The whoosh of breath echoes her palpable relief. “Really? Oh, you’re a lifesaver. I wasn’t sure if you’d forgiven me for interrupting at the park.”
“That was weeks ago, Jams. I’ve spoken with you numerous times since.”
“You could still be harboring resentment,” she points out unnecessarily.
“Hardly. It shouldn’t have happened to begin with. You saved me from more trouble,” I grumble.
“Please,” she sputters. “You were so pissed at me for getting in the way of what was about to be a very hot smooch.”
“Audria would’ve blocked me.” And rightly so. I had no business trying to kiss her after specifically stating we shouldn’t.
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.”
“It’s better this way. I haven’t seen Audria since that night,” I admit.
“And why not?”
That’s a fair question, but I still grind my molars hearing it. We aren’t necessarily avoiding each other on purpose. I think she went to Minnesota recently to visit family before the school year started. But that only explains a portion of her noticeable absence.
Our mutual attraction has been a cause for concern since we met. Try as I might, I can find no gray area to explore with Audria. My self-control is especially weak when it comes to that woman.
“Things were getting too muddy.” That explanation doesn’t make me feel any better about Audria’s silence.
Jamie hums. “How so?”
“I crossed the line. The damn thing probably would’ve been obliterated if you hadn’t shown up.”
“Well, shit. Now I’m even more sorry for intruding.”
“Don’t be. We aren’t getting involved on purpose. I should be the one apologizing for being an asshole.”
“Eh, I’m used to your surly attitude. Remember how awful you were when I started dating Trevor?”
I chuckle at the reminder. “You’re my sister. It’s my job to protect you.”
“I’m older by eight years,” she chides. “The fact that my teenage brother attempted to chase off guys was purely comical.”
“It worked most of the time,” I drawl.
“Until it didn’t, thankfully. I’d still be single and nearing spinster status. I won’t do you such a disservice.”
“Not like I’m giving you a chance.” I scrub over my forehead. “So, Gabby?”
Jamie squeaks. “Right! How easily I get wrapped up in your drama. Just park in a visitor spot and check in at the main office. The secretaries know who you are, so don’t worry about that. If you arrive before dismissal, it will go much smoother.”
I shut my laptop. “Easy enough.”
“Thank you, thank you! I owe you another meal or two.”
“You’re speaking my language, Jams.”
A loud holler has her yelling several colorful words away from the phone. “I better go. Trevor’s drowning.”
“See you soon. Should I bring any tools?”
“We should be set. You’re doing plenty by getting Gabby. Thanks again.”
I end the call and do my best to organize the chaos strewn across my desk. After fetching my keys and hat, I jog to the nearest exit. My truck gleams in the afternoon sun, the shiny red paint winking at me. That glint will be dull after a stroll down my sister’s dirt road. I guess it gives me an excuse to visit the wash again. I’m all about pampering my baby with a deluxe wax.
Lucky for me—and Gabby—the drive to Bampton Elementary is short. I pull into the lot ten minutes later with several to spare until the school releases the rowdy fleets. After dodging a bus intent on running me over, I stalk into the office and slap on a visitor’s badge. With a deafening ring that I could go my entire life without hearing again, the hallways flood with children. I swear the floors quake from their thundering pace.
A bundle of energy dressed completely in pink dashes toward me. Before I can brace myself, she crashes into my legs. I stagger with an audible oomph. That only makes her squeeze my legs in a more punishing grip.
“Uncle Ree! What’re you doing here?” Gabby showcases several missing teeth with a massive grin. The tooth fairy doesn’t lack for work with this one nearby. Her happiness is infectious, and I find myself wearing a smile to match hers.
I kneel down to be at her level. “Your parents are busy at home. They sent me to pick you up instead. Is that okay?”
Her brown curls bounce when she nods. “Yes! This is a super-fun surprise. Can we stop for ice cream?”
“Most likely?” Asking her mom would probably be best, but this girl’s impossible to deny.
She pumps her tiny fist. “You’re the best uncle ever.”
I never point out that I’m her only uncle. The compliment inflates my pride a bit more that way. “And you’re the sweetest niece. Did you have a good day?”
“Uh-huh, the best. My teacher is so cool.”
“That’s great, peanut.” I’m well aware that Gabby struggled in first grade. Jamie told me that this year is already off to a much better start. “What’s her name?”
“Miss Griffin. She’s right there.” Her arm flings blindly to the right.
Hovering mere feet behind my niece is none other than Audria. My eyes widen at the unexpected sight of her. But why am I the least bit surprised? She works here, for fuck’s sake. Talk about an added complication. A groan escapes me without warning. I tuck my chin, cursing the higher power responsible for this mess.
Gabby giggles, crushing a palm to her mouth. “Isn’t she so pretty?”
Fucking stunning is more like it. She’s pulled her blond hair into a messy knot with a few stray curls teasing her jawline. Faded jeans on the optimal side of snug hug her toned thighs. Her slightly tilting lips are glossy with something I want to lick off. Even after a full day of dealing with rambunctious kids, she’s sexier
