To Maggie’s regret, they had to postpone their date. Sherry had come down with a summer cold, and Maggie didn’t feel comfortable imposing on the guys next door yet again after the zoo trip.
Reggie completely understood. So they flirted on the phone Saturday night once Emily went to bed.
It constantly surprised Maggie how much she enjoyed talking to him. Reggie’s deep laugh warmed her every time, and she liked that he appreciated her sense of humor and intelligence. Before she knew it, the hour had reached eleven. She only knew because a yawn took her by surprise.
“I guess I should let you go,” Reggie said with regret.
Maggie couldn’t believe they’d been talking for over an hour. It felt as if only a few minutes had passed. “Yes. But don’t forget, we need to reschedule that dinner I owe you.”
“About that…”
He’s going to break it off but do it gently. Damn. I knew this was too good to last.
“How about you bring Emily over for brunch tomorrow? She can visit Frank, and you can see how masterful I am with eggs and bacon.”
Relieved he hadn’t broken things off, she teased, “You had me at bacon.” She had to stop second-guessing him and herself. “Can I bring anything other than Emily?”
“No. Just you two. And, ah, this isn’t a date. At least, not between you and me.”
“It’s not?” Ah, yes, their agreement to keep things strictly between them.
“Think of it as a friendly foster meeting for Frank. He’s missing Emily. And I have a feeling she’s probably missing him.”
“You have no idea. She loves him.” And wouldn’t it be heartbreaking if they couldn’t keep the puppy?
“Yeah, well, I just want you to know I’m sticking to the plan. We keep our new dating life to ourselves. Tomorrow’s just a friendly brunch.”
“Brunch. Sounds perfect. Emily will be so excited. But, sadly for you, you’re second place in her affections toa dog.”
He laughed, as she’d intended. She didn’t want him feeling pressured to entertain her daughter, but Emily had been asking about the puppy.
“Touché. I’ll see you two tomorrow morning. Say, ten o’clock?”
“Perfect. Thanks, Reggie. We’ll see you then.” Just after she disconnected, she received a text from Benny.
Got time to talk?
The guys normally didn’t call so late. She hoped everything was okay. She texted back,Sure. Door’s open.
Maggie unlocked the door and grabbed some water to drink. Benny entered after a brief knock.
Tall, gruff, and intimidating, even in plaid pajama pants and a Skynyrd T-shirt, Benny walked in carrying a bottle of beer. He closed the door behind him before walking toward her.
If she hadn’t known him, she wouldn’t want to cross him. Ever.
But his typical expression—menacing with a bite of I-dare-you-to-screw-with-me—turned into a wide smile upon seeing her. “My favorite short lady, not counting the tiny one sleeping in the back.”
“My favorite giant. How’s it going, Benny?”
She stood to hug him, and he lifted her in his arms, easily holding her off her feet as well as managing his beer.
She gasped. “Put me down, you big oaf.”
He laughed and set her down before taking a seat on the couch. He lounged and sipped his beer.
Maggie sank into the plush cushion next to him. “Thanks again for taking Emily to the zoo the other day. She had so much fun.”
“Us too.” Benny smiled. But he seemed a little off.
