Page 26 of Keeping Skylar
“I swear to God, if you’re only here to start trouble, you’ll be fucking sorry.”
Lucia scoffs and then rolls her eyes. “Oh, calm down. I’m not here to cause a scene. What do you take me for? I’m just here for a decent home-cooked meal.” She feigns an innocent smile.
I narrow my eyes at her, unsure whether I can trust her or not.
Softening my tone, I choose my words carefully, not wanting to provoke or aggravate her. “Listen, I’m sorry for not calling. I’ve just been on edge ever since we almost got caught. It really scared me. We could’ve ruined everything. So, I had to keep my distance from you for a little while, to avoid suspicion.”
She stays silent, her head bowed, as she processes my words. Lately, we’ve been so caught up in our own little world that weoverlooked the risks of being seen together in public. The close call with Sky and Kirstin at the restaurant shook me to my core, and I vowed never to let that happen again.
I reach over and rest my hand on hers, all while keeping a watchful eye on Sky in the kitchen. “I’ve missed you a lot, and you’ve been on my mind constantly. I just want you to know that.”
Lucia nods slowly, her pained expression slicing through me like a knife. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and tell her I love her. I wish she could see the torment etched across my face and understand that I’m doing the best I can with an impossible situation. God, this is agony.
Once I hear the kitchen tap shut off, I quickly pull my hand away from hers just as my wife steps into the dining room. I avert my gaze from Lucia, unable to endure the hurt in her eyes.
Soon, baby. Just hold on a little longer. We’ll be together, soon.
We’re all gathered at the table, enjoying the baked garlic and rosemary chicken that Sky prepared for us. The food is incredible, the wine is flowing, and the conversation has remained relaxed and easy so far.
The girls chat about the upcoming school term, while I share updates on the new line of luxury cars my company has recently invested in for our high-profile customers.
I watch with quiet amusement as their laughter echoes through the room, their animated gestures drawing a genuine smile to my face. In moments like this, when everything feels so light and effortless, I almost forget the weight of my betrayal. If only it could be this easy all the time.
Sky is in mid-conversation when I feel Lucia’s foot gently gliding up and down the side of my left leg underneath the table. I steal a glance at her, catching the playful glint of mischief dancing in her eyes as she rests her chin on her hand. She may appear to be watching and listening to Sky, but her attention is unmistakably on me.
Her foot slides upward, her heel settling on my thigh. I catch it firmly in my hand, anchoring her in place as my fingers knead into her sole and toes with slow, deliberate tenderness. All the while, Lucia’s gaze remains fixed on Sky.
Pushing the moment further, I guide her foot higher until it’s pressed firmly against the hard bulge in my pants. Her eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and desire flashing across her face. Then, without warning, I release her foot, letting it drop to the floor with a quiet thud.
I turn my focus back to Sky, a faint grin playing on my lips as I work to keep a straight face. Beside me, Lucia sits quietly, her body rigid and tight with tension as she wrestles with the heat simmering beneath her cool exterior.
When our eyes meet, I let my gaze linger just long enough to send a silent warning—Careful, baby...mess with the bull, and you’ll get the horns.
The sound of my wife clearing her throat jolts me back to the present. “So, Lucy. How’s Kaden’s new workout plan going?”
She frowns, looking all kinds of confused. “What new workout plan?”
Shit!I never told Lucia about the lie I gave my wife when she saw her name flashing on my phone at the restaurant. I shoot her a look, silently pleading with her to go along with it. She reads my expression and nods.
“Oh, yes! Sorry, I forgot what you meant there for a second. Kaden’s workout plan is doing wonders. It’s been helping me build strength on my back and shoulders,” she lies effortlessly.
Good girl.
“You must share it with me one day. Better yet, we should do it together,” Sky insists as she gracefully chews her food.
Lucia swallows hard and glances back at me, desperately seeking my help.
“Actually, babe, her plan is tailored specifically tohergoals and fitness level,” I gently explain. “Some of the workouts are a bit too advanced for where you’re at. But I’m happy to create a new one for you, if you’d like.”
Sky shrugs, then nods slowly. “Okay. Sounds good.”
I take Sky’s hand and give it a gentle squeeze. She looks up at me with her gorgeous dimpled smile.
“Your body’s already perfect, babe. You don’t need to put in too much effort at the gym.” I wink at her.
I hear Lucia scoff from beside me, prompting me to turn and glare at her. I catch sight of the scowl forming on her face—a clear prelude to the snarky comment she’s about to blurt out. “I’m sure once you get pregnant, you’ll want to hit the gym sooner. Can’t have you letting yourself go now, right, Kaden?” She narrows her eyes at me. “Oh, and congratulations on wanting to start a family, by the way,” she quips, her expression dripping with disdain.
Fuck!Of course, Sky went running to Lucia after our little baby talk—why wouldn’t she? They’re best friends who share everything with each other. I’m such an idiot. Lucia would’ve been devastated when she heard the news, and probably felt a little betrayed, too. I don’t even know why I brought it up in the first place. It was literally a spur-of-the-moment thing. I need to fix this—fast—before it all spirals out of control.
