Page 59 of Mountain Daddy
“Did you eat already?” I ask the woman, who is still gently touching her new plant.
She lifts her head. “I could snack.”
I gently press my hand to the center of her back. “I’ll go with you.”
My palm is against her bare skin, above the zipper running up the back of her dress, and the connection practically sizzles.
I rub my thumb back, then forth, over her spine, then I drop my hand.
Smiles and hellos are shared as we walk across the yard back to the house.
The party started about an hour ago, but I arrived exactly as planned.
By now, Kendra’s had a chance to meet most everyone. Meaning she should be free to spend some time talking with afriend.
Chapter 33
Kendra
Holdingthe little plant to my chest, I walk up the steps of the deck ahead of Luther.
He brought me a plant.
It’s not flowers. Not even potted flowers. But a little green bubble-looking plant in a pretty blue pot.
It’s kind of bizarre. And oddly perfect.
“There she is!” Dad calls out as we pass. “Enjoy your succubus!”
I pause. And blink.
Luther’s warm hand presses into my back again. “It’s a succulent, you fool.”
Dad nods. “That’s what I said.”
I look up at Luther and mouth,Wow.
He sighs. “Men.”
A laugh bursts out of me, and I feel Luther’s fingers flex against my back as his gaze drops to my mouth.
I press my lips together, trying to bite down on my wide smile.
My dad didn’t specifically say Luther was coming today, but I assumed he’d be in attendance.
And with that assumption, I dressed with Luther in mind.
Then I waited.
And waited.
And about ten minutes ago, I accepted that maybe he wouldn’t show up.
He has a life.Businesses. A kid of his own.Maybe he was busy.
Which was fine.
I’d almost convinced myself that it was for the best.
