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“I’d love to, but I don’t think it works like that. You have to apply for a booth months in advance.”
“I can ask my mom about it.”
“No, that’s okay. I wouldn’t even have a way to get there.” She raised a hand. “And before you get all sweet and offer to loan me a car, no one’s going to give me a one-day pass to sell my baked goods. Now, if you want to point me in the direction of the driveway, I’ve been known to make serious bank with my lemonade stands.”
“Nice idea, but we’re off the beaten track out here. The only people who come by are delivery drivers, family, or workers.” He checked his impulse to get more involved by heading for the door. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it.” But once he got there, he realized she’d gone quiet. He couldn’t resist turning back around.
She stood at the counter, staring at her phone. Her forehead creased.
He should go. It was none of his business. What could he do to help anyway? She had to get through the breakup on her own. And yet, he couldn’t just leave her like this. “Everything okay?”
“No. I mean, yes. Sure.” She looked more frustrated than sad or lost.
He gestured to the phone. “Ian?”
“He keeps texting, calling…posting memories on social media. Like, what does he think? That I’ll forgive him for stealing from my family? That I’m just going to let it slide?”
“I’m sure that’s what he’s hoping for. Have you told him where you stand?”
“You bet I have. I told him he’s shown me his character. And thank God I found out before I married him.” She sounded resolute. The phone vibrated again, and after a quick scan, she flipped it upside down. “There’s nothing left to say. The weird thing is I’m not sad that it’s over.”
“Probably because you’re so angry.”
“Sure, I’m angry, but honestly? More than anything else, I’m relieved. Isn’t that crazy? After fifteen years with a guy, the only emotion I have left is relief that it’s over.” She picked up her phone and motioned him over. “Come here. Let me show you something.”
As he approached, he traced the line of her thin gold necklace down to the pendant that flirted with her cleavage.
“I was going through photos last night.” She turned the screen toward him, her silky hair brushing across his arm. “Look. This is from his brother’s wedding. Ian and I aren’t even touching. And this one? He’d just come back from a trip with his family, and he’s hugging me like a sister.” Their gazes locked, and standing this close, the connection lit up every cell in his body. “I can’t remember the last time he grabbed my ass. Or…or took me up against the wall. I’m awoman. I need that. I want it.”
Ah, hell. She’d just loaded filthy images into his mind. Because, of course, it wasn’t Ian grabbing her ass and slamming her against the wall.It’s me.Mytongue licking a path down her neck, sucking her tits through the thin cotton of her shirt, and then pulling back to watch the nipples bead.
Fuck my life.
Maybe if I’d gotten laid any time in the last month, I wouldn’t get hard watching this woman dance.
Tomorrow, when he was in New York, he’d go out with his colleagues. Hit the clubs. Have some fun.
“Sorry.” A torrid pink rose up her chest and the smooth column of her neck, fanning out across her cheeks. “I shouldn’t be talking like that to you. I don’t know what I’m thinking. I guess since I know I’m not your type, I figured I could be real with you.”
How did she know that? As far as he knew, she’d never seen him with a woman.It’s not like I date or take selfies.“You can. It’s fine.”
“But you’re Ian’s friend, so I really should find someone else to confide in.”
“Iwashis friend. Right up until he admitted what he did.”
“He did?” She lowered the phone. “Does he feel any shame?”
“Not really. He just kept insisting he’d pay everyone back.”
“Which isn’t even the point.”
“No, it’s not. So, don’t worry. I’m on your side, and I have no plans to talk to him again.”
She moved away from him, picked up the spatula, and set it in the sink. “Well, you’ve done more than enough for me. You don’t need to be my therapist, too.”
“You have any idea what you want to do while you’re in town?”
She gave him a sheepish look. “More baking?”
