by Tiya Rayne
Lucien chuckles. “The Ci Wara headdresses of the Bamana people. I like those too.”
I glance over at him and catch his eyes briefly. We smile at each other for having another geek moment.
He pushes his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. “My brothers and I would drive Priest crazy about this place. Whenever we were allowed a break or for one of our birthdays, he would take us to the MET. He used to talk so much crap about taking us, but he always did.”
I wonder if he notices how much his face lights up when he speaks of his brothers and Priest. I got a feeling after our first outing that a lot of his childhood wasn’t great. It’s only certain times, when he speaks of his brothers that I see him light up.
“Is Priest like your father?”
I don’t miss how his jaw clenches after my question. I don’t even know how to read it.
“I guess you could say that.”
“Was he nice?” Emory asks from her tablet. I turn to catch her eyes, but her attention is on Lucien. Glancing back at him, I wait for his response. A big smile lights his face as he replies.
“Yeah. He was the best.”
I don’t know much about Emory’s time in foster care. I had only been going through the adoption process a month before her social worker contacted me. It wasn’t how it usually worked, but I didn’t care. I met her one time and I knew she belonged with me.
The way she seems so concerned about Lucien’s foster father being nice to him, makes me worry about her earlier experience. The rest of the ride we talk about books, music, and movies. Lucien makes sure to include Emory in all the conversation. He goes out of his way to make us both feel included.
As soon as we walk through the doors of the museum, Emory’s eyes light up. We stand in the great hall or foyer of the MET. The large room branches off into different exhibits and it’s the first stop on our tour.
“Stand in front of her, I want to take your picture,” I direct Emory to the statue of Athena Parthenos. I take the picture on my phone, showing off the height difference.
“That’s a nice one,” Lucien says, glancing over my shoulder at my screen. “Now both of you jump in so I can take one.”
“Do you want my phone?” I hold out the device for him.
He shakes his head. “No, I want to take it with mine.”
I stand beside Emory and we pose for the picture.
“I like that one.”
“Would you like me to take a picture of you and your family?” An older gentleman asks, approaching Luc.
Lucien looks to me and I nod my head. “Sure,” he says, turning back to the man to hand over his phone. He then walks over and stands on the other side of Emory.
The older man snaps a picture of us and goes to hand the phone back.
“Wait.” Lucien holds up his hand. “Let’s take one with silly faces.”
Emory laughs and puffs out her cheeks while pulling at her ears. I stick out my tongue and tilt my head, while Lucien shows off buck teeth. The nice man chuckles as he snaps the photo. Once he’s done, he walks over and hands Luc his phone back.
“You have a beautiful family,” the old man says.
“Thank you,” Lucien replies without correcting him. Emory tugs at my arm, when I look down, she points toward the large Egyptian Statue.
“Okay, but stay where I can see you,” I say.
She rushes off to the Amenemhat II statue admiring the work.
“You think she’s having fun?” Lucien asks.
I look over to him and I can tell by his pinched brow, he’s actually concerned about it.
“She’s having a blast,” I say, nudging his shoulder with mine. He looks down at me and his features relax. “You will find my kid isn’t hard to please.”
We start walking, heading in the direction of Emory.
“You’re a natural with her. Did you always want to have children?” he asks.
“Thank you, and yes. I’ve always wanted to be a mother.”
We stop at the help desk so I can grab a pamphlet to go in my scrap book, giving Emory time to look over the other statues in the great hall she’s so fascinated with.
“I love kids,” Lucien says, getting my attention back. “Not sure how good of a dad I would be. As you know I didn’t have one growing up. Priest was great, but he was more like a big brother.” There goes that smile again. I don’t even think he knows he’s doing it.
“Parenting isn’t that hard. Don’t get me wrong, having your heart basically live outside your body is difficult. The first time Emory fell down and got a scratch, I cried.”
Lucien laughs as we join Emory. We’re standing in front of Amenemhat II.
“Every day with her teaches me something new about myself.”
“Like what?” he asks.
“You never know how strong you are until you have to be someone else’s strength. I’m her backbone, the one she turns to when the world is cruel to her. The one who fights her battles until she’s strong enough to fight her own, and even then, I’ll be there.” Emory patiently waits her turn to get close enough to read the sign about the Egyptian Pharaoh.
“She taught me how to love unconditionally,” I say, turning to Lucien.
“I’m glad you found her,” he replies. “I used to wish for someone like you to come and adopt me when I was a kid.”
“How old were you when your parents surrendered you?”
He snorts and looks away from me. “An infant. I grew up in the system. Never lived outside of the orphanage until I was about seven.”
“Where did you go then?” A child’s laughter brings my attention back to Emory. She’s finally able to get to the sign.
“I spent some time in the hospital before Priest came and got me.”
“Hospital?” I query. He’d never mentioned this before.
I again witness the way his jaw tenses and his brow pinches. I don’t think he meant to tell me this. He stuffs his hands in his pockets.
“I got sick once, real sick. And the orphanage sent me to the hospital. I was there for six months.”
“I’m glad you recovered.”
He looks down at me and replies, “Me too.” However, his tone and the dimness in his eyes doesn’t exactly convey that.
I don’t dwell on it, instead, my attention is drawn away when Emory taps on my arm.
“Can we go to the Egyptian wing now?” She signs.
“Sure, if it’s okay with Luc.”
We both turn to him.
“Of course. The Egyptian exhibit is my second favorite exhibit.”
“What’s your favorite?” I ask and Emory signs.
Lucien smiles. “How about I show you after the Egyptian one?”
After going through the thousands of artifacts and statues in the Egyptian wing, Lucien leads us to the Arms and Armor wing. Which we discovered is his favorite.
“This is a flintlock pistol. One of the earliest forms of guns. At the time it was developed, it superseded the matchlock and the wheellock pistol that came before it. When the trigger is pulled, a spring action causes the frizzen to strike the flint that showered sparks onto the gunpowder which helped fire the bullet,” Lucien says to Emory as they stand as close to the display case as they can.
Emory is listening intently to every detail of every single weapon he has pointed out, along with the history behind them. He has no idea how absorbed she is into his stories. I take out my phone and snap a picture. Lucien looks up and smiles before going back to explaining to Emory the different metals used for the gun.
Without a doubt Lucien checks all of my boxes. He’s absolutely gorgeous, glasses and sweater vest included. He’s also kind, thoughtful, romantic, and funny. Spending time with him is like a breath of fresh air and the most important thing, he’s doing his best to make Em feel included.
After eating lunch at the Petrie Court Café and going to the MET Store, we are back at my place. Being the gentleman he is, Lucien walks us to the door.
> “I had a great time,” I say as we stop on my stoop. I hand Emory the house key to unlock the door. She spins around once she has the door open and signs thank you to Lucien.
“Any time,” he says, bowing slightly to her. She giggles before going inside, her bag of gift shop goodies swinging in her hand.
“You didn’t have to get her all that stuff,” I say, looking back to Lucien.
He shrugs before slipping his hands in his front pockets. “She’s hard to say no to.”
I laugh. “It’s the eyes. They get me every time.”
He joins in my laughter. “True, but I also like her mom.”
My stomach flutters and I bite down on my bottom lip.
“Her mom likes you too.”
He steps closer, eating up the little space between us. “Does she like me enough to go on another date?”
“She does.”
He reaches for me, placing his hand on my hips and tugs me into him. I go willingly, allowing his mouthwatering scent and body heat to make me forget we are out in the open. My hands lie flat against his chest.
“Good, I have something special planned.”
“Like what?”
He chuckles, then places a kiss on the tip of my nose. “You have to wait.”
I poke out my lip in a playful pout. “How will I survive the suspense?”
“You’ll figure it out,” he teases before growing serious. I watch the change in his eyes. The playfulness gives way to worry. He drops his forehead to mine and closes his eyes before exhaling. “Tell me to let you go.”
“What if I don’t want you to?” I counter.
He stares down at me for a second before kissing me. At first, it’s a quick peck on the lips. Then, as if he has tasted something delicious, he comes back for more. Parting my lips with his tongue he dives in, making love to my mouth like I’m starting to wish he would my body. He kisses me so good, when he pulls away, it takes me a moment to realize he’s stopped.
“You should go in. I fear what I may do if you don’t,” he says in a whisper that floats over my wet lips.
“Maybe I want you to do what you’re thinking of.”
I might slightly be all mouth, but my heart is racing, my panties are damp from that kiss, and my back is in deep need to be blown out. Mentally, I know I’m not there yet, but at the moment, my body is winning out.
Lucien smiles, plants a kiss on the tip of my nose again and then lets me go. “Baby girl, you’re not ready for me. Forever, remember?”
I bite my lip and nod my head. Forever was his stipulation.
“Goodbye, Lucien.”
“See you later, Malia.”
I feel his gaze on my back as I walk into my home. I turn around to see him once more before, closing the door. He nods at me.
I have to fight the urge to invite him in. However, he’s right. I’m not ready, not yet.
* * *
***
This is the second time I’ve woken out of a deep sleep with no idea why. Cracking my eyes open, I check the time. It’s two in the morning.
Exactly eight hours from the time Lucien dropped us back home after our date. Rolling to my right, I gasp and tumble out of the bed hitting the floor with a thud.
“Seth, what the hell are you doing in my bed?” I hiss, shooting to my feet.
I click on the lamp on my nightstand, illuminating the room. He’s lying on his back now, his arms behind his head.
“Do you know you snore when you sleep?” He turns to look at me. “Nothing too loud and not a deal breaker, but you do.”
I close my eyes and count to ten. I need patience whenever I’m dealing with Seth.
“You have to leave.”
“I will. As soon as you tell me about the date.”
“Ask your brother.”
He rolls over to his side, propping up on his elbow. “I’d rather ask you. He doesn’t like to talk to me about things like this.”
There is only one way to deal with Seth, give him whatever he wants. I could argue and threaten and demand he leave, but it will be a waste of time.
I sigh. “The date was wonderful.”
“Where did you go?”
“To the Metropolitan Museum of Art.”
He snorts and rolls his eyes. “Lame. I figured he’d take you to that place. Did he show you the armor and weapons?”
“He did,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Figures. He always thinks someone is interested in that bullshit.”
“First of all, I don’t appreciate you talking about him like that. Just because you don’t find it interesting, doesn’t mean it isn’t. I thought it was very intriguing.”
He lifts a brow at me before rolling on his back to look up at the ceiling again.
“Did you two have sex yet?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m tired and I don’t have the patience or the mindset for you.”
“No one ever does, Candy Girl.”
It’s in moments like these, I get a glimpse of the real Seth. He’s an asshole like no other, but he also has this vulnerable side I’m not sure anyone else sees.
“What are you doing out this late anyway?” I try to change the subject, dropping my arms down to my side.
“Working, as usual. Wanted to come by and check on you.” He gets up, stopping for a few minutes to put his shoes back on. “Go back to sleep.” He starts for the door of my bedroom but stops when I call his name.
“Thanks for checking on me, but can you call first next time.”
Turning to look at me, he pauses before nodding. “Come lock up. You don’t want strangers breaking in.”
I roll my eyes at his smart remark before following him downstairs. I like Lucien and I want him in my life, which means Seth is now a part of that equation.
Chapter 28
I Really Like Him
Malia
* * *
I drop my head on my desk, I’ve been in my office all day. Today has been a day from hell. In fact, this week has been bad, but today tops the cake. A shipment got lost, I had to go back up to the school because some shitty kid called my daughter a name, and Grams has been MIA a lot more lately.
The only thing I haven’t had problems with is Lucien. He still calls me twice a day and stops by to see me at least four times a week. So far this has been the easiest relationship I’ve been in.
My cellphone goes off and I pick it up and answer it. “Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful,” Lucien’s smooth voice comes through the phone. “Was your day any better today?”
If the smile on my face got any bigger, I’d look like the joker. I lean back in my chair and spin around like a kid on a merry go round.
“Unfortunately, no. I’ve missed you today.”
His sexy laugh causes my stomach to contract and a rush of heat to flood my entire body.
“I missed you too,” he says.
“Where’ve you been all day?”
“Preparing your surprise.”
I stop spinning and sit up in my seat. “Surprise?”
“Come out of your office,” he commands.
Excitement and confusion wars through my body as I stand and push my chair up to my desk. I head out of my office and up toward the storefront.
Pushing open the back doors and walking into the main area, I freeze when I spot Lucien. I gasp and clutch a hand to my mouth while still holding onto the phone. Hundreds of little tealight candles outline a picnic seating area. A fluffy white blanket surrounded by pillows holds a wide variety of movie theater foods. Popcorn, candy, even nachos. I laugh when I spot the ice chest with two Dr. Peppers sitting on top.
“Lucien, it’s perfect.”
He smiles and pulls the phone from his ear. “You haven’t seen the best part.”
He lifts his hand and points a remote at a black device. Suddenly an entire solar system of stars appears on my ceiling and the walls of my shop.
“I know you’ve had a
stressful week, so I thought why not recreate your birthday that brought you so much joy.” He ducks his head before looking back at me. “The solar system was kind of my way of combining our stories.”
I don’t answer him. Instead, I rush over to him, tossing my phone on top of one of the pillows. I grab his face and I kiss him, drowning in the way this man makes me feel.
When I pull away his heated gaze blazes down at me. I know from the look alone the moment I do decide to give myself over to Lucien, I will forever be changed. I let him go, step away, and turn to the giant white portable projector in front of my fireplace.
“Well, tell me, what movie is on the agenda for tonight?” I look back at him over my shoulder.
A wide grin spreads over his face. He hits a button on the remote again and immediately the theme song for Star Wars comes on. I turn back to the projector, squealing and clapping like it’s my first time seeing it.
“I can’t believe you went through all this for me. It’s unbelievable,” I swoon, looking at all the time and thought he must have put into this.
“Actually, I had help.”
I turn to him, waiting to hear who helped him.
“Tiana let me in and helped me set up, but Seth was the one who gave me the idea.”
All right hit me with a bag of pennies and call me crazy. I wasn’t expecting that. Not that I didn’t think Seth could come up with great ideas, but to think he would do something kind for another person is what’s hard to believe. Lucien chuckles at my wide-eyed expression.
“Yeah, imagine my surprise when I woke this morning to a note and the projector.” We both laugh.
“Well, can you please tell your brother, thank you.”
Lucien places a hand at my hip and pulls me to him. He places a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll let him know.”
He leads me over to the blanket and helps me get seated. Then he hands me a bowl of popcorn and a bottle of Dr. Pepper. Leaning back on the pillows, I get comfortable.
Lucien turns all the remaining lights in the shop off and then come back to sit with me. He takes my feet and lays them across his lap. After pulling off my shoes, he starts to massage my feet. It’s at this moment, I contemplate marrying him.
