Page 34 of Loved By You

I pick her up and carry her over to the bar, placing her on top and hand Brad her cup. He pours some juice in but doesn't attach the lid. Instead, adds a straw and a little umbrella.

“Wow, look, mommy, a brella.”

I give Brad a thankful smile and he gives a nod back.

“What do you say, Lex?” I prompt her.

“Thank yoouuu.” She sips the straw.

“You are very welcome, princess.”

“Why do you have drawings on your arms and on your neck and on your hands?”

She leans out her little hand and touches some of his tattoos and he lets her. Lexi has no fear and would talk to anyone, aquality I love, but also puts the fear of God in me. But I trust these guys.

“I liked them, so I got someone to draw them on me,” he says softly, which is such a contrast to his usual deep, gravelly tone.

“Do they wash off when you go in the bathtub?”

He laughs. “No, they stay forever.”

Her little face lights up. “Mommy, can I get drawings that don't wash off?”

“Absolutely not, miss.” I pick her up and lift her down off the bar. “Go back over and pack up your stuff. Auntie Ali will be here soon.

Turning my head back to look at Brad, I say, “Thank you, you are really good with her.”. He nods and offers me a small smile.

“My sisters got a kid a bit older than her, so I know I need to dial down the scary Brad round kids.” I give him a thankful nod.

As I’m packing up the girls' stuff, I hear Ali before I see her. “Auntie Ali has come to rescue you girls.”

“Ali,” Lexi cheers, jumping up, running over, and throwing herself at her. Ali picks her up and swings her round. “Did you bring me candy?”

“Of course,” she whispers, rubbing noses with Lexi. “But you have to wait till we get home and don't tell Mommy, okay?”

“Deal.”

“Okay, let's get your stuff.” As she bends to start packing up the piles of their things, Harry calls from the bar.

“You got one of those nose kisses for me, Ali cat?” He wiggles his eyebrows, as he edges towards her.

She doesn't even give him eye contact as she responds, raising her hand. “You wish, honey.”

I don't miss the way his eyes drift to her ass, that I have no doubt is looking peachy, biting his lip, as he stares.

I laugh. “Are you ever gonna give that guy a chance?”

“Probably not.” She shrugs.

I don’t bother to ask her to explain why. Not right now, anyway. That conversation is going to need time and probably alcohol. “Thanks for this. We are so understaffed tonight, it's going to be crazy. I'm not sure what time I'll be home but you can stay in my bed.”

“Shush yourself. I'm happy too. You know it's never any trouble. Now where is my baby?”

Reaching for Elle, she cradles her in her arms, kissing the top of her head.

I let out a slow breath and prepare myself for what I know will be a crazy night.

It's 1 am, and the club is still packed. Jack, Harry, and Brad have worked the bar with me and Kate all night. We've had two bachelorette parties and a hockey team in the VIP area. I feel for the girls working those areas. It's all table service, and they have been fully booked tonight. One hour to push and we can start closing down.

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