Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,70

suffering. I didn’t realize they offered preschool at such a young age. I thought maybe four or five, but three?

“You should bring her by,” Addi adds, pulling me out of my funk.

“Really?”

“Absolutely. We have an opening in the three-year-old room, actually. One of the littles had to move last week, when his dad started a new job. We have an opening in the Tuesday and Thursday mornings class,” Stephanie says.

My heart starts to pound with excitement. “Really? What time is class?” I ask, mentally trying to work it out.

“Nine to eleven thirty,” Addi replies.

My heart falls. “Oh, I’m not sure that would work with my hours.” I’m sure I could probably pay Mrs. Fritz a little more to help with transportation, but I imagine the cost of preschool—a private church-based one at that—isn’t going to be cheap. I’m not sure I can swing any extra money to the older lady right now.

“I can tell you’re thinking about it, but maybe have a few reservations. Come by tomorrow morning before work and we’ll discuss it,” Stephanie instructs politely.

“Okay,” I find myself saying, even though my mind is racing a thousand miles per hour. Even if it’s too expensive and doesn’t work out, it wouldn’t hurt to meet with them, right? Maybe this isn’t the right school for my daughter, but that doesn’t mean I can’t start researching options for her.

“Great. Now, let’s talk about that Panty Melter Burger,” Stephanie says with a grin.

***

A knock echoes through the apartment. Running a sweaty, nervous hand down my thighs, I remove the chain and release the lock on the front door. There in my doorway is the most handsome man I’ve ever met. His hair is styled a little and he’s freshly shaved. Walker’s wearing a navy polo shirt and dark jeans, a pair of nice boots on his feet, and a smile that makes my legs quiver.

“Hey, beautiful,” he says, stepping inside and reaching for me. “You look gorgeous.”

I glance down at my dark skinny jeans and red cold-shoulder top. It dips low in the front, revealing a slice of cleavage, but not in a slutty way. Or at least it doesn’t feel that way. I’ve only worn the shirt once, and that was more than a year ago. I had to dig into the bottom of the box containing my old clothes in order to find something I felt was date worthy. “Thanks, you look good too.”

He tightens his hold on my hip and brings his lips to mine. The kiss is slow and tender, but still packs a punch to my lady parts. In fact, I can feel wetness pooling between my thighs as I grip his shoulders and hold on tight. Walker slips his tongue inside my mouth, the taste of his toothpaste assaulting my senses.

“I didn’t realize I was getting a show tonight too.” The words hold a hint of laughter, the voice familiar. I pull away from Walker and find Isaac standing in the doorway behind him, smiling.

“Horrible timing, as usual,” Walker grumbles, stepping aside and allowing his friend to enter the apartment.

“I can go, if you’d prefer,” Isaac teases his friend as he sets a bag down on the couch.

“Walk!” Lizzie hollers, running down the short hallway and bursting into the room in a flurry of pink ruffles and silver sparkles. She launches herself at him, but he catches her easily and brings her to his chest.

Walker kisses her forehead and positions her on his hip. “Hey, Lou. Did you have a good day today?”

“Yep! I pwayed with the dollies.”

“That sounds fun. And guess what? Isaac is here to play with you tonight.”

“Yay!” she bellows, throwing her hands in the air. “We pway pwincesses again.”

“Yes, Isaac loves being a pretty princess,” Walker says, unable to hide a big grin.

“Fuck you,” Isaac grumbles quietly as to not be heard by little ears.

Walker glances over my daughter’s head and meets my eyes. “You ready to go? We have reservations at seven.”

I glance at my watch and see we have fifteen minutes. “I’m ready,” I tell him, heading over to grab my purse. I hear the little pitter-patter of feet on the old flooring moments before Lizzie’s arms wrap around my legs. Picking her up, I ask, “Are you going to be a good girl for Isaac?”

She nods. “Walk says I can paint his nails. Can I, Mommy? Pwease?”

I look up to find Isaac glaring at a laughing Walker. “Well, that’s probably up to Isaac, but boys usually don’t like