CHAPTER 17

"Thank you so much, Scarlett," Lucas finally managed to say after some long minutes of hesitation. Scarlett could not believe her ears. The high and mighty Lucas was appreciating her. It felt surreal.

She stepped into the light, and Lucas caught a full glimpse of her. He wondered if it was the same Scarlett he knew from months back. She had cleaned up well. He could not deny that she looked very elegant. The green dress that she had on hung perfectly to her luscious frame. He swallowed. He had never seen her in this way before. Even her short hair was a bonus to the change.

"You are welcome, Lucas," she said in a confident tone. It was as though she was no longer intimidated by him, and she knew it hurt his ego.

He took a last glance at her before he turned around to go in with his kids.

"Thank you, and you can go now," he said heading inside.

"It's late, Dad. Let Scarlett come in and spend the night," Callan said, looking from Scarlett who motioned him to keep shut, to his father wh