Lachlan
As I slid into the back seat of my chauffeured car after landing in Atlanta late Monday night, I wasted no time before ringing Julia. I should have just let her sleep, considering she had to get up early for work tomorrow.
But I ached to see her again. Hated the idea of being mere miles away and not being able to touch her.
“Hey.” Her husky voice came over the line.
“Hey, gorgeous.”
“Are you back in town?”
“I am. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to be home.”
“I’m glad you’re home, too. I missed you.”
“And I missed you. Can I come over?”
There was a brief silence. Then she expelled a long breath. “I don’t know, Lachlan. I want nothing more than to see you, but it’s not like before. I’m not sure Imogene’s first introduction to the new man in her mother’s life should be the morning after he spends the night.”
“I just want to see you, Julia. I’ll set an alarm. Leave before she wakes up. She’ll be none the wiser. It’ll be like we’re in high school. Sneaking around behind our parents’ backs. Having to be super quiet.” I chuckled. “I’ll even go out through the window to give you the full experience.”
“And risk you breaking your pitching arm? I’m not sure I want that on my conscience.”
“It’s okay. My arm is insured for millions.”
“Your…arm is insured?”
“Crazy, isn’t it?”
“I’ve heard crazy things. Hell, I’ve lived crazy things. But learning your arm is insured… That’s a whole new level of insane.”
I snorted. “Tell me about it. So, what do you say? Can I come see you? I’m only home for three days before I have to go on the road again. I want you every chance I can get.”
She was silent a moment before growling softly in resignation. “Fine. But you have to promise you’ll be gone first thing in the morning. I’m serious about this, Lachlan.”
“Is that your mom voice?” I teased. “It’s incredibly sexy. Use it again. Are you going to put me in timeout?”
“Oh, my god. Stop it. You’re so bad.”
“And in thirty minutes, you’ll find out exactly how bad I can be.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Me, either. See you soon, love.”
I lingered on the line for a beat. Once she ended the call, I returned my phone to my pocket.
The twenty-minute drive from the airport to my place seemed like the longest of my life.
Once my driver pulled into the driveway, I didn’t even wait for him to open my door, jumping out of the car. After a cursory nod of thanks, I grabbed my things and hurried into the house, dropping my suitcase in the foyer before heading into the attached garage.
Keys in hand, I climbed into my Audi SUV, making the four-mile drive to Julia’s house in Brookhaven in a matter of minutes. I was about to pull into her driveway, but hesitated, unsure if I should park there.
Opting to play it safe, I parked on the street, then jogged up to the front door. As I raised my hand to knock, I paused, unsure if I should do that, either. Thankfully, I didn’t have to think about it for long, the door opening.
A sense of comfort instantly washed over me, the sight of Julia stealing my breath. She was dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with “Fueled by wine, tacos, and sarcasm” across the front. It was a little thing, but whenever I saw her in one of those t-shirts, it truly felt like I was finally home.
“Sorry.” I ran a hand through my hair. “I wasn’t sure if I should knock or—”