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If somehow she wasn’t and this whole night had been…well, not even my idea, but I’d benefited for sure. As had Shelby. I just wanted to hear she was okay, then I’d butt out.

“Berry all right? Sorry, this was unexpected.”

“Oh, yes. She’s fine. She just…” She faltered. “Can I speak to Shelby, please?”

“Sure. Of course.” I walked closer to Shelby, holding the phone out of her reach when she made a grab for it. It was a miracle she didn’t swing at my junk. “You’re sure she’s fine though?”

“She’s fine. I didn’t realize you knew Berry?”

“We met a few times. She likes my dog, Bob. He’s a pug.” Shelby stomped on my foot hard enough to make me curse and then she snatched the phone.

I didn’t put up a fight. I knew I was far overstepping my bounds. I’d just been worried and needed to hear for myself Berry was okay.

Somehow I’d gotten in way too deep.

With a sigh, I flopped on the bed and rubbed my foot. First time I’d ever been assaulted post multiple orgasms.

First time for everything.

I listened to Shelby’s side of the conversation, hushed as it was from the bathroom. She’d slammed the door shut so she clearly didn’t want me involved.

Didn’t matter.

I still rose to press my ear to the door to get a read on the situation. The word nightmare was mentioned several times. I winced, feeling for Berry. Those were rough for adults, never mind little kids on a night without their mom.

When Shelby emerged five minutes later, a towel wrapped around her and her face ashen, I went to her and tugged her into my arms. I’d already put on my clothes. “Get dressed and we’ll go get her.”

“What do you meanwe?”

“I’ll drive you,” I said patiently, already expecting her ire. She wasn’t wrong either. “I know I crossed a line by taking your phone. I’m sorry. I just wanted to hear for myself she’s okay.”

Indignation raced across her flushed features. “You don’t trust me to tell the truth about my own kid?”

“Of course, I do. I just had a moment of lawyer dickishness. I admit it, I’m used to being in charge and don’t know how to stay in my own damn lane.” I lifted my hands. “Go ahead. Free shot.”

Her shoulders slumped and she moved into me, pressing her forehead into my chest. “She had a nightmare. Her first one and I wasn’t there.”

“Oh, honey.” I stroked her hair, holding her even as she shuddered.

“You were really worried about her?” She peeked up at me through the still-damp ropes of her hair.

“I really was. She’s a good kid.”

“Yeah.” She let out a hitching breath. “Worse was why she had the nightmare.”

“Snuck up to watch a scary movie?”

She shook her head silently.

“Too much candy before bed?”

She shook her head again.

“Then what?”

“She saw her father on TV. At the gala. There was a clip on the early news. I’m so glad we didn’t go. That you understood I so did not want to go, no matter how good it would look for Designing Women.” She pressed her face against my throat and I hated the wetness on her cheeks.

Absolutely hated it.