Page 97 of Animal's Reformation
“Grape. Can you come with us?”
“I’ll ask Mrs. White if I can be a chaperone. I’ve never been there before, but I heard it’s a really fun tour.”
While she and Lucy chatted about school activities, Olivia felt Animal’s hand on her knee. She cut her gaze to him, and her stomach fluttered: Animal’s dark eyes glowed with warmth … andloveas he looked at her.
At first shock rushed through her, then a moment of doubt until disbelief set in. Olivia couldn’t believe it, and maybe she was reading way more into it than she should, but—to her—the look in his eyes was love.Was it? I can’t believe it. Really? Probably not … yes … it was. I’m sure of it.Elation swelled in Olivia’s heart, and she scooted closer to him and discreetly held his hand. He squeezed hers and gave her a wink, then averted his gaze back to the road. Olivia didn’t want to let go of his strong hand. Not now when love filled his eyes and heat radiated from him.Not ever.
Before she knew it, they’d arrived home, and a thread of disappointment wrapped around her. Olivia loved spending time with Animal and Lucy and didn’t want the evening to end, but Lucy had school in the morning, and Olivia had to work on her research paper. Her plan for that night was to call Hunter on the burner phone she’d purchased.
“Can you come in to play a game with me?” Lucy asked Olivia.
She hugged the young girl then held her at arm’s length. “I’m sorry but I still have some work to do. Can we do it another time?”
“Okay. Maybe on Friday?”
“Or Sunday,” Animal said.
“We’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
Animal nodded. “Maybe Olivia wants to join us.”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled and she jumped up and down. “Do you? Aunt Jada will be there, and she has a little bird. He sings.”
Taken aback, Olivia just nodded.
“Is that a yes?” Animal asked, nudging her side with his elbow.
“Yes, I’d love to meet your family.”He’s asked me to meet his parents. I can’t believe it. I’m so damn glad my car broke down.
Lucy jumped up and down like she was on a pogo stick, giggling and singing alternatively. Shaking her head, Olivia laughed, and Animal placed a hand on his daughter’s shoulder as if to calm her down a bit.
“Let’s walk Olivia to her door, kiddo.”
Olivia reached out her hand and Lucy took it, and Animal grasped Olivia’s other one, and she leaned against him as they crossed over to her house.
She unlocked the front door and light from the hallway spilled onto the porch. Animal stared intently at her, and she craved for him to take her in his arms and kiss her deeply. She ached with want for him, and from the way he looked at her, Olivia was pretty sure he was feeling the same way.
“Thanks for helping out,” she said.
“Anytime.” Animal’s gaze dropped down to her mouth.
“Bye!” Lucy cried as she twirled around in circles with her arms outstretched.
“I’ll call Hank in the morning and let you know what he says.” Animal took a step closer to her, and their fingers brushed. Hot shimmers ran up her arm and she locked her gaze with his. “I’m feeling it too, baby,” he said in a hushed tone.
“I miss you.”
“Yeah … fuck.”
“Aren’t we going, Dad?” Lucy gripped the iron railing with one hand, the other one clutched her belly.
“Did you get too dizzy?” Olivia chuckled.
“Yeah.” Lucy gulped in big breaths then held them before sputtering them out.
Animal puckered his lips lightly, winked, then moved over to Lucy. “Let’s go, kiddo.”
He glanced back a few times as father and daughter walked toward their house. When they reached their porch, Animal opened the door and Lucy rushed inside. He turned to Olivia and said, “Go inside and lock up.”
