Page 47 of That Time in Venice
“Yes.”
“Your hair is different.” Her gaze dropped to Anika’s exposed cleavage and her smile becametighter.
Anika shifted with the intention of standing, but Reed’s arm around her waist tightened and prohibited her from moving. “Taking the kids on a little outing, I see,”hesaid.
Dharma’s smile became more genuine when she addressed Reed. “Yes, and they have been cranky, cranky, cranky all night long.” She sighed dramatically. “But I think it’s important to expose children to the arts. Speaking of which, where’s little Miss Brielle? Don’t tell me you left her at home and she’s missing out on all this culture.” Her gaze fell to Anika again, this time more accusatory. She clearly blamed Anika for Brielle not beingthere.
“She’s at a sleepover with her cousins,” Reedreplied.
“Oh. A sleepover. Well, I guess everyone needs a break every now andagain.”
“Yes, it’s convenient to have a support system in place so I can take the occasional break and indulge in adultactivities.”
Dharma’s eyebrow lifted a fraction. “As parents, we have to be careful that we don’t allow ourselves to be distracted by…outside forces. As you know, my children are my priority.” She smiled tightly. “I’ll leave you to your adultactivities.” Anika could practically see the air quotes around the emphasized word. “It was nice seeing you. Anika.” With a curt nod, shewalkedaway.
“I guess I won’t be getting any referrals from her after all,” Anika murmured, watching Dharma stalk down the street with a stiffspine.
“Why do yousaythat?”
“She obviously has a crush on you and sees me as theenemy.”
“Youthinkso?”
“I know so. She probably thinks I’m leading you astray and causing you to forego your proper role as a father.” Anika bit into her taco and chewed. “And don’t act like you don’t know shelikesyou.”
“I’ve never encouraged her.” He nudged her neck with his lips. “Do you know who I have encouraged,though?”
“Who?”
“You.” Reed rested his forehead to her temple. His hand slid to her hip and then covered herthigh.
“Reed, we’re in public,” Anika said in a breathy voice, even as her thighs opened afraction.
“Then let’s go somewhere private.” His shaft hardened beneath herbottom.
“What did you have in mind?” Anikaasked.
“Adult activities.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, pulling her closer. “Only if you want to, Anika.” His words were amenable, but she heard the edge of hunger in hisvoice.
Anika cupped his hard jaw with her free hand and ran her thumb over the soft bristles on his chin. “Iwantto.”
There was nothing else she wanted more at thatmoment.
