26. Luna
CHAPTER 26
Luna
I shook my foot so hard, the table shifted, sloshing coffee over the rim. Today was the big day that Beck Bennet would take me on a date. Why on Earth did the thought of us being alone together—on purpose—make my heart feel like it was going to burst right out of my chest?
“Shit,” I swore, using a linen napkin to tidy up the mess.
“Luna, are you there?” a little voice sounded from the other side of the fence.
I smiled. “Morning, Alice. Yes, I’m here. Want to come over?”
“Yes, please!”
A minute later, Alice knocked on the new wooden door that separated our backyards. I tugged on the string to open it, letting in the little girl. “Does your Daddy know you’re here?”
She nodded. “I told him.”
“Okay, good. Your dad may be okay with kidnapping, but I’m not.” I said it loudly just in case Beck was within earshot.
Alice giggled. “That was only once, and didn’t you have fun with us?”
I tugged playfully on her ponytail. “Well, that’s true.”
She puffed her chest out and started exploring my back patio, her smile drooping into a frown. “There’s nothing out here.”
I glanced around the small outdoor space and tried to see it from her perspective. There were pavers with moss in between them to give the patio a lived-in, old-world vibe. There were fences on either side and a building behind. Other than that, and the small cafe table I’d schlepped outside when I first moved in, the space was bare. The only greenery was the ivy that trailed over from Beck’s side of the fence.
Huh, maybe she had a point. “Do you think I need to jazz up the place?”
“Uh, yeah,” she said with the attitude of someone twice her age.
Ohh, Beck Bennet. You’re in for it, that’s for sure.
The idea made me smile and calm down for the first time today. I’d been practically buzzing since before my alarm went off. The anticipation akin to preparing for an early morning flight.
Except this was Beck. I gulped.
“Luna? We need a fairy garden,” Alice said authoritatively.
I pointed to my chest. “You want to build a fairy garden in my yard. With me?”
Alice nodded earnestly. “We need to get you some decorations. It’s boring out here.”
I tapped my nail to my lips. “That’s a great idea. What if we put it by the tree?” I pointed to the little corner that housed the only tree and square of dirt. “We could make a little fairy door here and maybe plant some cute little trinkets.”
“Yes. Could we get a little fence?” Alice asked.
“Why not?” I shrugged.
Alice began listing a dozen other things we could buy or build for our fairy garden. Then she slumped down in the cafe chair and smacked her lips.
I smothered a chuckle. “Can I get you some water? Almond milk?” I really didn't stock kids drinks in my fridge but maybe I should start.
“Water would be great.”
“Coming right up.”
I returned and set down a glass in front of her. Turns out, I didn’t have any kids cups, so hopefully she’d be fine with the glass in front of her.
Alice took a few big gulps, carefully lifting the water with both hands while I sipped on my coffee, closing my eyes a bit to soak up the sun. There was a to-do list the length of a CVS receipt in my mind and I was mentally shifting and prioritizing as we sat there.
Then, out of nowhere, Alice said, “I heard you’re going out with Daddy today.”
The scalding hot coffee ran down my chin. I dabbed my face gently with the napkins and laid it back down on my lap, smoothing out the edges. “He told you that?”
She nodded enthusiastically.
I leaned forward, elbows planted on the small cafe table, trying to relax my face so I didn’t look too eager to get information out of her. Consider my curiosity piqued. “Does your dad usually tell you about the people he goes out with?”
Her face twisted. “What other people?”
Hmm. Interesting. “Do you happen to know what your dad has planned for me today?”
She practically bounced in her chair. I reached over to hold the water glass in place. “He did…”
“What is it?”
A frown tugged at the corner of her lips. “Daddy said it was a surprise.”
Fuck.
She shot me a smile that would make the Cheshire Cat proud. “But if you guess it…”
Aha . “Great idea, Alice.”
I clutched my coffee cup like the lifeline it was. “You want to give me some hints or should I just start spit balling?”
She scratched her nose. “What’s spit balling?”
“That’s where I just list a bunch of things, and you say yes or no.”
“Let’s do that.”
I nodded solemnly. “Is your dad taking me to a fancy restaurant?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
“To a sports game?” I crossed my fingers, desperately hoping that wasn’t the case. I know Faith’s brother met his girlfriend at a basketball game and honestly that sounds like a terrible meet-cute.
“Bowling?”
Alice giggled. “No.”
I rattled off a dozen more date ideas, all better—or worse—than the next. At least it ruled out most of what I would consider a truly horrible date.
I narrowed my eyes at Alice as if that would give me some sort of telepathic connection.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
“Mini golf? A movie?”
A screen door opened. “Alice, are you still out here?”
“Shit.” I ran out of time and was no closer to having the answer I wanted.
Alice pointed at me. “You said a bad word.”
Damn. “Sorry, about that honey. Do you want to just whisper where your dad is going to take me today? Help a girl out? I have no idea how to dress.” While I usually dressed for myself and myself alone, I felt a certain pressure to get this right. I hadn’t been on a date I cared about since, well, never.
Alice sat up and Beck’s head popped over the top of the door that separated our backyards.
Wait a minute. “You can see into my backyard? Just like that?”
Beck pulled on the string that laid on my side of the fence , opening the door. “There you are.”
Alice jumped up, and I followed. “Wait?—”
Beck grinned at me as I moved toward him and his daughter who was now holding his hand. “Morning, Luna.”
I shifted into my hip, the silky fabric of my robe moving as I sank lower. Beck’s gaze dragged the length of my body, his face hardening. I glanced down to see the robe had come loose, my silk nightgown now on full display. If Alice weren’t there, I’d leave it, but since she was there, I quickly tied the belt firmly around my waist.
“I’ll see you later?” Beck asked, his voice all low and growly.
I nodded. “Yes, want to tell me exactly what we’ll be doing so I can dress appropriately?”
“Come as you’re dressed now.”
Alice chuckled. “That’s silly, she’s in her PJs, Daddy.”
Beck shook his head, as if the little innocent voice had pulled him out from his dangerous thoughts. Thoughts I wanted to explore.
“It’s a surprise. Let yourself be surprised.” The man held the door open for Alice to slip through. She ducked under his arm and mouthed the word “boat” and then made a motion with her hands indicating waves.
Aha .
“A surprise sounds great.” I waved my goodbye, turning my heel to get back inside and get some work done before our date. Luckily, I knew exactly what to wear.
* * *
“A boat on the marina? How amazing.” I'd tried infusing surprise into my voice, and it fell flat, even to my ears.
Beck crossed his arms over his chest, causing the fabric in his suit jacket to pull taut. I rarely saw him out of his usual uniform of a black t-shirt, dark-wash jeans, and black leather jacket, so this little ensemble had been the surprise of the day.
While I normally loathed surprises, I didn't mind this one. Beck was handsome as ever, the sun shining on his face and the city lights behind him. Without second guessing I wove my hands over his shoulders.
He peered at me, taking in my outfit. The striped, boat neck shirt and wide legged jeans were a far cry from my usual wears.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” I deadpanned.
He tugged me closer to him, then assessed me closely, again making sure he had permission to touch me. I knew if I so much as gave one indication that touching wasn't okay, that he'd back the fuck off.
I sidled even closer, so close I could feel his cock hardening against my stomach. He captured my mouth with his, and the heat of his lips on mine sent energy skittering through my body.
My body melted into his, and then suddenly Beck pulled back and adjusted his sleeves. “We should probably board. The chef is scheduled to bring our plates out at one. You turn into a pumpkin at four, so we should get going.”
We walked the long plank that connected the shore to the fancy yacht, Beck's hand on my lower back the entire way. I relished in the warmth of it, and the safety I felt from the simple act.
The captain and crew welcomed us with flair. The crew waved and the chief steward carefully balanced a tray of cocktails.
“Oh, I don't—” I said, trying to decline the outstretched drink when Beck leaned down and whispered. “They’re virgin daiquiris.”
Something close to contentment bloomed in my chest.
I nodded and took a sip of the drink. Sure enough, I couldn't taste any alcohol, but the burst of coconut and pineapple was a refreshing treat. “Thanks.”
He pointed to the front of the boat where there was a comfortable lounge area set up.
Before I let him lead me over, I skimmed my fingers along his jawline. “Thank you.”
He tilted his head. “For what?”
“Today. This.” I did my Vanna White wave, and we took in the waves around us. There was a handful of other vessels in the water, including some brave kayakers.
“You're thanking me for taking you out?”
He was going to make a big deal of this wasn't he? “Accept the thank you.”
Beck tugged me even closer, his hands skimming the flair of my hips. The movement stole the oxygen from my lungs.
I backed up until my legs hit the double wide lounge area. I sank back on to the plush cushions, careful not to spill my drink.
Beck placed his glass on the small ledge on either side of the lounge area and began shucking off his jacket. A crew member swept in to grab it from him and stow it away somewhere safe. But he didn’t stop there. No, Beck began unbuttoning his shirt.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
His hands continued their path down the center of his shirt. I lowered my sunglasses, watching as he reached the bottom of his destination and began peeling the shirt away from his torso, but he didn't bother to remove it all the way, not that he needed to. I could see the planes of his tanned chest, covered in tattoos. They’d changed in the years since our night together.
Yet it was the sleeve of tats on his arms that really made me damp between my legs. Screw a six-pack, corded forearms could get me off. Especially since I knew those forearms were connected to very talented fingers that could ministrate their way to the ultimate pleasure.
“You like what you see?” he asked, voice like gravel.
“Ppff.” I blew him off, lowering my glasses back into place and trying to keep my eyes from retreating back to the dessert of a man in front of me. Beck finally settled onto the cushions, sliding in next to me so that our thighs touched.
Any other man would have looked ridiculous in just a pair of suit pants. Beck, however, was not just any man.
My phone buzzed. I ignored it at first until Beck lifted the drink from my hands and insisted I take it.
Carter
Just a reminder, I'm bringing my new girlfriend to the Sexual Assault Survivors Network Gala next week.
Beck not so subtly read the message over my shoulder. “He’s still in love with you.”
I turned my phone over, suddenly regretting that I had unblocked Carter. “He's not.” But then again, why did Carter feel compelled to let me know? Again .
Beck clicked his tongue. “He is.”
I turned towards him, head cradled in my palm and let my elbow do the heavy lifting. “And why do you think that, Mr. Know It All?”
“You said it, not me, but I appreciate you acknowledging my wisdom.” His eyes dropped to my chest before gliding back up to meet mine. My breathing hitched and yet I felt like I’d won some sort of standoff in my head.
“You have no idea what you're talking about.” I picked up my phone and tapped away.
Luna
Okay.
I was about to hit send when Beck grabbed the phone from my hands. “You’re not sending that.”
What the hell?
I lunged forward, and with some seriously expert ex-Marine skills, the man leaped off the lounge chair. His fingers were tapping away on my screen as I awkwardly scooted off the cushion, careful not to trip over my linen dress as I stood and went in to grab him. Just as I reached him, he handed back my phone.
I scrambled to unlock my screen, and I groaned when it didn't immediately do so. After blowing some rogue hair out of my face, my messaging app appeared on my screen. “Finally.”