“I wanted to invite you to lunch yesterday. The guys told me I needed to play it cool. They said I should wait until the end of the week. I caved.”
My eyes lock on his, and I smile. “I’d have come yesterday if you’d asked,” I tell him quietly.
He grins and reaches for my free hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “I wish I’d messaged you yesterday now.”
“Can I have a cookie, Mommy?” Roman asks, pulling my attention from Lucas.
Lucas squeezes my hand before releasing it, and I smile gratefully at him. He somehow understands that I need to take things slowly in front of Roman. He really is incredible.
“How about a cookie and then a go on the fireman’s pole?” Lucas suggests.
I look at Roman, and his eyes light up. “Really?”
“Really. Come on.”
Lucas stands from the bench and holds his hand out for Roman’s. They walk together into the firehouse, and I follow, trying not to stare at Lucas’s perfect ass. Once we’re inside, we head back up the stairs and into the kitchen.
“I hope you’ve left some cookies for us,” Lucas says as we walk in.
“We left one for Roman. Not sure there’s one for you,” Aiden replies on a laugh.
“You can share mine, Lucas,” Roman says quietly, and my heart just about explodes in my chest.
“Thanks, buddy,” Lucas says, smiling at me over his shoulder.
“There’s plenty left,” Ember assures him as we reach the table.
After we’ve all had a cookie, Lucas takes Roman to the fireman’s pole. My eyes widen as I see how high up it is.
“Lucas, he’s not going down there on his own, is he?” I ask, peering over the side.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to lower him down and Aide’s going to be at the bottom to catch him. He won’t fall, I promise.”
“Okay.” I’m still uncertain, but Roman is practically bouncing with excitement. How can I say no now?
“Ready down here,” a voice shouts, and I look down to see Aiden waiting.
“Are you ready, Roman?” Lucas asks, and he nods, a huge smile on his face. “Wrap your arms and legs around the pole and Aide will catch you, okay?”
“Okay.”
I can barely watch as Lucas lowers him over the edge.
“Ready?”
“Yes!”
Seconds later, I hear Roman laughing. “Again! Again!” he shouts from downstairs.
“How about a sit in the fire truck instead?” Aiden asks, and I watch as they disappear from view.
Lucas wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. “You look beautiful.” His voice is low and husky, and butterflies take flight in my stomach as I wrap my arms around his neck. He lowers his head and presses his lips to mine. His tongue swipes against my bottom lip, and I open up to him, moaning into the back of his throat. One of his hands leaves my waist and slides around my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair.
“I think kissing you is my new favorite thing to do,” he mutters against my mouth.
“Will you come over when you get off shift?” I ask as he drops his forehead on mine.
“It’ll be late. I don’t get off until eight.”