Claim - Page 72

My chest squeezed and I heard a warning bell. I was standing on slippery ground, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d be going under for this woman. It was something I couldn’t let happen, for her sake.

“You’re welcome. Now, change out of your uniform and into something Mila got you. She’s got good taste. Then we’ll head to lunch.”

After I pulled on a dark-blue Henley and jeans, I discovered Mila was a sadist. Bell was wearing blue jeans that definitely weren’t from a thrift store. They clung to her body like a happylover, and the soft, cream sweater slipped off one shoulder, baring smooth skin.

Skin I wanted to kiss.

Her black hair was in a loose braid that rested over her shoulder, and her new necklace lay against her chest. I dragged in a breath and took her hand. “You look gorgeous.”

She smoothed her other hand down her thigh. “These jeans feel a bit tight.”

“But they look just right.”

We headed out of my apartment and out the back way of the building, instead of walking through the gym. I pulled her out onto the sidewalk, scanning around for any sign of Carr. A moment later, we turned left.

“That’s Reath and Frankie’s warehouse there.” I pointed. “Dante and Mila’s is that one. Colt and Macy’s is next door, and adjoining it is the warehouse that is kind of a central place for all of us. Lola, our housekeeper, lives there. She’s also Daisy’s nanny.”

“What about Kavner and London?”

I pointed to the office tower looming over us. “There. That’s Ignis Tower. Kav’s offices are there, and he and London live in the penthouse.”

“You guys own a lot of real estate.”

“It’s our little piece of New Orleans.” I pressed a code into the lock on the warehouse door and led Bell inside.

As we walked upstairs, I heard the hubbub of voices. Family lunches were never a quiet affair. We stepped into the large, open-plan kitchen and living area. The central home was done in lots of white and pops of bright colors. It was airy and open, with lots of pot plants that Lola loved to fuss over.

Everyone was crowded around the huge island, while the gray-haired Lola pulled a tray out of the oven.

“Bell!” Daisy skipped over. Her shiny brown hair was in a wonky ponytail. “Come see my cartwheels.”

“You can do cartwheels?” Bell grinned at my niece. “Awesome.”

“Hey, doesn’t your favorite uncle get a kiss first?”

Daisy grinned and threw herself at me. I hugged her close and she smacked a kiss on my cheek.

“Scratchy,” she complained.

“You like it.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at me. “Uncle Beau, my swear jar is getting very empty.”

Damn, I loved this kid. “Really? Well, shit, that’s a bloody shame.”

Daisy held out a palm, and I fished out some coins for her. “Thanks, Uncle Beau.” Then she wriggled to get down, slipping the coins into her pocket. She took Bell’s hand. “Come and I’ll show you. Daddy pushed the coffee table out of the way so I don’t crash into it.”

I watched the little girl pull Bell into the living area, then I headed for the kitchen.

“Beauden.” Lola smiled at me.

“There’s my best girl.” I dropped a kiss to her cheek.

She arched an eyebrow. “I have a suspicion I’ve been replaced as your best girl.”

“Never. You’ll always be my best girl.” I gave an exaggerated sniff. “Especially when you feed me.”

She patted my bearded cheek and went back to preparing the food.