The Lion’s Mate

Chapter 6

Annie had gone shopping for a professional-looking outfit for the meeting with the dean and his lawyer. She hadn’t wanted to look like a little girl playing dress up, so she had chosen a skirt suit in professional gray paired with a black blouse and black heels. She looked in the mirror. Minimalistic makeup and a sleek ponytail finished the look. A young lawyer was reflected back at her. She giggled to herself as she put on her earrings.

“What’s so funny?” Leah asked from her bedroom. Annie was dressing in her room because the lighting was better.

Annie stepped into the bedroom and twirled in her heels. “I was just thinking I look like a lawyer.”

Leah nodded, a grin on her face. “You do, kind of. Except I know you’re only eighteen.”

“Almost nineteen,” Annie reminded her. “I so hope the baby comes on my birthday! That would be so neat!”

“It would be, but I think your birthday is about two weeks too early,” Leah said. She rose and walked over to Annie to adjust her collar. “Please don’t say anything to Mark. He’s coming over for dinner tonight. I plan to tell him then.”

Annie pursed her lips. “I won’t tell. What do you think he’ll do?”

“I have no idea!” Leah said with a laugh.

“I think he’s going to ask you to marry him,” Annie pronounced as she reached for her bag. “Walk me out.”

Leah followed her through the house, blocking Jenny from getting anywhere near Annie. “Married? I don’t think so.”

“You don’t think he’ll ask or you don’t want him to?”

“Both.”

“You don’t want to get married?”

“Not right now, Annie. I like my life just the way it is.”

Annie smirked. “Um, you have, what, five weeks before your life goes through a complete overhaul. Might as well do all the changing at once.”

Leah laughed nervously. “Oh my God. You’re right.” She put her hand on her forehead. “Everything will change whether Mark and I are married or not.”

Annie shook her head. “You are the smartest woman I know, but seriously, sometimes you’re so dull.”

Leah slapped Annie playfully on the arm. “Shut up. I just found out I’m pregnant. This morning, actually. Give me another hour to think of all the contingencies.”

Jenny let out a joyful bark; Mark’s car had just pulled into the driveway. Annie looked at Leah and wiggles her eyebrows.

“There’s your hubby now.”

“I will break your arm if you say something like that again,” Leah said without heat. Annie stuck her tongue out; this idle threat was common between the two of them when they were teasing each other.

Mark stepped inside without knocking and saw the pair of them standing there. His smile brightened. “What a beautiful pair of women!”

Leah moved into his arms for a hug and kiss. Annie giggled and asked, “Do you have a brother or cousin or handsome uncle who’s close to your age?”

Mark laughed and winked at her. “I have a cousin who is just your age. She’s lovely, although I don’t think she’s a lesbian.” Leah laughed at the look on Annie’s face, which was a cross between offended and pouty. Mark soothed, “Just kidding, gorgeous. I actually do have two cousins your age. They’re twins, a boy and a girl.”

“Really?” Annie said, stretching the word out to show her interest. “And when, exactly, can I meet this handsome cousin?”

“I’ll work on it,” Mark promised. “He’s in Brazil right now. He’s an archaeologist.”

“Oh my God, your own personal Indian Jones!” Leah exclaimed. “Right up your alley!”

Annie gazed off, pretending to be in love. “Can you see the hearts drifting out of my eyes?”

Leah and Mark laughed at her. Mark kissed Leah and whispered, “She’s something else, I’ll tell you that.”

“Yes, she is,” Leah agreed.

“I forgot my license in my other bag. I’ll be right back,” Annie announced as she left the room.

Leah looked at Mark, who wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. “I do love kissing you, pretty lady.”

“And I love kissing you, sweet man,” Leah answered and locked her lips on his again. “What are you doing tonight?”

“I was hoping I’d be making some sweet love to you at some point.” He finished his comment with a squeeze of her ass. “What do you say?”

Leah giggled and wiggled out of his arms. “How about some dinner first? Then we’ll see if you get lucky.”

“I’m already lucky. I get to eat dinner with you,” Mark charmed.

“Oh good lord. Can we go before I vomit?” Annie asked teasingly as she walked back into the kitchen, tucking her license in the wallet she had chosen that matched her outfit.

Mark looked at her sternly. “Five seconds ago you were begging to meet my cousin, who, I might add, is much more charming than I am.”

“Charming, or schmoozy?” Annie asked.

“Is that even a word?” Leah asked with a smile. She understood the context, and she could tell Mark understood it too.

“It is now!” Annie exclaimed.

“Do you want to win this case?” Mark lifted a brow at her. She giggled and nodded. “Then you better watch the attitude.”

“Yes, sir!” Annie mockingly saluted him.

Leah interrupted before he could make another comment. “All right, all right. The two of you are going to be late if you keep this up. Argue in the car.”

“Yes, Mom,” Annie answered, kissing Leah on the cheek. Leah’s eyes widened a little, and Annie’s did too when she realized her mistake. Mark had only laughed, thinking she’d meant it exactly as she intended and not in reference to anything else.

Leah visibly relaxed. “Haha. Get out of here.” Mark kissed her once more and walked out. Leah slapped Annie playfully on the butt. “Watch what you say, dork!”

“He didn’t get it,” Annie said with a roll of her eyes. Leah shook her head as Annie followed Mark to the car.