“Nope. Just curious.”
“Right, I almost believe you. When’s your first date with Keegan?”
I choke on my saliva. “Whoa, none of that.”
Delaney tips her head back and laughs. “That’s what all the good ones say.”
I quirk a brow at Decker. “Speaking from experience?”
He shrugs. “Don’t bother denying the inevitable, man. Sitting around, waiting for a third opportunity to arise is a waste of resources. Put yourself out there. Keegan and Millie landed in your direct path for a reason. Why not explore what that might be?”
Since when are these two in my corner with rooting rags? “You make it sound so simple.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Nah, not at all.” I don’t do relationships. I won’t even sign up for a gym membership, I’m so commitment phobic. The idea has never appealed to me. Still doesn’t. But having Keegan’s thighs wrapping around me while perching on the back of my bike is tempting as fuck. But that’s a dream for a very different day. “Let’s focus on the reason you’re here.”
Decker claps. “Fuck, yes. I almost forgot.”
Delaney bumps her hip into his. “That’s my job.”
“My queen requires a bigger throne.”
Delaney rolls her eyes, poking him in the arm. “The seat is tiny. My butt requires extra padding. Don’t make me sound like a spoiled brat.”
“Well,” he trails off. “If the glass slipper fits or whatever.”
“You’d be the one to know just how well it fits,” she purrs.
I was wrong. Being near Decker and Delaney is crossing into enemy lines, surrendering to those primal impulses. These two are only highlighting what I’m missing out on. Finding that special someone to love? Must be nice.
Their easy banter sends a stab of fiery longing into my gut. I’ve never had that type of effortless flow with a woman. Any attempts I make are disjointed and sloppy. I trap the bellow bubbling up and avert my gaze. The call to get out on the open highway has never screamed so loud. This conversation cannot wrap up fast enough so I can follow my impulses.
“More space for the lady. Got it.” Maybe I should take the hint and make room for a certain someone, too.
Healing Hug #8: For when the sparkle and shine wear off.
I yank at the hem of my dress, but the stretchy material immediately bounces back to indecent territory. The fabric ends mid-thigh and leaves me far too exposed. How did I let Josey talk me into this? An unladylike snort burns my nose. It’s my fault for setting loose guidelines, if any at all. I fell into her trap after mere moments inside Meadow Kisses. The chic boutique is a favorite of mine, but I’m questioning my taste as of late. Josey snagged this sparkly sequined abomination off the hanger faster than a set of Taylor Swift tickets.
She saw. She shopped. She conquered.
And here I stand, dressed for an occasion of bad decisions.
A chill slithers down my spine while I turn toward the mirror. Blonde hair spills over my bare shoulders in loose waves. My eyes are smoky thanks to a heavy layer of dark shadow. Lashes curled and coated. Smooth complexion with optimal highlighting. Rosy cheeks that blush can take partial responsibility for. I pucker up at my reflection, bright red gloss staining my lips. Considering my usual makeup routine consists of little more than applying mascara, the finished product isn’t half bad. This ridiculous ensemble I stuffed my body into is another story, though.
A high-pitch hum snags my attention. “Mama, you look so pretty.”
I do a twirl, one thousand percent for Millie’s benefit. “Thanks, baby girl.”
“You’re a very pretty princess,” she coos.
“And flattery will get you far, baby girl.” I stroke her silky cheek.
She smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re going out with Josey to have fun.”
“Did she tell you to say that?”
As if hearing her name, my bestie sways into the room as if a sultry tune is playing. The house is silent, aside from the rapid pounding of my heart. Once again, a heavy dose of doubt seeps into me. This is a horrible idea. I clear my throat, preparing to voice the list of reasons why we should stay home.
But when Josey sets her sights on me, a squeal peels off her lips. “Oh my stars, Keke. You’re a knockout. Did I tell you that dress would be a killer or what?”
“You certainly did. And I’m the lucky duck reaping the…benefits.” I give another useless tug to the hem.
She lets another squeak loose. “I’m so jealous of your figure. Check out your mama’s curves, Mills. She’s gonna drive the men wild.”
And it’s my turn to release a sharp screech. “Josephine! Don’t talk like that in front of her.” I turn toward Millie. “We’re just going out for dinner. No guys allowed.”
Her bottom lip pokes out. “Not even Ford?”
I snort out a laugh. “No way. Definitely not him.”
She cranks the pouting up a notch. “But Mama, he likes you.”
Is she serious? The suggestion alone baffles me. I squint at my daughter. “Honey, no. He doesn’t. And that’s okay. We’re thankful he helped us and that’s enough, right?”
Millie narrows her eyes in return. “But he teased you and was super grouchy. I thought that means he likes you? That’s what you always tell me when I cry about mean boys at school.”
Well, she has me there. My daughter is very clever, I’ll give her that. At least she’s been paying attention to me. But this is quite the predicament she’s put me in. I boop her nose. “Adults are different, sweetie.”
Josey snorts. “Yeah, right. Good one.”
I glare at her. “Hush. You’ve done enough already.”
“Such as find you the hottest outfit ever?”
“Exactly.” I slap on a Cheshire grin.
“It deserves repeating. You are so darn fine, Keke. I mean, wow.” She touches my arm, snatching her finger away as if I burned her.
I roll my eyes at her theatrics. “I’m a life-size disco ball.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with that. All eyes will be on you.”
“That’s not what I
