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I leave out the part about hoping to find a cute guy to make out with at the bar to help banish Drew from my besotted brain and swing out from under the sheets. I make the bed, shower, and change back into my clothes from yesterday, pleased to see my wound is already looking a thousand times better. At this rate, I should be healed up and ready to shake a tailfeather by Friday, no problem.
And it looks like I’ll have a friend to take with me.
As I’m brushing my hair, a text comes through from Wren—Dancing sounds amazing. I’m in. And of course, I’m still single. Kyle was waiting for me outside this morning and is no longer afraid of the shotgun blast. I had to poke him in the chest with the barrel to get him to let me into my car. He was hiding last night when Barrett was here, just like when Drew followed me home. I’m beginning to think he’s scared of men.
Thumbs racing as I hear Sarah Beth pound down the stairs, I say—Well, don’t worry. We’ll figure out a way to make him afraid of women, too. Or you’ll call animal control and let the chips fall where they may. Just don’t let him bite you again. You don’t want to end up at urgent care the way I did.
Wren replies—I saw that! You poor thing. I’m so sorry I didn’t message you back last night. I didn’t see the text until late and I didn’t want to wake you. Take it easy today and be sure to eat something with your antibiotics. They can really mess up your tummy otherwise.
Will do, I say. I’m off to make Sarah Beth breakfast. Text with more details on Friday soon!
Tucking my cell into the little pocket on the side of my leggings, I hurry downstairs. By the time Drew comes down a few minutes later, I have Sarah settled with a bowl of berries and am sautéing onions and peppers for an egg scramble.
“That smells amazing,” he says, pausing beside me to pull in a deep breath, making me want to lean back and offer him my lips for a morning kiss.
Instead, I force my stupid body to stay exactly where it is and cheerfully announce, “Good, because there’s plenty for all of us. Scrambles and coffee on the table in five minutes.”
Yep. I need a “Get My Mind off Drew Rebound Boy” and I need him quick.
Friday night can’t get here soon enough.
Chapter Ten
DREW
I arrive at work with a smile on my face, a fact that’s noted by not just one, but three of the people in the office.
I hadn’t realized my smiles had become so rare. But it’s hard not to smile with Tatum’s amazing scramble in my belly and memories of laughing with her and Sarah Beth in the kitchen over coffee fresh in my mind.
Around ten a.m., Tatum sends a shot of her and Sarah Beth at the park pointing at the trees behind them, where they’ve added to the fairy village they’re building on the trail secret, hoping to suck the rest of the walkers into the magic. A second later, another shot comes through of a tiny row of snowmen by the swing set. We only got a few inches of snow last night, but they’re making the most of it, complete with tiny scarfs and baby carrot noses.
I grin again. They’re just so damned adorable.
“Oh my God, your wife and daughter are so pretty,” a voice coos from over my shoulder, making me jump in my chair. “Oops, sorry to scare you.” Our new temp office assistant, Marjorie, sets a fresh mug of coffee by my now empty one. “Dolores said you liked another cup of coffee at ten.”
“I do, thanks so much,” I say, smiling as I add, “I have a caffeine problem, but I make myself quit at noon every day.”
“Smart,” she says, her brown eyes widening. “I always have a cup at three when I get draggy, and then regret it when I’m trying to get to sleep at night.” She nods toward my phone. “It’s so cool that your daughter’s a redhead like your wife. My mom has the most beautiful red hair.” She motions toward her head. “But I got brown. Dull brown with frizz and no curl. Must have done something to get on God’s bad side.”
“Your hair is great,” I say, feeling uncomfortable for several reasons. But that’s Marjorie. So far, she seems to have a knack for not knowing how to pull off the “keeping it professional” thing. We’re a friendly office, but not this friendly, and I’m not sure how to tell her that Tatum’s my nanny, not my wife.
I guess I should just spell it out. She’s new in town, and I don’t want her gossiping about “my wife” with the other assistants and getting everyone confused.
