Chapter 20
Sarah chewed her lip trying not to look at the man seated in the passenger seat of her jeep. She wasn’t sure if she should blame the alpaca for distracting her or for allowing herself to be lulled into a false sense of security by Zoe’s obedience throughout the day.
Zoe’s observational skills bordered on clairvoyance as was her ability to always know when her mother’s attention drifted even the slightest. Thankfully Zoe seldom took advantage always staying close and not wanting her mother to worry. Sarah could count on one hand the number of times Zoe truly stepped out of line but this was certainly the most serious. Even worse was the innocent look on Zoe’s face when Sarah saw her in Lucas’s arms.
She even called him Edward and after they had just discussed the importance of keeping Rosemary’s secret. Luckily Lucas didn’t seem to have a clue what they were referring to. But what was she supposed to do
now?
The way Lucas held Zoe and carried her to the car it was clear to Sarah he knew she was his. Seeing them together the small characteristics she noticed in Zoe’s appearance were heightened. There really was no doubting their shared connection.
More than once Sarah imagined what it would be like to see them together and the sight actually caused her heart to flutter. Even as the thought occurred to her she felt ashamed. What was wrong with her? How could she even entertain such fantasies? Did she not learn her lesson four years ago?
Clearly she had a lot to talk to Zoe about but how could she with him present? What did he want? Of all the places to have to confront him she hadn’t expected him at the zoo. She always assumed she’d see him at an event much like Madeline the night before, not on the street. Why had he been at the zoo in the first place?
And why did he keep looking at her?
He sat in the passenger seat as she drove back to the hotel. His eyes never left her as if memorizing every inch of her, committing it to memory in case she disappeared again. In fact, she noticed it at the zoo too. He had been so pale like he was seeing a ghost. He seemed terrified and…hopeful? But why? She was certain he would have forgotten all about her after she left. What was he thinking?
Lucas watched her committing every movement no matter how small to memory. For years he had been starved and before him now was a feast. She was even more beautiful close-up than from a distance. He knew he was making her nervous and could practically see the wheels turning but he couldn’t help it. He noted how she anxiously chewed her lip and struggled to ignore him, refusing to glance in his direction. If she looked at him now and smiled he just might praise the heavens but he knew she wouldn’t. He had never once given her a reason to smile.
For her part Zoe remained quiet and content watching the traffic as her parents suffered an awkward car ride. It was perhaps mercifully short for them. As her mother handed the keys to the valet Lucas was already grabbing Zoe from the vehicle. They stood awkwardly facing each other on the sidewalk waiting for the
valet’s return. With her keys once again in hand Sarah led the way inside and Lucas followed like an obedient puppy. Alan pulled up behind them tipping the valet again to park the other car as well before catching
As they made their way through the lobby Ruth suddenly appeared carrying a large box of promotional material, “Oh Sarah! Let’s have dinner in a couple hours. We can…”
Ruth suddenly fell silent at the sight of Lucas carrying Zoe. His expression seemed grim while Sarah was practically white as a sheet. For her part Zoe looked happy. How? When? Where? The questions flooded her mind but it certainly wasn’t the time to voice them as she glanced around the rather crowded lobby. There was still about an hour before the Fair was over so there was plenty of foot traffic with visitors rushing to catch it and publishers slowly cleaning up.
“…Okay,” Ruth took a deep breath. “Let’s go up to the room. Yeah?”
The elevator ride was awkward and quiet. Ruth set down her box taking out her phone and shooting off a quick text. Lucas assumed she was telling her staff to carry on without her. Stepping off the elevator Lucas followed quietly as Sarah unlocked the suite.
He paused staring at the exclusive, and expensive, room. It was certainly worthy of Sarah and Zoe but how did she afford this? This was not a hotel that catered to just anyone. As they entered they were immediately greeted by the corgi who bounced around them with happy yaps. Zoe giggled.
“Daisy! Were you a good girl?”
The corgi spun in circles as if chasing her non-existent tail. Zoe wiggled to be put down so Lucas carefully set her on her feet. She ran ahead with the dog bounding along beside her.
“Zoe! Shoes!” Sarah admonished, her motherly instincts momentarily overriding her shock at the situation.
Zoe paused long enough to kick off her shoes before leaping onto the couch with the dog right at her side. Lucas’s lips twitched with a smile watching her and listening to her laughter fill the suite.
Sarah quietly picked up Zoe’s shoes and set them near the door before taking off her own. She refused to look at Lucas ignoring his near six-foot height, an impressive feat in and of itself. Lucas’s gaze peeled away from Zoe to watch Sarah as she quietly moved around the room. His eyes lingered at the round curve of her ass as she picked up the clutter that gathered wherever children spent their time.
