm on one and continue to rub her head. She releases a little sigh, and tingles run over me.

My cell buzzes, and I grab it to find Charlee has texted me. I can’t help but smile.

You think you’re cute, don’tcha? ~C

Whatever do you mean?

I will not be tricked by your wiles again, sir. ~C

No tricks, just shenanigans.

Smh I’m home. ~C

Me too.

Wanna come over?

I’m rolling my eyes. ~C

Thank you for today.

You’re welcome. ~C

Is she still sleeping? ~C

She is.

Your sorcery has us both spellbound.

Better watch it… ~C

I might put a spell on you. ~C

Promises, promises.

Goodnight. ~C

Night.

“Well, well, Charlee. That’s all you have to say about that first text? I can see the games have already begun.” I lay my phone on the nightstand, staring at Luci with a smile on my face.