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My eyebrows pull together. “My panties?” What the fuck is she talking about?
She smiles sweetly and winks. “Well, yes, silly. It can’t be my panties in a twist. We both know I don’t wear them.” And with that, she flips her hair and disappears down the short hallway leading to the offices.
I run my hand down my face, wishing with everything in me I didn’t have to deal with her on a daily basis. I’ve moved on since our divorce but working side-by-side with her—if you can call what she does work—is its own brand of hell. She’s always up in my business, and not just the one we own together. She thinks co-owning this place gives her the right to pry into my life, especially my relationships—or lack thereof.
The only easy day was yesterday, my dad used to say.
When I’m certain she’s not coming back up front, I flip my phone around and tap on the screen. The newest message from Hallie pops up, bringing a smile to my face.
Hallie: Good news. So far, lunch has stayed where it’s supposed to. Maybe you found the cure-all for morning sickness and it’s over!
Smiling, I send her a thumbs-up emoji and slip my phone back into my pocket so nosy, pains in my ass can’t snoop. My foot taps to the classic George Strait song playing on the radio, and an even bigger grin spreads across my face that Shay hasn’t noticed yet. I know the moment she does, she’ll play Taylor Swift from her phone. Nothing against Taylor, but it’s not the vibe I’m going for here, nor my personal preference.
When I send the guys out to collect the lumber for Gavin’s order, I head out to retrieve my lunch. Just before I climb into the truck, I feel my phone vibrate and pull it from my pocket.
Hallie: Nope, not over. I hate this. All the points you earned are wiped away. *insert middle finger emoji*
A bark of laughter flies as I stare down at that single bird flying at me.
Some people might be offended to receive her message, but not me. I know it’s part of the game, the tease.
The foreplay.
That’s how it feels every time she snaps at me for something silly or inconsequential. A dance we’ve been taking turns leading for years. Every time she pushes, I push back just as hard, just to get a rise out of her.
Why?
Because she’s sexy as fuck, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her spunk, that fire.
It’s what makes her her, and I hope she never changes.
Not for anyone.
Myself included.
Chapter Fifteen
Hallie
Today’s the day.
My first doctor’s appointment to check on the baby.
I’ve been anxious all day, constantly watching the clock. Of course, like any other watched pot, time seems to slow down, the second hand ticking by at a snail’s pace. Usually spending the afternoon with a rowdy group of four-and five-year-olds will fly by, but not today.
I leave work at three fifteen and head for the hardware store. There’s a parking lot in front of the storefront building, but I pull into a spot along the side where Logan’s truck is, and park. I wait a few seconds, wondering if I should go inside, but then I consider the fact Shay is probably in there, and realize that’s the last thing I want or need.
Text it is.
There’s no need for either, because a few moments later, Logan appears out the side door and approaches my vehicle.
“Hey,” he greets, somewhat awkwardly, when I climb out.
“Hi.”
“Ready to go?”
When I nod, he opens the passenger door on his truck and I get in. Fastening my seat belt, he pulls out of his parking spot and moves toward the road. I glance toward the building and spot Shay standing there, arms crossed over her fake boobs and finger tapping on her bottom lip. I can practically see the wheels in her head spinning, and most likely, about to give us trouble.
