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“You have a good point.” Then he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. Just don’t show her the pictures with you in them. And make sure you promise to bring her here as soon as she’s healthy enough.”
Kate wasn’t so sure. But so far nothing else was helping to cheer up her little girl. Even the surprise of her father showing up had worn off. Kate was getting desperate to give her daughter hope. Maybe Lucas was right. Maybe this outing would give her the ability to paint a picture in her daughter’s mind of the fun things they could do...together.
She wouldn’t be an absentee parent like her father...or her mother. Even though they had shared the same house, her mother had been so wrapped up in her own world that she’d never had time for Kate.
She glanced over at Lucas. What would he be like as a father? Probably terrific, if today was any indication. Not that she would be sticking around to find out.
While riding the merry-go-round, she noticed a small crowd forming nearby. Cameras were flashing. It took her a couple of passes to realize they were talking to the city’s mayor and his young family, who were most likely campaigning.
A niggling thought started to churn in her mind. Something Connie had said about a little more press coverage and they’d have a sold-out venue. With all of those reporters, it surely wouldn’t be that hard to get coverage, but it would have to be something really good.
When she got off the ride, Lucas was waiting for her with a bouquet of balloons fastened to his hand. One of the reporters sent an inquisitive look in Lucas’s direction. So his Bachelor of the Year status was still giving him quite a bit of notoriety, or was Lucas Carrington normally that notable of a figure in the Big Apple? Which left her wondering if she should play upon his fame—after all, it was for a good cause.
He smiled, looking proud of himself. “Admit it. You had fun.”
“Yes, I did. You’ve made this an amazing day. Thank you.”
He handed over the bouquet of rainbow-colored balloons. “Does this mean I’m forgiven for being a jerk the other day?”
He had really hurt her, but the more she got to know him, the more she realized he truly was a good guy.
“It depends...” When his gaze dipped to her lips, her thoughts scattered.
“Maybe this will help convince you.”
Lucas’s hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. She willingly obliged. Her breath locked in her chest as she waited. Hoping. Longing.
It that moment, the world slipped away. It was just the two of them on this enchanted day. His head lowered. Her chin tilted upward.
CHAPTER TWELVE (#ulink_21316405-ede0-53a3-aab8-d241fea1c2b8)
LUCAS SHRUGGED OFF the glances he kept getting from some of the paparazzi. He wouldn’t let them ruin this day. Normally he would have quietly slipped away with Kate. But he’d agreed to play up this relationship in public, so there was no need to deny he was enjoying Kate’s company. And there was no need to resist what he’d been dying to do all afternoon...
His lips sought hers. The more he tasted her, the more he desired her. When she kissed him back, he forgot their circumstances, their differences and even where they were. The fact she desired him was a powerful aphrodisiac. Her kisses were even more arousing in person than they were in his dreams. A moan swelled in his throat.
Kate startled him when she pressed her hands to his chest and pushed. She broke free of his hold and stared up at him with rosy cheeks and a questioning stare.
“Lucas, people are staring.”
So much for staying calm, cool and collected around her. He should probably apologize...again, but this time he wasn’t sorry. He’d enjoyed holding her close and he didn’t notice her complaining.
“That guy over there,” she pointed to a young man who met Lucas’s gaze straight on, “I think he took our picture.”
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