"Since when do you video call Mr.Walker?""Damn, red lipstick?"he says, staring at my lips.
"Oh, that's not the only thing red."I giggle while tilting the camera to show my new red, strappy, lace-up stiletto heels.
"Jesus Christ, woman.I'm going to be in a meeting with a hard-on," he growls.
I turn the camera back and grin at him."How is the business trip going?"
"Fine.How are you and Samantha doing?"
"Good, she's been a sweetheart all week.School is going well, and I believe she's making new friends.She asked me if she could hang out at the ice cream shop with some friends from school, and I let her."
Cole nods in agreement.
"Today Samantha's going with me to the store.They have a day off from school."
"I can't thank you enough for watching her, Alex."
"Oh, I can think of a few ways you can thank me when you come back, Mr.Walker."
His jaw clenches, and his eyes get that fierce, sexy stare."Shit, I miss you, Alex."
A damn orchestra sets in motion when he says this in that deep baritone."I miss you too."
"Have you been sleeping well?"he asks, while inspecting my face.
Shit, that extra layer of concealer didn't fool him.
"Are the nightmares back?"
Not wanting to hide the truth, I answer."Yeah.""I'm sorry."
"Why, it's not your fault?"When Cole told me Nick asked him to attend four of the most important business meetings, so he could stay with Emma, I told him to go.But the moment he left, my night terrors returned in all their glory—accompanied by Mr.Anxiety.Three hours of sleep is the best I've had in the last seven days.
"Is that you, Cole?"Samantha chirps as she strolls in and stops behind me.His lips curl up seeing his daughter.
"Hey, you.Are you having fun with Alisha?"
"Yep.Today I'm going to help at the clothing store," she sings.
Cole chuckles, seeing Samantha's excited face."Sounds like you've got a wonderful day ahead of you."
"Yeah, speaking of which, we have to go; otherwise, we'll be late."
Cole nods."If everything goes well, I'll be back soon.So have fun.See you later."
Samantha waves and walks away to get her handbag, and before I hang up, I send Cole a brief air kiss.
In return, his lips turn into that crooked sexy grin, and right before he hangs up, he whispers in a deep, sensual voice."Bye, Alex."
I let out a yearning-filled sigh when the screen turns black.Never did I know you could miss a man so much.I thought it was ridiculous, but it's true.
* * *
Music blaststhrough the speakers of my BMW as we cruise through the city.Samantha has hooked up her iPhone to my car radio, and we're singing along to "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran.The sound of an incoming text cuts through the music.Samantha grabs her phone, and a smile appears as she reads.Seconds later, her fingers fly over the screen as she reacts back.
I assume it's her best friend in Los Angeles, but when she bites down on her bottom lip and blushes, I realize it might be someone else.
Oh, my god.What if it's a boy?
