“You spent the last few years pretending to be together. Was any of that real? Have you done…you know…it?”
Her cheeks burned and she kept her eyes averted.
“You did. When? Where? Iwant details.”
Damn, she couldn’t lie to Callie. They’d been best friends since their early teens. Callie hadn’t cared who she was or how much money her family had. She was a true friend. And she’d shown her how to be independent. Not to rely on others like her mother relied on her dad.
“Right after Christmas in Vermont.”
“How did I not know this? I was there.”
“You were a bit busy with Jack.”
Sitting back, Callie patted the tiny bump on her belly. “Yeah, I guess I was a little preoccupied. You know stuff likethatcan lead to stuff like this.”
Where did that twinge of envy come from? Heather didn’t want to be pregnant. Now or any time soon, though she was thrilledfor her friend.
“I’m guessing you remembered protection. Not that I regret this at all. It made me reach inside, find the courage and confidence to get the evidence that put Victor away.”
And thank God she had.
“We remembered. It wasn’t my first barbecue, thanks.”
Callie sipped her tea, hiding her grin behind her cup. “Have you and Scott had many of these barbecues?”
“You and Scott are having a barbecue?” Jack Holland walked through the back door. “Isn’t it a little early in the season for that?”
More envy flashed through her as Jack leaned over to kiss his wife. A long, sweet kiss. Why was she envious? She could have guys kissing her if she wanted. Scott would certainly be willing. But where were the ones who held her face and stared deeply into her eyes when they kissed her? Like Jack did with Callie.
Whoa. Wait a sec. That wasn’t what she wanted. Independence. That was her current goal. Her biggest desire in life at the moment. She wouldn’t find it being dependent on some guy. Perhaps once she had this mill project done and proved to her father she could make it on her own, then she could start looking for a full-time man. Not that she needed one of those for her happiness. But it would be nice to eventually have the comfort of one to come home to.
“Why are you home so early?” Callie asked her husband.
“I was working close by and thought I’d stop in fora quick visit.”
The transformation in Callie from a few months ago to now was lovely to see. She finally had the man she loved with her all the time, and they both could be parents to their son and, soon,their new baby.
“Daddy,” Jonathan yelled as he spotted his father.
Jack moved to the living room, scooping the child into hisarms for a hug.
Leaning closer, Callie whispered, “So tell me aboutyou and Scott.”
Keeping her voice low, she said, “There’s nothing to tell. We got a little carried away with all the pheromones you two were giving off and had a one-night stand. Nothing’s happened since.”
“Except him feelingyou up today.”
The heat in her cheeks crept down her neck. “He caught me by surprise. That’s all.”
“But you likedthe surprise.”
“No.” The denial came quick and Callie rolled her eyes.
“Right. That’s why you’re so sexually frustrated.”
“No, I just haven’t done anything since Scott. Any guy would have gotten me hotand bothered.”
“Sure, you keep tellingyourself that.”
