Page 60 of Whispers at Seaside
Mira’s eyes shimmered with the spark of positivity he adored. “Inailedit today, too. I have a really good feeling about this last meeting. Rhode Island was rough, and Connecticut was iffy, but this one? I’m ninety-nine percent sure I got him hook, line, and sinker. Still, Inever,everwant to do something this crazy again.”
Hagen climbed onto her lap, and Matt sank down onto the sofa beside her.
“But it’s been so fun!” Hagen exclaimed. “We got to see two of the libraries on our list and we’re seeing the third today. Matt said I could ride the carousel and see the castle, and we got tickets to see theLion King. Ilovethe apple!”
Hagen had been an excellent traveler. He was interested in everything, slept well in every hotel, and seemed to enjoy the time he and Matt spent alone as much as Matt did.
“TheBig Apple, buddy.” Matt pulled him onto his lap.
“That’s a lot for one day.” Mira patted Hagen’s hand. “Are you sure you’re not too tired?”
“I’mnottired,” Hagen insisted. “This morning we went shopping and I didn’t get tired, did I, Matt?”
“You sure didn’t,” he answered, hoping Hagen wasn’t going to tell her where they’d gone shopping and ruin his surprise. “Areyoutoo tired, sunshine? You’ve had the extra stress of beingonthis morning. Do you want to stay here and rest while Hagen and I head out to find the best pizza in the city and hit the library? We can come get you before we go to Central Park to see the carousel and Belvedere Castle. I’d like to take you guys to Times Square, too, but if it’s too much we can skip it.”
“No!” Hagen complained. “I want to see the square.”
“I’m not about to miss a minute of the Big Apple with you or Hagen,” Mira insisted. “I want to see Hagen’s face when he finally sees the lions out front of the library, and hold your hand as we stroll through Times Square. I’m not tired. I’m just glad I don’t have to do any more presentations.”
“Good,” Matt said, ruffling Hagen’s hair. “We’d rather you were with us, too. Now are you ready for some really great news?”
“Always.”
“I spoke to my father this morning. He said he got a call from Ken yesterday afternoon. They set up a conference call for Monday afternoon, and he said you should plan on leading it.”
“What?” She bolted upright. “Are you kidding?”
“Nope. See, sunshine? You’re a miracle worker.”
“Amiracleworker,” Hagen mimicked.
“When did my little boy turn into such a tease?” She tickled Hagen’s ribs, earning a stream of giggles. “That’s incredible. We might actually pull this off after all. Can you imagine?”
“There isn’t a man alive who can resist following your lead,” Matt said with more than a hint of heat. During their trip, they’d stayed in either two-bedroom suites or adjoining rooms, and after Hagen fell asleep they’d sneak into the other bedroom for some secret sexy time. They’d perfected the art of quiet lovemaking. As much as Matt wanted to get Mira alone and make love with reckless abandon, he wouldn’t trade the time the three of them had together for anything. He cherished every moment, and spending so much time with Hagen made him realize how much he wanted to be part of Mira and Hagen’s family.
She pressed her palm to the center of his chest and said, “I think that’s only you, Mr. Lacroux.”
Man, he loved her. If there weren’t a set of six-year-old eyes on them, he’d carry her into the bedroom and show her just how much.
“Good answer. He also said my family’s getting together for dinner at his place Saturday night. I know we have a long drive home tomorrow, but if you and Hagen are up to it, I’d really like you to come along.”
“Please?” Hagen begged.
She tapped the tip of his nose. “Of course we can. If Hagen gets tired, we just won’t stay too long.”
“I won’t get tired,” Hagen promised.
“Maybe Mommy will get too tired,” she teased. “Or maybe Matt will.”
Hagen laughed. “Matt never gets tired. He gets up before us to work and goes to bed after us.”
“Matt does have amazing stamina,” she said in a dreamy voice.
Only for you, sexy girl.
She pushed to her feet and lifted Hagen from Matt’s lap. Then she took Matt’s hand and pulled him up to his feet. Their bodies grazed, and his flooded with desire.
“Come on, boys,” she said. “Let’s go hunt down that pizza.”
