I try to keep a straight face, but it’s impossible. A giggle escapes before I can slap my hand over my mouth. “I’m going to tell her you said that.”
“I’m terrified,” he deadpans.
“You probably should be,” I reply, completely serious. He looks at me for a moment and then nods his agreement.
“Yeah, how about keeping all of that to yourself. I don’t need her trying to take me out. She’s already made a few subtle threats about the new gun her daddy bought her.”
I know I should be shocked, but after all of the crap Rose did to Jake, I’m somewhat used to her ways now. I’m also certain she would set her sights on Lucian in a minute if she thought he was hurting me. “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll protect you,” I smirk as I finish dressing. “Besides, I think she’s got enough problems of her own right now without worrying about us.”
“Max still giving her a run for her money?” he jokes as he buttons his dress shirt.
“I believe that might be over. We were talking several weeks ago and she told me that her father is putting a lot of pressure on her to date someone that he knows. She seemed to think things were never going to progress any further with Max.” Giving him a worried look, I say, “She’s not happy, though. I mean, she says all of the usual Rose things, but it’s as if she’s just going through the motions.”
Lucian studies me thoughtfully for a moment before admitting, “I know he likes her. I’ve never seen him so frazzled before—especially over a woman. She’s a lot on the scary side, but she’s good for him. Despite everything he says to the contrary, he doesn’t want her to leave him alone.”
Feeling sad about the whole thing, I say, “Well, if what she’s telling me is true, then she hasn’t been contacting him. Maybe…you could give him a push?”
He gives me a skeptical look before asking, “And you think Max will listen to me? You’d probably have more luck with Rose.”
“I told you that Rose is…just not herself. She needs Max to bring her back around. I think she wanted more from him than sex, even though she talked about that a lot.”
Rolling his eyes, he says, “That’s great to hear. I like the fact that my girlfriend discusses sexual fantasies about my lawyer with her friend. I guess I should be thankful they haven’t slept together yet. Otherwise, you’d have more knowledge of him than I could handle.”
“Aww,” I coo as I slide my feet into a pair of low-heeled sandals. “You know you’re the only one I want to see or imagine naked. When you’ve got the best, why would you possibly think about the rest?” I squeal in shock as he grabs me from behind and swings me around.
“I fucking love you and your smart mouth.” He laughs before putting me back on my feet.
The doorbell chimes before I can reply. I know it’s Sam so I take off in that direction to let him in. A quick glance through the peephole confirms my assumption and I throw open the door. “Morning, Sam,” I say as I step back to wave him in.
“Good morning, Miss Lia,” he replies warmly. “You look radiant this morning.”
Putting my hands on my hips, I give him a stern look. “Is that code for happy and fat?”
“WH—What?” he sputters out. “No, oh no, Miss Lia. You’re not fat. You’re just pregnant. You’ll probably go right back to normal afterward…I mean, um—”
“You should just stop while you’re ahead,” says an amused voice. Sam looks at Lucian as if silently begging for help. “I think she’s just screwing with you, man, but I can’t be certain after her earlier meltdown,” Lucian adds helpfully.
I stick my tongue out at the man I love, before turning back to Sam and grinning. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. And thank you for the compliment. Luc picked out my outfit this morning—since I couldn’t get anything to work.”
“You shouldn’t scare an old man like that, Miss Lia,” Sam playfully scolds. “I was only seconds away from running out the door and hiding.”
“Sorry, Sam,” I say as I squeeze his arm. “How about a cup of coffee to make it up to you?”
He looks down at his watch before looking at Lucian. “Do we have time for a quick cup?”
Lucian inclines his head, waving Sam toward the kitchen. “I need to make sure Lia eats before I leave anyway. We were running a bit late this morning.”