That she’d been involved with a married man, even if she hadn’t known he was married, still shamed her. But good things had come out of that awful ordeal. She had Andy now,she’d met Marlow and Cort, and she’d found her independence. Good things. Wonderful things. Yet she never again wanted to be that naïve, or that gullible.
She’d met men she liked as friends, many of them in the small town where she now lived. But the very idea of risking her heart again … Well, it terrified her.
Somehow, with Brogan, she’d forgotten her fear.
“I think it’s that he’s so good with his daughter.”
“Always a great sign,” Marlow agreed. “So here’s what you should do.”
In the background, Cort said, “I already told her what to do. Caution, honey. We don’t know the man yet.”
Pixie grinned. “Tell Cort to enjoy his vacation instead of worrying about me. I promise, I won’t give him any reason to worry.”
In a whisper, Marlow said, “It’s good for him to worry every now and then. Keeps his instincts sharp.”
Cort said, “They’re razor sharp, and you know it.”
“He’s still listening,” Pixie informed Marlow, in case she hadn’t figured that out.
“I’m overruling him. When you see Brogan again, ask him flat out if he’s married. If he doesn’t have a quick, ready answer, then you’ll know not to trust him.”
Cort’s voice was louder now, indicating he’d moved close to the phone. “Liars always have their stories ready. Go with your gut, Pixie, but I can tell you, a military man won’t appreciate being pinned down. As much as I love my wife, and as intelligent as she is, she’s wrong about this.”
“Men always think women are wrong.”
“A truism? Really, Marlow.”
Since Pixie was used to the way they worked things out, she took a seat near Andy and just listened in. It was awesome that Marlow never hesitated to speak her mind, and Cort alwaysshared his perspective. She’d never seen them actually mad at each other. Irked a few times, sure. They had their disagreements. But there was never any doubt about their love.
If she ever did have another romantic relationship—and Pixie doubted she would—she’d want it to be as open and loving as what Marlow and Cort shared.
In his usual calm tone, which sometimes riled Marlow, Cort said, “I’ll admit, with most people you’re spot-on. But we’re talking an elite military operator and that’s a whole different breed.”
“Hmm,” Marlow said. “You could have a point.”
Pixie heard the sound of a smooch, and then, “I do.”
“Don’t get cocky.”
“Wouldn’t think of it.”
Laughing out loud, Pixie asked, “Are you two done debating my next move?”
“I guess so, but I want you to keep me posted, okay? I agree with Cort about using caution. The new guy will be around for the entire summer, so you have plenty of time to see how it goes.”
“I approve that plan,” Cort said. “Now come on, Marlow. We’re running late.”
Pixie glanced at the time on her phone. “Oops. Actually, I am, too. Thanks for calling, and have fun.”
“Love you, sister.”
She and Marlow weren’t actually sisters, but hearing that endearment from a woman she admired so much never failed to affect Pixie. Meaning it from her heart, she whispered, “Love you, too. Both of you.”
The second she disconnected, Andy reached out to show her a block. “Boo.”
“Yes, blue. You’re such a smart little guy.” She picked up a red block shaped like a car, and asked, “What color is this?”
“Car.” He grinned, showing off small white teeth.
