Millie’s bottom lip wobbles, and I wince. “Okay, Mama.”
“You’re not in trouble, baby girl. Just turn the sass down a couple notches.” I snort at the irony. There’s no question where she learned it from. Keegan whips a glare at me. “Do you have something to add?”
I hold up my hands. “Nope.”
Millie remains rooted in place, her gaze set on me. “Can we hang out again soon?”
Keegan lays a gentle palm on her daughter’s back. “I’m sure he’s a busy man, sweetie.”
“Didn’t we already cover this once?”
“I’m trying to help you out, Ford.”
“I don’t need rescuing.” Especially when I’m already heading straight for hell.
“If you open this door, she won’t close it.”
“Will you?”
Her eyebrows soar into her hairline. “What are you getting at?”
“There’s no harm meeting me in a few agreed-upon locations, right?”
“I can’t even begin to imagine where those might be.”
“There are several parks and trails nearby. I’ve been taking Patch out into public more. Socialization and all that.”
“Oh, that’s rich, coming from you.” A scoff packed with disbelief tumbles out of her. “Millie will be relentless now.”
“Not always a bad quality, if it’s aimed in the right direction.”
Keegan stares at me, fiery emeralds blazing into my blackened core. “Lucky for me, I tend to search the left first.”
Healing Hug #17: Offering support is never a weakness.
Against my better judgment, and every single gut instinct compelling me to bust a U-turn, I pull into a gravel lot that marks our final destination. I glance out the windshield to get a lay of the unfamiliar land. This is another expansive piece of Silo Springs that’s been left untouched, for the most part. The huge grassy field, sprawling far and wide, is sectioned off with chain-link fencing. A large board plastered with multiple columns of rules is visible from where I sit, huddling in the safety of my car.
The twisting clench in my belly increases. “Maybe this isn’t such a great idea.”
“You’re such a chicken.” Josey snorts from her spot beside me.
Millie gasps from the backseat, and I glare at my best friend. “Calling people names isn’t very nice, Josephine.”
“She’s right, JoJo. You should apologize.” Millie’s scold has the power to make grown men weep.
I cross my arms, giving Josey the smuggest grin on history. “I also accept chocolate and lattes.”
“Getting backed up by a seven-year-old. You must be so proud.” She flicks some hair over her shoulder with a flourish.
I turn off the ignition and turn to face my accuser. “I certainly am. She follows the rules and never gets into trouble.”
“Uh-huh, I’m a good listener. My mama is, too. That’s why we’re meeting Ford. He asked us to, and we don’t want to make him sad.” Millie unbuckles her straps, wiggling in the slightly raised booster. Elsa perks up from the commotion and stares out the window. Her tail begins whipping against the door when she catches sight of where we are.
“We shouldn’t leave him waiting.” Josey motions to the entrance gate.
“You’re coming with me,” I grumble.
“Obviously. Why else would I tag along?”
“For a good show?”
“True. You’re providing the entertainment today.”
“I’m beginning to regret inviting you.”
“Make up your mind, woman. No wonder you’re driving Ford crazy.”
It’s my turn to gasp. “That’s not true. We did each other wrong.”
Josey waves me off. “Mutual fault is boring. I prefer to pretend you have all the ass kissing to do.”
Millie releases another squeak of outrage. “JoJo said a bad word!”
My friend flinches. “Crud, I’m sorry.”
“I’ll be expecting your dollar in the swear jar by sundown.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Such a stickler.”
“Just wait until you have kids. The last thing I want is one of her teachers calling me to say she’s using potty talk.”
“Oh, that’s too cute.” She winks at Millie.
I pinch her arm. “Don’t be a bad influence. I can’t even deal with you right now.”
“It’s only going to get worse once we catch up with your lover boy.” Josey smacks her lips.
An exaggerated groan vibrates my chest. “Please don’t embarrass me.”
“I make no promises.” And with that, she hops out of the car.
I scramble to follow her lead, grabbing Millie and Elsa along the way. My daughter giggles when her new best friend spins circles around us. Someone is definitely ready to play. My pulse crashes louder with each hurried step. Crawford better show or he’ll be the unfortunate recipient of my mama wrath. I pray that this isn’t the biggest mistake I’ll ever make.
We make it five feet inside of the gate when Millie takes off running. I’m about to call for her to wait when I see who she’s racing toward. Crawford is sitting on a lone bench, looking hot enough to give me acid reflux. I’m certain the green shirt he’s wearing brings out the color in his eyes. How doomed I am to already be imagining that belly-fluttering view?
My stride turns into more of a stomp as we cover the remaining distance.
Josey tips her head back and laughs. “You’re so screwed.”
I wish.
Instead of letting the truth slip, I shoot her a glare. “Oh, hush. I’m just frustrated in general.”
“I can see why.” She nods in Crawford’s direction. “How in the world do you resist that walking orgasm?”
I allow my gaze to follow her rapt focus. What I find has the breath stalling in my lungs, setting a fire inside the very center of me.
Millie is jumping up and down, flailing her arms in animated circles, while talking so fast it sounds like gibberish. Crawford is just watching and listening, giving her the softest smile. Just like that, my ovaries go into hyperdrive.
“Oh, dear Lord.” I reach out, wildly gripping onto my friend’s elbow.
She giggles. “Yep. Super screwed.”
“You’re not helping,” I spit. A string of the most foul expletives tickle my tongue.
“Be patient.” Josey pastes on the most obnoxious smile I’ve had the displeasure of seeing. If Crawford didn’t hear us talking about him, her megawatt grin is certain to clue him in.
His keen eyes zero in on me
