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“Yeah.” A defensive tone crept into my voice. “Not only is he Jake Ryan gorgeous, he’s nice. Like, really nice. I’m sure my family will love him.”
“Yeah… Good!” But Josie didn’t sound convinced.
I turned onto Massachusetts Avenue and sat in traffic. “Go on, say it. It’s nothing I haven’t thought of.”
“Aren’t they going to be all over you because he doesn’t have a pedigree?”
“Probably.” I frowned out at the Charles River as I inched across the bridge. “I haven’t decided how much I’m going to tell them yet. I might just say he’s in the import-export business.”
“Maddy, c’mon. They’re going to be Googling him before he can put his bags down.”
“I don’t care. I’ll ask him to scrub his social media if I have to. Or I’ll fake-name him.”
She giggled. “I love that you’re going for this. I’m a little worried about how it’s all going to play out, but if anyone can make this work, it’s you.”
My chest puffed at the compliment. “Aw, thanks. He probably thinks I’m crazy, but whatever. He said yes. He might be the crazy one!”
“Speaking of that, though… Do you feel safe with him?”
“Yes,” I said immediately. “You know I’m a vibe person. He’s a really nice guy. Sweet. He’s been delivering my packages for over a year, and all he does is smile at everyone. He’s, like, one of those happy outdoor people.” To me, a “happy outdoor person” meant anyone who didn’t have a desk job and may or may not have gone hiking in the past twelve months. “Plus, his name’s Roberto Palmieri. He’s totally an Italian Stallion!”
“Ooh, Italian men are so pretty.” Josie sounded as though she were warming up to the idea, thank heavens.
“You’re going to really like him. Trust me. Plus, it’s going to be totally casual, no strings. What could be better?”
“Nothing,” Josie said supportively. “I have a good feeling about this, on the hot side of cautiously optimistic!”
“Ha! Thanks.”
She laughed. “Be safe, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow!”
I took a deep breath. “Leave your phone on in case I need a consult.”
“Always. That’s what BFFs are for.”
Josie’s constant, unwavering support buoyed me, but my nerves trumped everything as I pulled into Winter Hill. Bob was waiting outside his apartment building with his bag. He wore a nice-fitting blazer and dark-rinse jeans. He looked good in his uniform, but he looked super hot in his street clothes.
Crap, I’m going to need to fan myself!
I rolled down the passenger’s window. “Hi!” I felt that stupid, too-wide smile affix itself to my face as I double-parked my SUV and popped the hatch. Bob put his stuff in the back and climbed in next to me. I could smell his shampoo and something else, something earthy and sexy and… Oh, for fuck’s sake! I didn’t know what it was, but it made my mouth water.
“Hey.” He grinned, his dimple flashing. “You look nice.”
“Really?” I stupidly ran my hand over my hair as I stared at him, taking in his square jaw, big shoulders, and dark eyes.
“Really.” He waited for a second. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Stop staring, you idiot! “Totally.” I thankfully remembered how to put the car in drive. Then I pulled out, turned the corner, and headed back toward the highway. “We’re flying. Did I mention that?”
“We’re not taking the ferry?” Bob’s voice took on a tinge of panic.
“It’s just a forty-minute flight to the island. In and out.” I glanced at him. He was staring straight ahead, his big hands spread out on his thighs. “Are you okay?”
“Sure.” But his expression read mayday!
“We can take the ferry instead. It’s not difficult to get on this time of year.”
He shook his head. “Let’s do it. I’m not much of a flier, but I haven’t tried it in years. I can do just about anything for forty minutes.”
