Your Forever Love (The Bennett Family 3)

Pippa throws her head back, chuckling. “What did you tell her?”

“That she’s not old enough.”

“I’m guessing it didn’t go to well?”

“Which is why I’m asking for your help. She wanted a red one, like the one you wore at the wedding.”

Pippa nods in understanding. “Leave it to me. See you at six.”

I’m usually picky with the people I allow my daughter to spend time with, but I’m glad I followed my instinct when I allowed her to come here. Pippa swirls on her heels, striding to her desk with confidence and whispering something in Julie’s ear. My daughter bursts out laughing. I smile and wish I could stay longer. I have a hunch I could watch this woman smile all day, which is dangerous.

***

Pippa

Julie is lovely. She listens to my instructions and does her best to follow them. The girl is talented, and with the right training, she’ll do great.

“I’m not as talented as you are.” She props her head in her hands, sighing.

I’d love nothing better than to hug her. I’m a hugger. When I have kids of my own, I’m going to be that parent who embarrasses them by hugging them in public long after they’re old enough to drive.

“When I first started drawing, I wasn’t good. But I persisted, worked hard, and honed my skills.”

“Did anyone tell you that you weren’t good enough?” she asks in a small voice, lowering her eyes to her hands. My heart aches for her—obviously someone told her that. But she’s a kid, for God’s sake. She has plenty of time to practice.

“As a matter of fact, yes. I had a teacher at school who told me I should concentrate on math or another subject because while my art was decent, it was nothing to brag about.”

“What did you do?”

I pause for a few seconds, remembering that day. “I cried a lot and was unmotivated for weeks. Then I made a pact with myself. I’d work hard and give it my best shot, and if nothing came of it, at least I’d tried. Also, it was about that time I heard the phrase, ‘Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one.’ I became very fond of it.”

Julie claps her hand over her mouth, giggling. “You’re not supposed to use the a-word around me.”

Oh, crap. Right, I’m not up to date with Parenting 101.

“Sorry. Will you rat me out to your dad?”

“No, it can be our little secret.” She lightens up, and she’s evidently thrilled at the idea of keeping a secret. Ah, a girl after my own heart.

“Anyway, back to our conversation. If you’re determined enough and work hard, you’ll get where you want to.”

“You really think that?” she asks hopefully.

“Yes.”

Luke takes Julie to his desk next, and I send an e-mail to my brother Logan. He is the CFO of the company and Sebastian is the CEO. Logan has taken over some of Sebastian’s responsibilities until the latter returns from his honeymoon.

Six o’clock comes all too soon, and the ping of the elevator announces Eric’s return. He strides into the office with his chin held high, as if he owns the room. The man is pure masculinity and confidence, and I start hyperventilating just by looking at him.

He’s more than eye candy because candy can be resisted. Eric Callahan is eye-cupcake. Delicious and utterly irresistible. What a lethal combo.

As he finds Julie—who’s currently at Luke’s desk—his expression lights up. The more I study his face, the more similarities I find between him and Julie. She is so taken with what Luke’s showing her on his computer she doesn’t even realize her dad is in the room.

“How was she?” Eric asks me, stopping in front of my desk.

“Great. She’s a well-behaved kid.”

His shoulders are hunched with tension, and I don’t like it. I’d rather see him the way he was at the wedding: carefree and happy. “How was your day?”