Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
She blinked again, processing my words.
“A friend,” she murmured. “I haven’t had one of those in a long time.” She huffed out a deep sigh. “The last one I had slept with my husband and stole him from me.”
My eyes widened at her statement. Then she met my gaze with a shrug. “Not that he was much of a prize, as it turns out. I am better on my own, I think.” And she smiled. A real smile. It softened her features, transforming her into a pretty woman. “Still…”
I reached out and rubbed her arm. “That must have devastated you. I can understand it would be hard to trust people, but if you want to try, I would like you to come.”
She bit her lip. “Can I–can I think about it?”
“Of course. Let me know.”
She swallowed and turned for the door, and I returned to my desk to pick up my things. “Amy,” she began, waiting until I looked up from getting my purse.
“Thank you. For being kind. For the offer. After the way I behaved, I really don’t deserve it, but I’m grateful. And I think I would like to go.”
“Okay. We can talk about it this week. Maybe have lunch one day.”
Another smile broke out on her face. “Okay. Have a good weekend.”
“You too.”
She left, and I picked up my phone, seeing a message from Simon.
Simon
Simon says hurry home, Chippy. We got pizza and movies.
And my mouth misses yours.
I smiled at the screen and typed a reply.
Amy
On my way.
Amy needs Simon too.
He replied as I walked across the parking lot to my car.
Simon
Good.
We’re waiting.
My footsteps became faster.
Simon frowned after he finished chewing his last bite of pizza. “What do you think has caused this change?”
I sipped my wine, the mellow tones of the red washing over my taste buds. Simon always had good wine on hand. Mia had finished her pizza and was busy arranging our snuggle area for the movie fest. I had told him about the conversation with Eleanor and my impromptu invitation.
“I don’t know for sure, but it has something to do with what happened last week. It was as if I proved something to her. What, I have no idea. And I don’t know if she will come with us or not. I spoke to Holly, and she was fine with it. She said Eleanor had made a point to say hello to her twice this week, and she noticed that she smiled more at the children.” I took another sip of wine. “I think something terrible happened to her, Simon. More than her divorce. Maybe what she needs is a friend or two to help her.”
He leaned close, cupping my face. He kissed me. Once. Twice. Three times. “God, I love you,” he breathed out. “You are incredible.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You could turn your back. Ignore her. Treat her the way she has treated you. Instead, you extend an olive branch.”
“I’m just trying to be nice.”
“You are still incredible.”
“Well, I’m glad you think so.”
He sat back, picking up his wine. “Now, about this craft fair you’re attending. Evan is gonna have to watch the kids. A client is coming to town to meet with me. He agreed to come here since I was just in Toronto and I’m not willing to go back so soon. He says he is going to bring his wife and make a holiday out of it. So I spoke with Evan, and he is going to keep the kids busy. We’ll have supper at their place after. He is planning on a feast. He got a new smoker he is dying to try out.”
I chuckled. “It’s almost November.”
“Doesn’t matter. Cook outside, eat inside. It’s barbecue, woman.”
I had to laugh. He and Evan were crazy for barbecue.
“Sounds good.”
“If your day goes well with Eleanor, invite her to dinner.”
“Oh, that is a good idea.”
He smiled and leaned close again, capturing my mouth. This time, the kiss was deeper. Hotter. Wetter. He cupped the back of my head, angling his to get closer. He hummed in satisfaction as our tongues stroked together. I sighed, slipping my arms around his neck, losing myself to the taste and feel of him.
Until Mia ran in, sliding in front of us.
“You’re kissing again?”
We broke apart, both of us smiling.
“Amy had something in her eye,” Simon fibbed. “I was looking really closely.”
“Daddy,” she admonished, shaking her head in vexation. “I’m not a baby. I know what kissing looks like.”
He grinned, not at all ashamed of being caught. “Blankets ready?”
“Yes. But you hafta get in your jammies,” she insisted.
I headed for the stairs. “That sounds amazing. I’m looking forward to this.”
“I picked the movies!” Mia exclaimed.
“I bet Dory is in the lineup,” Simon muttered behind me on the stairs. “At least she’ll be so busy watching, she won’t see us making out.”