Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“Spaghetti and meatballs,” I say when I enter the kitchen.
“I didn’t know we were having company.”
“I didn’t either. Not really. I mean, I knew he was stopping by, but I didn’t expect him to stay for dinner, and that”—I point behind me toward the living room—“I did not expect that.”
“What is that exactly?”
I sigh, knowing she won’t let up until I tell her. “I went to Everlasting Ink to get on the books for my tattoo. Forrest was there. He had a cancellation and took me back to his room to discuss what I wanted. He wanted to see Dad’s pocket watch and said he could stop by on his way home to take a few pictures and look at it.”
“When you told me you stopped to get on the books before I left for my hair appointment, you left that out.” She’s grinning, so I know she’s not pissed at me for not telling her.
“Yeah, I was going to tell you when you got home. Anyway, he shows up and the girls think he’s here for them and invite him for dinner. He said if it was okay with me, he would stay, and I couldn’t say no. So we had dinner.”
“And?”
“And he helped with the girls and helped clean up. They asked him to stay and play, and I gave him an out, but he didn’t take it.”
“What do you mean, you gave him an out? Details, Briar. I need details.” The microwave beeps and she pulls her plate out, sits at the island, and digs into her dinner.
“I just told them that I’m sure he had more important things to do.”
“What did he say?” She’s eating, but her eyes are glued to mine.
“Something about nothing waiting at home for him but an empty house or something like that.” I know exactly what he said and could recite it word for word, but I’m not going to. Paraphrasing is all she needs. His words are mine, and I groan inwardly at my possession of a conversation. It must be something in the air.
“And he just let the girls put bows in his hair and paint his nails?”
“He did. I tried to give him an out for the nails too. I told him he could go while the girls were in their room picking out colors and he looked horrified at the mere thought of disappointing them. He said as much too.”
Brogan grins. “I like him.”
“He’s a nice guy. However, I don’t want the girls getting attached to him.”
Brogan sets her fork down on the corner of her plate and wipes her mouth. “That night was different for you than it was for me. I know that. However, I want you to be happy, Briar. You can’t keep living pushing everyone away.”
“I’m not,” I counter. “We’ve had two girls' nights. The ladies are great.”
She rolls her eyes. “You know exactly what I mean. They’re not all bad.”
“They’re not all good either.”
She stares at me for so long that I shift my stance under her gaze.
“You like him. I know you do. He wouldn’t have been invited into our home with the girls if you didn’t. He wouldn’t be in the living room alone with the girls if you didn’t.”
“He’s Emerson’s brother.” I shrug.
“Stop it. Just stop, Briar. At least think about it. Don’t push him away. You can keep giving him choices. Let him decide if he wants to be around you and the girls.”
“Maybe he’s trying to get to you.”
She laughs. Not just a “ha ha, you’re funny” laugh. No, this one of those “tosses her head back, eyes closed, body shaking” kind of laughs.
“What’s so funny?”
“That man is not here for me. I walked through the door, and he barely glanced at me when he said hello.”
“That’s because he was giving his attention to the girls.”
“Sure, we’ll go with that.”
“I need to get back in there.” I point over my shoulder.
“Sure. I’m going to finish up, and then I’ll make myself scarce.”
“No. This is your home.” I don’t want her to feel as though she’s not welcome here because we have a guest.
“I know that,” she says gently, realizing she’s hit a nerve with me. “I’ll say hello, and I have a book I’ve been dying to start. Tonight sounds like the perfect night to do that.”
For the—hell, I’ve lost count how many times this man has taken me by surprise tonight. What I do know is I didn’t expect to find him sitting on the couch with my girls on either side of him, reading them a story. I stop and stare as I listen to him change his voice to fit the book. The girls are enthralled and not moving a muscle as he reads to them. I stand here, lost in the sight before me.