They run around the circular kitchen table while I chase them, their messy blond curls flying in the wind, their contagious laughter echoing throughout the house. “Stop, Mommy, stop! Don’t eat us!”
I catch Charlie, and lift up her pajama top to reveal her squishy belly. She wriggles beneath my kisses, squealing.
“You look yummy, little girl. Just one bite?” I growl.
“No, no! Pwease! Stop!”
Cara throws an arm in front of my mouth, “Wait! I bigger, bite me, not baby Charlotte. She won’t taste good—she only eats waffles and cheese!”
I stop mid bear-bite and gawk at Cara. “Sweetie, that was so nice. You were willing to be eaten to save your baby sister?”
Charlie takes advantage of the diversion and weasels her way off my lap, hiding behind her big sister.
“Duh! I have to befend her.”
Was I just duhhed by my three and a half year old? I smirk at her adorable mistake, “Defend, baby, with a D. But you’re right. You are the best big sister any girl could ask for. Right, Charlie?”
Charlie squeezes Cara around her middle. “I wove you, Ca.”
“I love you too. With an L, right Mommy?”
“Right, baby. Very good.” I stick my head out from the freezer, holding the mini waffles they’ve been adamant on making their only choice for breakfast for the last three months. “Hey, you girls want to get your nails done today?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” They both shout in unison.
“Okay, good. After breakfast and some rest time, we’ll have a special girlie day. Daddy comes home tonight so we’ll be all pretty for him.”
I pop their waffles in the toaster and reach for a coffee mug, but I’m halted from my caffeine fix by the sound of the phone ringing. It can only be one of two people, my mother or Declan. No one else would call here this early. I run to catch it, see the caller ID and smile.
I try my best sultry, seductive voice. “Hey, baby. Cutting the trip short to get home for a romantic night with your wife?”
“Hi, Mia. You’re awfully chipper this morning. And you won’t believe it, but I have to stay another night. Something’s come up…the client wasn’t happy with the presentation and Robert wants another shot to impress them. I pulled an all nighter and we have another meeting in an hour.”
You’re flipping kidding, right? “Oh, okay.” I want it to be okay, but it’s not. He’s been gone five days already. We miss him and I need a reprieve. “Is everyone staying? I mean, is there a way you can tell him you’re needed here?” Needed as in, I’m horny and I miss my husband.
“No, babe. I’m sorry. He’s not budging on this one. I tried. Listen, I can’t talk long. Can I just say hi to the girls?”
Dismissive much? “Yup, no problem.” I turn to the girls, handing them the phone. “Girls, Daddy wants to say hi.”
I watch as they each take turns, laughing and smiling into the phone. I see their little eyebrows droop and the happy twinkling in their eyes vanish when he tells them he won’t be home tonight. Yeah, girls, I know. But at the end of their conversations, all is right in daddy-daughter land because they are mauling the phone with kisses and I-love-yous.
I take back the phone, jealous of two little girls again for getting the better part of his attention. I get back to Declan, graciously, “‘kay, babe, kick ass in your meeting. I love you.”
“Me too. I’ll call you later.”
And then I hear the click.
Me too? I don’t even deserve the ‘I love you’ back? He’s never done that before. I’m not happy. I grab my cell to text him, but the rational part of my brain kicks in, realizing that’s probably not a good idea. If he’s as busy as he says he is, he won’t be able to answer me back, let alone go through with an all out texting war. Because let’s face it, feeling let down and disappointed, I’m ready for a brawl.
“Hey, aren’t you in my psychology class?”
I glance over my shoulder to see who this unfamiliar voice belongs to only to come face to face with one of the most gorgeous men I’ve ever laid eyes on. And there are plenty of gorgeous guys to take your pick from on campus. I would have definitely noticed if this guy was in my psychology class. Hell, he’d be more than in my psychology class, he’d be in my pants.
My crude thoughts cause me to blush. I tuck a few errant hairs behind my ear, peering up through batting lashes. “Um, no, I don’t think so?” Not sure why it’s coming out as a question.
“You’re Mia, right? I know you from somewhere.”
Oh my God, those eyes. I want to agree with him just so he’ll stay put and stare at me like that a little longer. But I’m not about to start this off with lies. “Yes, I’m Mia, but I’m certain I’ve never seen you before.” I give him another once over, hoping it reads as I’ve never seen you, but I’d love to see more of you.