“Yes, he’s napping right now. He’s my boyfriend actually.”
Sherri was middle-aged with silvery streaks in her dark hair. Big, brown eyes behind her red rimmed glasses gave her a smart look. Her smile never faltered. “Do you guys have a security system or any cameras?”
Taken aback, I stumbled for words. “I’m sorry—what?”
“I have something to give you, but wanted to make sure there wouldn’t be any footage.”
I shook my head. Who asks something like that? “Yeah, uhm, no.” My pulse shot sky high—what person asks that? “We—we don’t have any cameras.”
She reached into her purse and handed me a business card. She lowered her voice, like she was afraid someone might overhear us. “I’m sorry to creep you out.” Her smile melted, and tender concern lines drew her eyebrows together. “Muffin wakes up to go to the bathroom early every morning. So I was awake and heard commotion the other night. Saw what happened.” She shook her head. “I probably should’ve come out and done something—helped you somehow—but I got scared for some reason. Pretty silly, honestly. And I’m sorry I didn’t.”
A hot, sticky flush slowly climbed into my ears.
“My first husband was a very cruel man.We had a few children together and, well, when he started being cruel to them, I knew it was time to go. Past time, actually.” She shrugged. “I wanted you to have my cell number, work number, and I wrote my work schedule on the back. If you ever need help or want to leave, I’ll help with whatever I can.”
I opened my mouth but no words came. My face was on fire.
“I’m sorry if this was too personal?—”
“No, no. It’s okay, Sherri.” I resisted the urge to fan my heated face. “Me and Kacey…I’m embarrassed, but I also really appreciate it.”
“Don’t be embarrassed.” She pressed her lips together, blinking tears back. “I’ve been there.” She changed her tone back to peppy and looked at Kacey. “Well, sweetheart, Muffin is going to hate me for this, but I got to go to work.”
“Kacey, can you say bye-bye to Muffin?” I urged him as my throat tightened with emotion. “He has to go home now.”
He leaned to kiss Muffin’s head. “Bye-bye, Muffin!”
We exchanged goodbyes and she left.
My mind whirled from our conversation.
I had settled onto the front steps when my cell phone vibrated in my hand. I frowned at the screen. A Chicago number? Probably a collection agency. I ignored the call and examined the business card in my lap.
Sherri knew. Mortification and relief competed in my chest.
I stiffened as the screen door creaked. I shoved the card underneath my sweatshirt, lodging it deep inside my bralette. Just as I slipped my hand out, Chris settled next to me on the steps. His ash brown hair was mussed. “It feels amazing out here.”
“I’ve been shivering.”
He put an arm around my shoulder and pinched my sleeve. “It’s ‘cause you’re wearing this old thing. Why won’t you get rid of it?”
He was baiting me to bring up Tag again. He asked even though he knew full well I loved this Schrute Farms sweatshirt because Tag got it for my birthday one year.
My phone buzzed again. Same number.
“Who’s that?”
I shrugged. “Stupid sales call.” Chris entwined his fingers with mine, and we sat in silence, watching Kacey run around the yard.
He moved to the step below me and turned to look into my face. I tried not to grimace when he leaned forward to kiss me. Forced my lips to kiss him back. Last thing I wanted was to rock the boat. He lingered with the kiss, placing his hands at my sides. His lips sweeping over mine made my stomach turn. It was all I could do not to push him away.
To any onlooker, we were a happy couple enjoying an intimate moment on the porch.
He forcefully deepened the kiss. I knew rejecting him would make my night harder, so I played along as best I could. But when his hands snaked under my sweatshirt and grabbed my breasts, I had to push him away. Couldn’t risk him feeling the jagged edges of Sherri’s card beneath fabric.
“Chris!” I backed away and crossed my arms over me, faking a smile. “Not in front of Kacey.”
He smiled and winked. “Later.”
