“I’m still in the shallow end. I’m only here so Babushka will stop answering my phone.”
“Oh hell…” Heather stepped into the fray and rolled her eyes like a woman who was fully versed in Babushka and had had loads of practice. “Did she hire herself at your office?”
“She thinks she’s my receptionist. She’s answering the phone all wrong. She’s talking to prospective clients all wrong. She said she won’t stop unless I come tonight, so here I am.”
Anna worried her top lip. “I didn’t realize it was this bad.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” Roman’s rich voice moved across Sadie’s skin like satin.
Heather looked as unconvinced as Sadie felt. “Babushka involved in your office doesn’t seem like the shallow end. Besides, maybe we can skip all of that since you’re Roman’s girlfriend.”
Sadie’s expression turned cold. “I’m not his…” She let out a long breath.
Anna’s expression turned to one of total concern. “That’s what Babushka said.”
“Ha.” Sadie laughed a little dramatically. “No.”
“Oh.” Heather looked surprised. “Jase confirmed it.”
“Heather.” Roman’s tone was pure warning.
“Oh?” Sadie asked in response. “Why would he think that?”
“Babushka just said Roman was bringing his girlfriend to meet the family.” Anna shifted. “It’s been the topic of conversation for the past twenty minutes. You’ll be happy to know that everyone’s really excited about Roman dating an attorney. It’s going over so much better than when Jase brought Heather home. It’s totally unfair if you ask me.”
What had happened then? Sadie nearly asked. But nope. Didn’t matter. Wasn’t any of Sadie’s business.
Roman stood still behind Sadie. He didn’t touch her. Still, she knew he was there from the way the hairs on her arms stood on end and the way Heather kept looking at him with questioning eyes.
“What else did Babushka say?” Roman asked.
“That you are adorable together.” Anna glanced away.
“That she helped you pick out an engagement ring,” Heather added.
Sadie sucked in extra oxygen to help the neurons in her brain. She was certain they were misfiring and not interpreting data correctly.
Roman’s hand settled on her shoulder and Sadie got the message loud and clear. Babushka was making up reality and he was going to handle it.
“What else?” he asked Anna.
Yes, that.
“She just said that she thinks Sadie will make an excellent addition to the family and she likes her hips,” Anna said.
Roman blew a breath from his cheeks and nudged Sadie with his elbow. “You do have nice hips.”
Sadie whacked him on the solid muscle of his arm.
“It’s true,” he said.
“You know what? This doesn’t matter,” Sadie reassured herself. “I’m only here to ensure Babushka stops trying to answer my phone. I don’t care if there are rings or necklaces or baby giraffes. I want her to stop.”
“For what it’s worth.” Heather started. Then stopped. Then glanced at Roman. Then started again. “I’m grateful for her. I ended up with Jase because of her.”
Sadie’s thoughts turned fuzzy and her lips parted. “Seriously?”
“C’mon, would that be the worst thing that could happen?” Roman nudged Sadie’s arm.
