Page 4 of Touch Me

“I’m really glad to hear it. I’d hate to feel guilty aboutone of the best days I’ve had in a long, long time.”

“Oh, really?” I settle back against my seat cushion. “Dotell.”

Even in the dimming light, I can see color rise on hercheeks. Emery’s a natural redhead, and she wears her hair cut short in the samepixie style Natalie Portman sported for a while. She’s got the face to pull itoff, too. A rather pale face now dotted with freckles backlit by the glow ofher blush.

“Well, now you really have to tell me,” I say.

“You’re so evil.”

I lift my glass. “It’s only been a couple of months, butit’s like you’ve known me forever. Come on. Don’t leave me hanging.”

“Let’s just say that you did me a serious solid. It’s hardto—um—scratch certain itches when you have a toddler.”

“So you no longer need Benadryl?”

She tilts her head and gives me one of those looks.

“Fine,” I say. “That was lame. But it’s not my fault.” Iextend my hand in greeting. “Jamie Archer Hunter. I’m the girl who doesn’t doeuphemisms for sex.” Despite that speech, I lower my voice on the last word.Just in case the kid is playing possum.

Emery leans forward, propping her elbows on the glass top ofthe table. “In that case, let me rephrase. “I haven’t been fucked thatthoroughly since long before David was born. So, yes, I owe you one.”

“Interesting,” I say, swirling my wine. “So is this going tobe a thing?”

She shrugs. “I’m not sure. FWB, maybe, but I don’t thinkhe’s permanent. Honestly, I’m not even looking for permanent.” She nods towardDavid. “He’s my priority now. That and the secondary priority of giving myvibrator a break every month or so.”

“Cheers to that,” I say, raising my glass.

She glances toward the house where Ryan is working inside.“Really?”

“Oh, not like that,” I say. “I mean giving Ryan a break bydusting off the vibrator.”

She almost spits out the wine she’d just sipped as she triesto choke back a laugh. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. My onlyexcuse is that I drank too much today.”

“As good an excuse as any.” I lean forward. “Listen, I thinkit’s great that you’re not just out there auditioning daddies for David. You’rea good mom with a solid job and friends who can help you out. And being a momis a full-time job, too, so grab the fun when you can. And if you find apermanent guy along the way, then great. But you don’t have to go looking forhim.”

“Thanks.”

“And we’ll babysit most anytime.”

“Really? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll definitely take you up onthat. But I see you with the Stark kids and their cousins often enough that Ididn’t think you’d want to add another regular into the mix. Didn’t you tell meyou aren’t on the mommy track?”

“The babysitting thing is like spending other people’smoney. All the fun without the responsibility and angst and hormones. And onemore’s not that much trouble. But let’s be clear.” I point my finger foremphasis. “It’s only an offer for when Ryan’s home, too.”

“Got it. Basically, you’re planning to pawn the duty off onyour husband.”

“Well, duh. I’m not stupid.”

She grins. “You really aren’t. But be careful.” There’s atease in her voice when she says, “That man’s already got the fever.”

I shake my head, not understanding.

“Oh, come on, Jamie. He’s got babies on the brain.”

“No,” I say automatically. Then, “Okay, yes, he wants one.So do I. Eventually. But not now. We even talked about it this morning. Andwe’ve agreed that the whole baby thing is for later.” Much later.

“Gotcha,” she says. “I guess I had the impression hewanted—never mind.”

“What?”