“Just make sure he always has food and water. You can call the store if you have questions.” The store? That sounded impersonal.
His eyes narrowed. “I’ll call you.”
“Okay, sure, that’s fine. I’m sure you two will get along great. Oh, and no takebacks.” She muttered the last bit before slamming the door and heading back into the store with an over the shoulder wave.
They burst into laughter after he pulled away. “I can’t believe we did it. Horny Harold is gone!” Maggie was all smiles.
Steph spun on her immediately. “Oh my God, Mags. The chemistry between you two is off the charts. Do you like him?”
Maggie’s smile fell. “What?” she stammered. “I, um, oh crap. Yeah, I think I do. How stupid is that? I hardly know him.”
“Sometimes that’s the way it happens, you know? You’rejust drawn to someone,” Stephanie said.
“I guess. He’s definitely different than my usual type, and we both know that hasn’t been working. Maybe I’ll give hunky and grumpy a try.” She chuckled at her own joke.
“Well, he’s totally into you.”
Not knowing whether that was true or not, she didn’t say anything. At her hesitation, Steph changed the subject. “Are you finally going home now?”
“Yes, geez, I’m leaving.” She got her stuff together and was heading to the door.
“You might want to button that top button on your shirt before you go out,” Steph said with a grin.
Maggie turned back, eyes wide and mortified. Steph laughed and winked. “I better get all the juicy details next week,” she hollered as Maggie hustled out the door, discretely trying to redo her button.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“I’m a little nervous,” confided Jenny. She was on the phone with Maggie, hoping for a last-minute pep talk. “Adam will be here any minute, and I still have no idea what I’m going to say.” It was Saturday night, and Adam was coming over for dinner. The boys were having a sleepover at their friend’s house, and it was the first time they would be alone.
“Just ask him if he’ll still respect you in the morning if you jump him tonight,” Maggie said, trying to lighten the mood. Jenny laughed.
“Can you imagine? Yeah, I don’t think so.”
“You’ll be fine. Adam is so laid-back and easy to talk to. Plus, from what you’ve told me, he seems to really care about you.”
After much thought and many tears, Jenny had finally decided to go for it. She was under no illusion that it would be easy but decided that even if they were only together for a little while, he would be a good man to help her over this hump.
The doorbell rang, and she squealed. “Eek, he’s here.”
“Okay, well, I’m sure you look amazing. You two kids have fun, but be good. Make good choices. Remember who you are!” She hung up before Maggie could impart any morewords of wisdom, but it put a smile on her face as she answered the door.
Adam looked casual in cargo shorts and a button-down shirt. His cropped blond hair was spiked a little in the front, and his green eyes sparkled. His megawatt smile showed straight, white teeth, framed by lips that looked perfectly kissable. His handsomeness was amplified by his affable personality. He held a bottle of wine and a six-pack of root beer. Of course, he’d think of the boys. His thoughtfulness was touching, and emotion nearly overwhelmed her.
Sensing her distress, he pushed his way in, set the drinks on the entryway table, and turned to her. He put his hands softly on her shoulders. “Hey, hey, what’s the matter, honey?” The concern in his eyes was almost her undoing.
“Nothing,” she mumbled. “Seriously, it’s nothing.” She shook her head and smiled. “I’m just glad you’re here.”
He relaxed but didn’t let go. “Good,” he said softly. “I don’t like it when my girl’s not happy.” This comment actually did make her burst into tears. She covered her face with her hands.
Adam took it all in stride. Shutting the door with his foot, he guided her to the front room loveseat and gently made her sit. He grabbed a tissue and sat beside her, putting his hand on her knee. “What’s wrong?”
Jenny took a minute to compose herself and blow her nose. When she finally looked at him, eyes still filled with tears, he understood instantly. Thank God, because she wasn’t sure she’d be able to actually come out and say it.
He relaxed a little and smiled. “You gonna give me a shot, then?”
“Yes.”
He pulled her into his arms and stroked her back. “It’s okay, babe. I get it. You’re a beautiful, complicated woman with a tender heart, and I understand you still love Jimmy.”
