She smiled. “Thanks.”
“And,” he continued, “if you don’t think I’m being too presumptuous, I would love to tag along.”
“Really?’ She stared at him, incredulous. As much as the idea appealed to her she just couldn’t picture this suave tycoon trudging behind a five year old and her not-so-young-anymore mother. She chuckled inwardly at that thought.
“Really,” he said with a laugh. “And you don’t need to look so shocked. I’m human, you know.”
“I know,” she said, smiling back. “After all the information I gathered on you I know you like you’re my brother.”
“Or lover,” he said and gave her a look so full of promise that her heart jerked in her chest.
“What time should I pick you up?” he asked.
No backing out now. “Ten-thirty should be fine,” she said, accepting defeat.
But it was a defeat that sent a thrill running through her entire body. Drake Duncan was going to spend Sunday with her. Oh, and Jessica, of course. Mainly Jessica. But no matter if his focus was not on her, just being with him was going to make Sunday a heck of a great day.
******
“Why do you do this to me, man? I told you, I don’t like dressing up to go to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.” Tyson James glared at Drake as he loosened his cuffs and began to roll back his sleeves.
Unconcerned that his friend looked ready to throw a hissy fit, Drake chuckled. “Talking about the rich and famous, you’re not so shabby yourself.”
“That’s beside the point. You know I hate it when you invite me to your parent’s house. You guys are old money. I’m new money. Old and new don’t mix very well.”
At that Drake laughed out loud. “That’s a ten-ton load of bull and you know it. Mom and Dad love you. Too much, if you ask me. I’m beginning to get a bit jealous.” He fell silent as the server approached their table with two mugs of beer then, drinks served, he turned his attention back to Tyson. “It’s my birthday so suck it up. Tomorrow. Four-thirty.”
It was Friday night and, as they did every now and then, Drake and Tyson swung by Simpson’s, an exclusive sports bar not far from Navy Pier. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long and hectic week.
“Tyson grinned. “You’re getting old, man, real old.”
“Thirty-four? Perfect age. Young enough to be called young, old enough to not make too many stupid mistakes.” Drake shrugged. “And it’s not like you’re any younger. Thirty-five in August, right?”
Tyson laughed. “You got me.” Then as his chuckle died away he turned curious eyes on Drake. “So how are things with the love of your life?”
Drake leaned forward and picked up the frothing mug. He took a sip of his beer. “Going good, I’m guessing.”
“You’re guessing?”
“It’s early days yet so I don’t want to make any premature calls but she looks like she’s coming around.” Drake shrugged. “At least she hasn’t slammed the door in my face. I’ll be spending Sunday with her.”
“Sweet.” Tyson gave him a look of triumph. “I told you – back off, give the lady some breathing room, and slowly work your way back in. It worked, didn’t it?”
“So far so good.”
“You damned near scared her away for good, dropping the marriage bombshell on the table like that.” He shook his head. “Glad you took my advice and stepped back and gave her a chance to miss you, let her see you in a different light. So…Sunday, huh?”
“No need to look so smug.” Drake shook his head at Tyson. “It will be three of us. Her little girl will be there and we’re going to the aquarium.”
“Oh.” Tyson looked a little deflated but then his face cleared. “That’s okay. It’s a start. And I have the perfect plan-”
“Whoa, hold up, buddy. No more plans. I took your advice when I was desperate but from here on it's my call.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Drake!”
Drake heard a yell and was just in time to catch the tiny body dressed in pink that had hurled itself at him. Jessie flew into his arms and, laughing at her excitement, he lifted her high into the air, making her squeal with delight.
As he gently placed her to stand on the ground he looked up and saw Meg, rosy-cheeked and smiling, as she walked down the driveway toward them. She’d pulled her hair up in a ponytail, which made her look all of sixteen. Gone was the sophisticated lady he’d come to know in her smart business suits and immaculate make-up. Today her face looked fresh and bare, her skin glowing in the bright spring sunshine.
“Good morning.” She greeted him with an infectious smile.
“Morning yourself,” he said as he smiled down at her. “Ready to roll?”
“Yup.” She nodded. “Just as soon as I get Jessie’s booster seat from my car.”
In less than two minutes they had Jessie buckled up in Drake’s SUV and he was backing out of their driveway. Then they were on their way. He and Meg didn’t do much in the way of conversation but they didn’t have to. Jessica kept up a running commentary, telling them about her week at Kids’ Camp, all the drawing she’d done and the friends she’d made. She didn’t stop talking until they pulled into the parking lot of the aquarium.
“Yay,” the little girl yelled, almost bouncing out of her booster seat in her excitement. “We’re here, Mommy, we’re here.”
“I know, honey.” Meg looked back and smiled at her daughter. “Now just stay calm and we’ll have you out of the car in a jiffy.”
They got out of the car and as they walked toward the building with Jessie holding Meg’s hand he almost laughed out loud as he watched them.
Jessie, in her eagerness, had dragged her mother forward, making her almost have to break into a trot to keep up. Meg raised her voice in protest but Jessie refused to slow down. Finally, Drake had to come to her rescue.