Maybe I’m lucky, and he didn’t.
“Ahh ...” My tongue darts out to wet my lips. “We could all tell her how much she means to us? We could share happy memories?”
“Good idea,” he agrees. For a moment, his eyes drift over my face, then he places his hand on mine and asks, “You look a little tense. Are you okay sitting out here with me?”
My heart races wildly as I answer, “Yes.”
With all his attention focused on me, he asks, “Do you feel safe with me?”
I don’t even have to think about the answer as I admit, “You’re one of the few people I feel safe with.”
“That’s good to hear.” His voice sounds deeper and intimate, causing goose bumps to break out over my skin.
My mind is starting to play tricks on me.
His palm brushes up and down my forearm. “Are you cold?”
Oh God, he noticed the goose bumps.
It’s a hot day, but I don’t want him to think my reaction is because of him, so I nod. “Yeah.” I clear my throat. “It’s a bit cool in the shade.”
The hell it’s not, but please believe my lie.
“Come here,” he murmurs as he lifts his arm.
“Huh?” I can only stare at him with wide eyes as he wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close to his side.
“I’ll keep you warm,” he chuckles.
Is this really happening to me right now?
I lean against Easton, my thoughts racing a mile a minute while conjuring up hopes that have no place sprouting in my heart.
Don’t, Nova. Easton is just being nice. He would’ve done the same for Rachel and Lainey.
“We’re home!” I hear Lainey call out.
I quickly pull away from Easton and dart to my feet. Walking to the open sliding doors, I force a smile to my face and say, “Are you ready to bake?”
“Yes!”
I move closer to the girls and notice Lainey’s best friend looks adorable with her pigtails.
“It’s great to finally meet you, Porsha. Lainey’s told me so many good things about you.”
A pretty smile forms on her face. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
“Nova’s my godmother,” Lainey says with pride in her voice. “But you already knew that.”
I give Lainey a sideways hug, then glance at the kitchen, where Frances is wiping down a counter. “Is there space for us, Frances?”
“Yes. The pizzas are in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them into the oven for twenty minutes.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
A wide smile stretches over Lainey’s face. “Pizza?”
I nod as I walk toward the kitchen. “Last night, you said you’re craving some, so I figured we could have it for dinner.”
