Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
“That’s for damn sure.”
The christening was coming up in a few days. She hadn’t mentioned it, so I figured she probably wasn’t going to make it. I didn’t bother asking for an update. I didn’t want her to feel pressured.
“Well, I already ate up enough of your time,” I told her. “I’ll let you go.”
“I’ll always make time for you, Brock.”
I smiled, wishing I could reach through the phone and taste her lips. “Take care, Red.”
After I hung up, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall. Oak looked over at me from the corner of the room.
“Did you enjoy me making an ass of myself?” I groaned. “I shouldn’t have listened to you. All that call did was make me look like a jealous prick.”
He barked.
“I know. I know. That’s what I am.” I laughed at myself. “Now I miss her even more. Thanks a lot.”
***
The following day, I went to the local farmers’ market with Patrick in tow. It soon became clear that if I planned to go to a public place with my son, I needed to be prepared for extra attention left and right. I’d never had trouble attracting single women in this town. But Patrick attached to my chest was a new, unwanted magnet.
As I sampled some homemade smoked sausage, Tori, my one-time babysitter, materialized next to me.
“Hey, Brock.”
“Oh, hey, Tori.”
I hadn’t called her again after I’d gotten the vibe that she might’ve been interested in more than just babysitting Patrick.
“I’m surprised you haven’t needed me to babysit again.”
I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “My sister-in-law has that pretty much covered lately. But thank you for offering to help.”
“Well, you know, you can always call me for other reasons.”
“I got that.” I nodded once. “Thank you.”
Then some other woman I didn’t recognize interrupted our conversation as she hovered over my son. “Isn’t he the most precious thing? Looks just like you, Brock.”
“Thank you.”
“I hear you could use some help?”
Tori walked away, seeming annoyed.
“No, I’ve got it covered,” I told the woman. “But thank you.”
“Well, I’m certified in CPR. Here’s my card if you ever feel overwhelmed.”
I glanced down at the card. Her name was April, which comes after February. April was certainly attractive, but she didn’t hold a candle to the preceding winter month, if you know what I mean.
At one point, hoping to escape April’s clutches, I turned toward a table where a woman was selling pickled turnips. But it wasn’t the turnips that caught my attention. It was the gorgeous woman staring back at me. She’d apparently been quietly observing my interactions.
“Excuse me,” I muttered as I abruptly left the conversation with April.
My heart squeezed. “What are you doing here?”
February grinned. “Didn’t you invite me to Meadowbrook for Patrick’s christening in a couple of days?”
“Yeah. But I assumed you weren’t coming.”
“Well, that’s why you should never assume.” She winked.
I inched closer but managed to stop myself from kissing her. “I’m glad you made it, Red.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
She kissed the top of Patrick’s head and rubbed the back of her hand along his cheek. “I missed you, little buddy.”
“We missed you.” I placed my hand briefly over hers. “How did you find me here?”
“I wanted to surprise you. After I dropped my stuff off at the hotel, I went to your place, but you weren’t there. So I texted Trevor to see if he knew where you were. He told me where to find you.”
She’s staying at a hotel. For a second, yet again, I’d forgotten we weren’t together anymore. She won’t be sleeping in my bed tonight. How’s that for torture?
“Where are you staying?” I asked.
“At Brooks Inn.”
“Not a lot of places to choose from here, I suppose. Although it’s weird that you’re in town and not staying with me.”
“It’s best, don’t you think?”
“No,” I groaned. “I think it sucks. I want you in my bed.”
She smiled. “You’re nothing if not honest, Brock.”
“We can be friends until kingdom come, Red. I will never not want you in my bed.”
Her eyes lingered on mine as she murmured, “I get it.”
“You do, do you?” I said seductively. It was impossible not to flirt with her.
“Yeah, I do.”
“I’m gonna make you dinner tonight.”
She rubbed the top of Patrick’s head. “How are you gonna manage that and take care of him?”
“I’m getting better at balancing everything. He likes to watch me cook now. He sits in his little seat. As long as I talk to him, he’s good.”
“How about I entertain him while you cook?” she suggested.
“I think he’d love that.”
“Good,” she cooed as she pinched his cheek.
“I really appreciate you coming.” And I’d like to show that appreciation by making you come again later.
“Like I said, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I’m happy you came a little earlier so we can spend some time together.”