Ask Me Why(12)

I glare at the decorations meticulously lined up on the mantel. “No, he hasn’t been back. Just Ollie and Mary.” My grin returns thinking about that little cutie pie. He’s quickly becoming my favorite customer.

Sadie snaps her fingers. “Well, that’s a bummer. I was hoping to hear more saucy spice.”

I shake my head. “He’s all yours, friend.”

“Uh-huh. Yeah, right.” She doesn’t say more, letting the subject drop. I couldn’t be more thankful.

A comfortable silence surrounds us again. The quiet doesn’t bother me like it does at my place. Being home alone isn’t my preference for that very reason. There are too many memories and ghosts waiting to strike. Sadie has offered to let me move in here on numerous occasions, but I’d be imposing. Sharing a space with me would drag her down. She doesn’t need to be worrying about me at all hours.

I swirl the wine in my glass, watching the pale yellow liquid slosh against the sides. A daze blurs the edges of my vision. I don’t fight the pull, letting my mind wander. I allow my heavy lids to slide shut again. A certain arrogant asshole materializes, wearing a smug smirk on his perfectly angular face. Brance crooks a finger and beckons me closer. My imagination is a slave to his demand. I’m very aware that my cheeks are on fire like the rest of me. The room is suddenly scorching. Steam whooshes around me, and I’m positive all systems are misfiring from overheating.

“What’s on your mind, Brae?”

I crack an eye open, easing out of my self-induced lust-fest. “Uh, nothing much.”

Sadie snorts. “Whatever. Spill.”

“Just work stuff,” I hedge.

“Since when does Thicket make you blush?”

Jeez, could I be more obvious? I scratch my temple, inhale more wine, and dig for an explanation.

“That good, huh?” She giggles into the mouth of her glass.

I focus on the elegant crown molding of her ceiling, avoiding her stare. Droplets splash at my forehead. I swipe the moisture away. “What was that for?”

Sadie points at me. “You’re being lame.”

I mock-gasp. “Me? I didn’t do anything.”

“Exactly!” She tosses her hands up. “Just spit it out already and let me live vicariously.”

Realization suddenly hits me. I’m the one with something interesting to discuss for a change. When was the last time that happened? I can’t remember that far back. I rub my nose and glance at Sadie, who motions for me speak.

“Okay, fine,” I groan. “I might have caught myself thinking about him a time or two.”

She wiggles her brows. “Thinking or fantasizing?”

I hide my burning face in a pillow. “Please. I don’t need more embarrassment.”

She yanks my makeshift shield away. “You deserve this, Brae. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Sadie, I don’t understand what’s going on with me.”

“Hormones, honey.” She taps my arm.

I stick my tongue out at her. “Meh, I’m immune to all that pitter-patter nonsense.”

Sadie rolls her eyes. “Clearly not. You’re reaching the peak of sexuality and need a release. Wake up and smell the man-meat, girlfriend. You’re stuck in limbo, not dead. I bet that guy is fine as hell. I don’t blame you for coming outta hibernation for him.”

“I’m not a bear,” I mutter.

“Mating is natural instinct.”

I slap my knee. “Oh my gosh, are we seriously having this conversation?”

A bouncy shrug. “You brought it up.”

She has me there, dammit. I should have kept my big trap shut.

“Because you practically begged me to,” I counter.

“You’re welcome.”

“What would I do without you?”

She winks. “The real question is, whatcha gonna do about him?”

“Absolutely nothing.” I make sure my flat tone leaves zero space for compromise.

Sadie doesn’t look convinced.

“What if he visits again? Maybe tomorrow,” she coos.

I widen my eyes. “Lord, I hope not.”

Verbally sparring with Brance was one thing. Having a mental breakdown in front of him was something else entirely. I can only assume that extreme reaction was due to my heightened emotions. I was roasting mad, opening the gate for panic to squeeze past my awareness. I’d let my guard down and paid dearly for it. Well, to my pride. Brance is the type to never let me live that down. If I see that jackass again, it’ll be a massacre.

Each time Ollie dashed into Thicket this week, I’d crossed my fingers and toes that Brance wouldn’t be accompanying him. So far, my luck is holding out. But I’m not dropping my shields for a second. My plan is to remain vigilant and on high alert.

Sadie’s heavy sigh breaks the silence. “Okay, fine. Hottie dad hasn’t been by and you couldn’t care less.” Cue exaggerated eye roll. “What about the boy?”

My smile is automatic. “I’ve seen Ollie three or four times this week. My candy sales have never been better.”

“With the nanny?”

I nod. “Or grandma, whatever title she prefers. I haven’t quite figured out their dynamic.”

Her forehead wrinkles. “Where’s his mother?”