Rae felt a funny little twinge of longing at the thought but pushed it aside. She couldn’t afford to consider him as anything more. Their friendship was too important to risk with anything like casual dating, too important to both her and her children. Besides, he’d never looked at her as anything but a friend either. She gave herself a mental shake. It didn’t matter anyway.
With a sigh of relief, Rae typed in the last of the information and glanced at the clock. Perfect timing. She’d be ready to handle her route peeps who’d be bringing in their receipts. Unless something unexpected came up, she’d get out of here on time.
“Now that you’re finished, love, you’ve earned a break.” Jason grinned as he walked back to Rae’s desk.
She gave a mental groan.
* * *
Dylan Rademaker dashedinto the office, grateful to be out of the rain. A couple of his accounts had called to reschedule their service even though he’d explained the rain wouldn’t be a problem. Now he’d have to play catchup for the houses he hadn’t been able to spray today. As much as he loved the spring, it could be a pain.
He hung up his rain gear and pulled out the money from the customers who preferred to pay in cash. When it was raining, he had to be careful to keep the bills from getting soggy. That drove Rae crazy.
Rae. His heart swelled whenever he thought of her. He’d fallen for her big time, her and her sweet kids. Between them and his nephew Jayden, Dylan had the family he’d always wanted but never had. Except for the fact that she’d friend-zoned him, he was happy.
Amelia had been working with him the last month to change that. She’d taken to dropping hints to Rae it was time for her to start dating again. It was Dylan’s job to find a way for her to see him as more than a best friend. So far, he hadn’t been able to bring up the subject. Every time he’d tried, his brain and mouth had refused to work together.
He was about to step into her office when he heard a second voice. Jason Lee. Dylan poked his head around the doorjamb just enough to catch a glimpse of the guy before pulling back.
Why washein there? Rae didn’t do his books. Dylan frowned, edging closer so he could hear better.
“Ah, come on, Rae. You need to do something for yourself for once,” Jason was saying in thatcome-hithertone he used with all the females on the staff, even Amelia who could have been his mother.
“My kids are my priority. Besides, it hasn’t been a year yet.”
“What’s magical about a year anyway? You just need to get out and have a good time for a change. Feel like a woman again.”
And Lee thoughthewas going to make her feel that way? Lee was a big-time player and probably thought since she was a lonely widow she’d be easy prey. The edge of Dylan’s vision turned red.
“Hold your horses,” Amelia whispered from behind Dylan, taking his arm.
Only then did he realize he’d taken a step forward, his fists clenched. He let her pull him away from the door.
“Did you hear that?” he hissed.
“Yes, and it’s not unexpected. He’s been asking questions about her for a couple of weeks.”
“And you didn’t think to say anything tome?” Dylan didn’t try to shake the feeling of betrayal.
“Don’t you get snarky with me,” Amelia said. “I’m on your side, remember? But you’re going to have to tread lightly here unless you’re willing to risk what you already have with her.”
He let out a breath, his shoulders sagging. “You’re right.”
Amelia was always right. She loved Rae too and wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of her vulnerability. And shewasvulnerable. Did Rae know that though? She was so focused on her children that he and Amelia often had to remind her to take care of herself too. Had they set her up for vultures like Jason?
Dylan wanted more from her than friendship, but if he didn’t handle it right, he risked losing even that.
“What am I going to do? How can I protect her?”
“First thing.” Amelia poked his chest. “Remember she’s a grown woman, so don’t you get into full-on rescue mode. She needs a partner, not someone who thinks she’s stupid and can’t figure things out for herself.”
“But—”
“No. What we need is to provide her with choices . . . and a little sabotage when necessary.” Amelia now wore a mischievous grin.
“What are you thinking, you devious woman?”
“For one, she’s been taking you for granted, Dylan. You’ve been such a great support to her she’s put you in the friend-zone.”
