RAISING SUMMER

PICASSO WITH PEAS

I shook the blender contents out and put it into one of the little bowls. My phone timer went off causing me to spill a little of the purée.

"Shit!" I shouted as Summer giggled. I covered my mouth. "I'm so sorry baby." I looked to Summer, rushing my oven mitts on as I took the cupcake pan out of the oven.

"What the hell happened here?" Luke laughed as I blew a breath out, tossing my curl to the side of my face.

"Everything happened here." I was only slightly overwhelmed. "I thought you were working the bar tonight?" I asked.

"I was but Lenny wanted to hog all the tips for himself." He looked at my hair with an odd expression before he reached out. He pulled back, eyeing the substance before sniffing it. "Frosting?" He looked up at me.

"I'm trying out some new Halloween treats for the bakery. I thought we could use them for the Halloween party." I shrugged. He plopped down on the barstool with a smile.

"Don't mind if I do!" He picked up the small bowls as I eyed him curiously taking a bite. Before his face twisted in disgust. I chuckled as his mouth fell open.

"What is that?" He coughed.

"That's Summer's purées I made." He eyed me and then Summer as she patiently waited on her food that Luke stole.

"Oh, now that you're here. Do you mind feeding her?" I asked. He picked up the bowl giving Summer a pitying look. She slammed her small hands on her high chair top.

"Alright Sums look at the..." He picked up the spoon eyeing the goop. "Yummy food!" He chirped. Summer seemed pleased with the first bite of carrot and pea purée. Luke turned to me with a pleased expression. "Oh my god I think she likes..." Summer's excited hands knocked the bowl right out of Luke's hand. The bowl tumbled on the highchair splattering everywhere. Luke rushed taking the kitchen towel trying to clean up the mess. Summer had effectively been finger painting with her food.

I approached to help but it was too late. Summer had wiped a hand down Luke's face. I gasped. Luke stood shocked for a second before turning to me, brown purée painting the left side of his face. A laugh escaped, and Luke's face turned devious. I fucked up. I knew it. He grinned wide. Grabbing the bowl Luke ran chased me around the kitchen island.

"C'mon Luke it was a little funny." I begged. I had so much to do and a shower was last on the list not first.

"Baby, if you think that's funny just wait!" We were on opposite sides of the island now. He was examining my body language to see exactly how he could get a leg up. Could I make it to my room in time. I was faster but Luke was taller. Two of my steps, was one to him. It's my only option aside from running around the island in circles. I didn't give myself time to overthink it as I bolted. I cleared him for only a split second before his strong arms wrapped around me. Picking me up off the ground as his food hands swiped a long drag of purée down my face I shrieked.

"Luke!" I protested.

"Now we are matching." He smiled smugly. Turning back to Summer where she had not only created a work of art on the highchair but on her face as well. I sighed as Luke looked at me. He turned back to me, giving me a sweet and short kiss to my lips. At least it wasn't as messy as that paint fight we had. I smiled at the memory. I untangled Luke tossing him the kitchen towel in my apron pocket.

"Clean this up!" I chuckled.

"Aye, aye captain." He kissed my forehead in answer.

Luke agreed to help me decorate in the morning but encouraged me to shower off the mess after that we dug into the frosting I made and watched a movie.

"It feels like a crime to be this good at baking." Luke scoffed sarcastically as he passed the spatula back to me and I laughed.

I cleaned off the remaining frosting before setting the bowl on the coffee table. Leaning back into the couch as Luke looked at me with a chuckle.

"What?" I asked.

"You got a little something." He leaned in, brushing the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip. My eyes fluttered to his lips as he let his thumb linger. He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine as my heart raced. Fingers tangled in my hair. I leaned into him as he leaned back into the couch. Emboldened, I straddled him. His fingers found the back of my neck. Not close enough. Would I ever be close enough. His touch was ecstasy. Every attention from him only made me crave more. His palms trailed down to my hips begging me to continue. My stomach flipped.

I had never done anything before. I was too busy just trying to survive. Never had the opportunity. I was nervous, inexperienced even at 25 years old I felt a little pathetic about it. At this moment, I had never wanted anything more. It scared me. Was I supposed to tell him or not make a big deal out of it? His ragged breaths made me feel empowered like I was in charge. It was exhilarating. Would he look differently at me if he knew I was a virgin? I have to tell him I know.

A cry crackled over the baby monitor and I broke our heated kiss. His head fell to mine with a sigh. I tried to slow my racing heart. I got up. Going to Summer's nursery she was wide awake.

"Hi baby girl, what's wrong?" She reached for me as I gathered her in my arms. I grabbed her pacifier and blanket. Luke came in shortly after with a smile and a bottle as I rocked Summer in my arms. After trying to get her to sleep for a while with no luck. Luke and I sat on the couch with Summer and continued watching the movie. Luke wrapped his arm around my shoulder as I snuggled into him with Summer laying on my chest and we drifted off.