🌸🌸🌸🌸
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLbUkU927Y
"You look fantastic." He said as he stood and scooped her up in his arms. Lauren grinned widely at him. "You picked these yourself?" And she said, "Yes, I did."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6uQAFgexE
"Beautiful." He commented then tickled her, making her giggle with enjoyment. "Come on. It's playtime." He said and carried her out of the kitchen.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFTbgBXQdH
Claire was grateful for the few moments of respite to compose herself and shake off the tension that had enveloped her and Levi. After a minute she stood up and followed them into the living room. Levi was crouched down on the floor in front of his daughter helping her set up a pink and white toy tea set. The wide indulgent smile on his face made her heart clench. She'd never seen him actually truly smiling. It was full of joy and it reached his eyes, he looked ... happy, almost boyish in his delight. It instantly mesmerized her and she silently moved closer to them. He suddenly raised his head and as he looked at her the smile faded completely and she almost cried out from the sudden and outrageous longing she felt to see him smiling again.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRQYieBsTo
He regarded her strangely until she realized she was staring. Her face flushed and she awkwardly looked away. He got up and walked past her in order to lean against the doorframe. Claire walked over and knelt down beside Lauren who was fiercely concentrating on arranging all her dolls on the tiny chairs. There was an elephant in a pink dress, two barbies, one blonde and one brunette. There was one chair that was missing an occupant.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6scviTaoB
"Do you mind a fourth guest?" She asked and Lauren looked up at her. Claire reached inside her bag and took out a cute, handmade mermaid doll she's seen the previous week at the thrift store. And last night when Levi had told her that Lauren liked mermaids, she'd passed by the store earlier and bought it for her. The doll had black hair and a pink glittery tail. "Here, I think she'll love to have some tea with your friends." She said and handed the doll over to Lauren whose eyes had gone wide with excitement.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUtOdbtbQS
"Oh wow she's sooo pretty. I like mermaids a lot.”She said examining the doll, "What's her name?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjbFeYnr29
"She doesn't have one yet. You could name her if you like."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBKTNoCoDy
"Really?" And Claire smiled her confirmation. "Okay." she said and thought of a name.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQkxrtnF4K
"How about Marcy?" she asked while looking up at her, her eyes full of uncertainty.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6OpvAFhkg
Claire's smile widened, "I love it." And that earned her a pleased smile back.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCmvAaaJA
Lauren put her little Marcy doll on the fourth chair next to the blonde barbie and the elephant “She can sit here next to Cece and Dory.” She then turned to her, "Would you like to join my tea party?" She asked hesitantly as if expecting her to refuse.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyljuwYfqN
That's when Claire suddenly realized that Lauren was probably very lonely. She had no one to play with and as kind as Pam was she was hardly the type to play games with a child. Claire's heart ached for her because not only did Lauren not have playmates she also didn't have a mother and Claire unfortunately knew what that felt like and it was worse for her because although her mother had been around she hadn't cared about her.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQYAJiwaOM
She sat down on the floor while saying, "I'd be honored." And her response earned her another beautiful, warm smile.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp7ZZc5xLb
Claire had never owned any toys as a child nor had she ever played with other children, she had no idea how to go about it. She watched as Lauren placed a tea cup and saucer in front of her and then went on to pour imaginary tea into it from her little kettle. She then gave her a plate with plastic cookies in it. Claire followed her lead as they played pretend but she imagined that because she was so awkward it prompted Lauren to ask her, "Haven't you ever had a pretend tea before?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3g8enGV6a
She placed the cup on the table, “No, this is my first time."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJq67fO6kf
"You didn't have a tea party when you were littler?" She asked confused.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxRZjpyp4L
"I didn't have any toys at all."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXmY2biPNg
"None?" was Lauren's shocked response.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTo5gtznyr
She laughed, "None."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJn2347xqU
"What did you play with then?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuZvIQgcXO
"I don't remember playing, I don’t think I ever did. I used to read a lot though, I really enjoyed reading."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1G48VtPus
Lauren's mouth formed a silent 'oh' then she said, "I don't know how to read yet."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL5teSXpS3
"I could show you how if you like. It's quite easy to learn especially for someone as smart as you."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz7kBvJP47
Lauren looked at her and chewed on her lower lip. "Did you know how to read when you were little like me?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHsYwwPaA0
"I sure did, I learned very early." Claire took the golden opportunity that had been presented to her. She removed a children's storybook from her bag about mermaid adventures in the ocean. Lauren instantly scooted over and looked at the book. She looked back up at her, "What's this?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3zhSOdQK4
"This is a story book about a young mermaid who falls in love with a mer-prince. It's a lovely story, I think you'd like it very much. Would you like me to read it to you?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftNFFB3eOG
Lauren nodded enthusiastically, "Yes please."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaENfikHqOX
As Claire animatedly read the story Lauren slowly leaned closer to her until she was resting her head on her shoulder and Claire automatically put her arm around her, unconsciously stroking her hair. Fifteen or so minutes later when she turned the last page Lauren looked up at her and pouted, "It's finished already! Oh, I didn't want it to end. I like how he saved her from that mean old lady."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ25Z6oA8xS
"What's why she married him, everyone likes a brave and strong hero."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LOCotB60M
"I want to marry a prince too." Lauren replied longingly.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8wrgLm9sz
Claire gently laughed, "So do I. Marrying a prince would sure be nice.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEA8C3weq4
"Do you have another story book?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWDlcJOhPc
"I have lots of them at home."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBktgzk0YaE
"Are you coming back again?" she asked anxiously.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKNEMGbl8L
"I'f you want me to, I can come back."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoQ97kh6wJ
Lauren smiled, "I want you to."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ5tyMROxI
"How's tomorrow sound?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYCnpaTiic
She beamed, "Tomorrow is okay. Will you bring another book ... please." She pleaded.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbD0H32tfz
"Sure. But you'll have to read it."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWrlNV1rDg
"But ... but I don't know how." She pouted.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nFvFkHowY
"How about this, when I come tomorrow I'll start showing you how to read then that way you can read all the stories about princes you like. Is that a deal?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObXUQYXaHU
Lauren thought about it for a second then said, "Okay deal."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VdQD2N4iS
"Shake on it?" Claire asked and they shook hands then they both stood up. As she put the book back in her bag Lauren said, "Here don't forget Marcy."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GAB1z7Agp
"Why don't you keep her. She'll have more fun here with you?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLGdyjPqLk
"Really?" Was the delighted response and Claire happily said, "Sure, as long as you promise to take very good care of her."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRf3XKwAPS
"I promise."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8DFHMHAs9
When Lauren ran to the door saying, "Look daddy." Claire realized that Levi hadn't left the room. He was still leaning against the door. She had assumed he'd left a while ago, he hadn't even made a sound. Heat spread up her face as it dawned on her that he'd been watching them the entire time. It was scary how silent and stealthy he was.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iCcbIIfIq
He knelt in front of his daughter and gently ran his fingers on the doll as if it were a delicate specimen, "Take care of her like Claire said."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQb4EhonHr
"Yes daddy I will. I want to go and show Pam." She said and ran out of the door. Claire reached him as he straightened.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Jmhx3q9c
"Impressive. You got her to agree to let you teach her how to read."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMrNpZf2Qy
Claire feeling warmed by his praise, smiled and said, "I just saw an opportunity and took it. I'll start teaching her tomorrow."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyBhR0Z9qd
"Was that true?" He asked unexpectedly.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoevvQdu8F
Puzzled, she responded, "What?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKIjezzLPe
"That you didn't have any toys when you were a child."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuPjvc69mp
She shifted and said, "Yes it's true. My mother wasn't the toy buying kind of parent."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw5sSubiYT
"What about your father?"
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jLtQmQFlp
She ran a hand through her hair, "I never knew him." Then she laughed nervously, "I don't think she knew who he was either."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHHlGwhb4J
"That must have been tough on a kid."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmaTvCO8C5
She could have said, 'you have no idea' but she kept that to herself. When she looked up at him she was shocked by the deep intensity in his gaze, it made her feel exposed and naked. Like he could see all the things she kept hidden inside. Things she'd rather remain buried and unacknowledged.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqfWrvYq5w
She shrugged and looked away, "Well, I should get going."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN51LOiEWyZ
He nodded and followed her as she left the living room and entered the hallway. Because of the prickling sensation she felt down her back she knew his eyes were all over her. She opened the door and walked to her car with him silently following behind her.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8YqcLBFxs
She turned and faced him, "Thanks for the breakfast and please tell Pam and Lauren that I said goodbye."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp971IERjzU
"Sure."
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPgurQEOVy
As she turned away from him intending to go on and open her car she stepped on a stone and tripped. She would have fallen flat on her behind had it not been for Levi's quick, sure reflexes. His strong, powerful hands landed on her waist and caught her. He effortlessly turned her around, towards him. She held on to his upper arms as he brought her firmly on her feet. She was so close to him that she could smell his sexy, musky scent and it's potency wrecked havoc on her already fragile senses.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkuFoWyUaP
She looked up and saw the tiny golden flecks in his dark, unyielding eyes. Her gaze slowly moved down to his sensual lips, resting briefly on the full lower one. And she instantly remembered how it had felt all those years ago when he'd kissed her and she desperately longed to feel those sinfully delicious sensations again. To be surrounded by his strength and warmth, to feel his tongue stroke and move against hers. Her hands flexed on his arms as she subconsciously moved her head upwards as if to sate her desire with the taste of him.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyUC4oUmu3
But she thankfully came back to her senses and stopped herself right in the nick of time. Her face turned red with embarrassment. She pushed herself away from him and gently removed his hands from her waist, "Thanks." She said breathlessly and stepped back.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGlGDYXxem
"No problem." He said in a husky voice. It was a small consolation when she finally chanced a glance at him and realised that he'd been as affected by their close proximity as she had been. But it didn't alleviate her mortification of how she'd nearly thrown herself at him. She mumbled a quick 'see you tomorrow.' got in her car and drove out without looking back.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXQ1cHQhKh
As she made her way back home she noticed that it was the first time since she'd entered Levi's house that she was breathing normally. She almost laughed hysterically when she thought about the days that loomed ahead were she'd have to spend time in his presence. Considering how deeply alarmed she was by her uncontrollable response to him it was a wonder how she was going to survive. No other man had ever made her so achingly aware that she was a woman. It was as if the eight years she hadn't seen him had magically melted away. He made her want things she had no business wanting, she wanted him kissing her and loving her, his strong, rough hands touching every inch of her ...
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Yu63EcnL
Claire ruefully shook her head and stopped her thoughts from going any further in that dangerous direction so she focused on more sold ground. Levi had made it so clear to her that she was alone and she hated it. As it was, she was on her way to an empty house. There wasn't a loving husband waiting for her at home, certainly not a pretty little daughter needing her either. For a moment, when Lauren had rested her head against her shoulder Claire had imagined what it would be like if she'd been the girl’s mother and her heart had broken at the thought that she'd probably never be anyone's wife or mother.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofk6WeXnPm
She was probably too broken inside to do anyone any real good anyway. She was as alone now as she'd been for virtually her entire life. Maybe it would help if she accepted the probability that she would be alone for the rest of her life because what she truly wanted seemed entirely out of the realm of possibilities. She touched her cheek and felt a wetness there and realised that she was crying. She shook her head in anger and disbelief. What in the world was wrong with her lately! She'd never before been a cryer but recently, she'd been crying a lot and for no apparent reason.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o7vvramKo
She cursed softly and roughy wiped the tears away with the palm of her hand. Maybe she should have married Greg. Maybe they could have had a happy life together, maybe even had a kid or two and a dog. Maybe two dogs and a cat. She'd met him at college and they'd quickly become friends. After a while he had suggested that since they got on so well that maybe they should try and have a relationship. She'd agreed, figuring that since she liked him, she could grow to love him as well.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLATmYKxu3U
But a year into it when he had asked her to marry him she'd realised that she would never love him. Not in a way a wife should love her husband and to his dismay she had ended things. They had tried to remain friends but things hadn't been the same and their friendship had eventually died. Maybe if she'd married him she might have eventually loved him, maybe it could have worked.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1AIpl0qY9
Well, a whole lot of maybes were useless. It was too late. He was now happily married with a second child on the way.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV9EKCY6r6
She sighed as she turned into her driveway. It was just the loneliness talking, messing with her. She knew she had done the right thing by ending things with Greg. Marrying him would have only caused more unnecessary pain and heartache later. She was happy he had moved on and found someone who truly loved him. She wouldn't have been content with him. That much she knew. Maybe if he'd made her feel even a tenth of how Levi had made her feel the day he'd kissed her maybe they could have made it.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T3JeyIbLv
Fortunately she wasn't lacking in the male attention department. She got asked out plenty of times but she often refused. It was as if Levi had ruined her for any other man. She wanted what he'd given her that day and she couldn't settle for anything less. Maybe that's why she'd end up dying alone because no one was like Levi. No one!
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33JIC73VWD
He simply mesmerised her. He'd cast a spell on her and she was completely lost. The depth of her feelings for him frightened her since she didn't even know him that well at all. All she knew was how she felt when she was around him. Her heart beat like a wild pagan drum during a full moon dance. Her breasts tightened and ached. There was a constant throbbing sensation between her legs and all she could think about was wanting, no needing to touch and be touched ...Wait a minute, she was ... aroused.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB1nDl0rc9
That's it! She was always aroused when ever she was near him. She laughed out loud as she got out of her car and thought back on all their previous encounters over the years and it was suddenly glaringly clear. He'd always made her feel that way. And became she had been young and inexperienced she'd been alarmed by it, not knowing what it was. But even then her body had known and had responded to him in a deeply primitive way, as a woman responds to a man she finds sexually desirable.
35Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklOfxOoIEX
🌸🌸🌸🌸
ns216.73.216.182da2
