Page 25 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“Want to smell my breath to be sure?”

I laugh. “I believe you, kiddo.” I tuck her in and brush away the wisps that have slipped from her braid. “If you have a bad dream tonight, come wake me up. If the bed is wet, that’s completely okay. Just come get me, honey. Accidents happen. It’s okay and I will never be mad at you.” I cup her chin gently. “I’ll take care of you always and forever. Okay?”

Maisie nods. “I love you, Aunt Allie.” She lunges into my arms for a hug.

“I love you too, my sweet girl.” I hope she understands how much I really do love her. I hope she can forget what Judy did and know that I would never do that to her. Annie would be devastated to know what Judy did to her baby. I crack Maisie’s door and hesitate outside Kara’s, wishing I could go in and check on her. Instead, I head downstairs to shower. It’s been a long day.

Chapter Ten

“We got the bid for the A-frame house on Hampton Avenue!” Steven plops down enthusiastically in the chair across from my desk.

It’s been a harsh week of long hours and short nights. Maisie hasn’t been sleeping well. Kara’s back to keeping me at a distance, her snarky comments wearing me down more each day. I’ve been trying to let it slide, but it’s getting harder to ignore.

“Oh, wow!” I close my laptop. “Nice job. I was hoping you’d work your magic.”

“Magic, hell. More like our money.” Steven crosses his legs and pulls out his phone. “It’s going to be a stunner.” He slides it across the desk and starts walking me through all the ideas he has for the remodel.

“What about the brick house on Pearson Street?” I slide his phone back over.

“We’ve had some setbacks with plumbing. The house has galvanized pipes, so we’re dealing with corrosion and a few leaks. It’s nothing that can’t be handled.” He leans forward. “You know I’ve got you. Let me handle the tough stuff right now. You keep the finances running smoothly and everyone on their toes.”

I exhale. “I can do that.”

“So,” Steven says, relaxing back in his chair. “Luke and I are going out for dinner as ‘friends.’” He air-quotes the word. “He suggested you and Sam join us.”

“No way.” I shake my head. “You’re on your own.”

“I need my best friend to support my attraction for this very sexy man who’s playing hard to get. Don’t leave me dangling on the edge of the cliff.”

“He just got out of a relationship, Steven.”

“I’m not looking for a relationship, Allie.” He wiggles his brows.

“Typical,” I say, unimpressed.

“Don’t hate the player, hate the—”

“Do not say it.” I lift a hand to stop him. “Don’t hurt this guy. He’s already dealing with a breakup.”

“Honey, I’m helping him get over that guy by getting with another. I’m a healer.” Steven stands and sashays to his desk. I laugh at his ridiculousness. “And you’re going with me. Sam has already agreed to this ‘friends’ date. She was there when Luke and I talked.”

“How did you get his number? It’s only been a week.”

“Sam gave me their card. And…I may have stopped by their shop to look at furniture earlier, which, by the way, is real craftsmanship. They’ve got skill.”

I huff a laugh. “You’re relentless.”

“He likes me. I just need to give him a little push.” Steven shuts the file cabinet with emphasis.

My phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, so I send it to voice mail.

“Don’t push too hard. He might not be the type who likes being shoved.”

“Allie, have you just met me?” Steven arches a brow. “I can be a delicate flower when I need to be. This isn’t my first rodeo, and he’s not the only cowboy I’ve had to rope.”

“Cowboy?” I laugh. “Fine, you handsome fella, but only because you’re my best friend.”

My phone rings again. It’s the same number as before. I send it to voice mail again. I’m not in the mood to talk to a telemarketer right now.