Ask Me Why(41)

“I always wanted a dog. I begged my parents incessantly to no avail. They didn’t want another mouth to feed.” I wrinkle my nose, the stench of those memories a sour burn.

Sadie tilts her head toward me. “What’s stopping you?”

I pick imaginary lint off my shorts. “I’m cautious to accept that level of responsibility.”

She quirks a brow. “You own a business.”

“That’s different. Thicket isn’t a living, breathing being.”

“You could kill it off just the same.”

I choke on a gasp. “Harsh.”

“Truth.” Sadie lifts a shoulder. “And we both know you’d adopt Ollie in a heartbeat.”

I part my lips, but nothing comes out. How do I respond to that without giving myself away? The mere suggestion of having that adorable boy around permanently is too much. My fractured spirit can’t handle that as a feasible possibility, so I settle on whispering, “That’ll never happen.”

Sadie huffs. I imagine her eyes rolling behind those mirrored shades she’s wearing. “Don’t get mopey on me. We’re focusing on being positive.”

I nudge her side. “I’m all good.”

She slides her sunglasses down, giving me a once-over. “You’re different.”

“Jeez, thanks. Not like I didn’t already know.” I feel a strain locking up my body, preparing to battle whatever threat crops up.

She shoves me. “Not like that. You’re acting like the old Braelyn. I should have used the word better or cheerful. You’re the girl I met in advanced marketing our senior year.”

With her observation, the tension in my muscles ease. I blow out a long breath. “Thanks. I like to think so. It’s been over a month since I’ve had a really bad attack. And that class was brutal. I wouldn’t have passed without you.”

Sadie purses her lips. “Um, no. It was the opposite, and we don’t need to lie. You carried my ass that final semester.”

I track a puffy cloud through the blue sky. “Just trying to give you a boost, Dee.”

She taps her chin. “Well, in that case, how’s Mister Tall, Broody, and Sexy?”

“Really? Talking about him will make you happy?” It takes a ton of effort to keep my voice level. Just hearing that man’s nickname makes me squirm.

Sadie bobs her head. “Oh, yes. Super-giddy. Let me live vicariously.”

Traitorous butterflies wake up and take flight in my belly. “I guess he’s fine. We’ve reached somewhat of a civil agreement.” If nothing else, I have a better understanding of his rude attitude and abhorrence to women.

She begins to fake-snore at maximum volume. The grating noise attracts attention from people nearby. I dip my chin and look the opposite way. Sadie scoots closer, shutting down my plans for escape.

“Was that snooze-alert too subtle? I expect more than that.” She twirls two fingers, motioning for me to spill.

“Such as?”

“He storms into Thicket and ravishes you,” she replies.

Tingles dance the Cha-Cha up my legs. My breathy sigh gives me away. “That was a great day.”

“Mm-hmm, I need a deal like that. My lips haven’t been sucked on in months.”

I laugh. “A kiss would suffice.”

“Nope. I want passion all up in my lady bits.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but that appears to have been a one-time thing. Brance hasn’t given any indication of another round.”

She slaps her thigh. “That’s bogus. How long has it been?”

I flip my hand top to bottom. “Two weeks?”

“But he’s been by?”

“Yep, with Ollie.” A smile lifts my cheeks.

Sadie snaps her fingers. “Damn. I want another juicy rendezvous.”

“Me too,” I whisper.

“Maybe he’s playing hard to get?”

My snort is loud and cracks through the boisterous ruckus streaming from all corners of the park. “That’d be a big hell no.”

She reaches for her drink. Most of the ice is melted and condensation drips down to her lap. “I might as well order my tea hot in this weather.”

I grab my own beverage and take a sip of the lukewarm liquid. “We can go for ice cream in a bit.”

As if hearing our plans, a bolt of youthful energy zooms toward us. That bundle of vibrant color comes to a screeching halt in front of me. I blink, and Ollie appears from the blur of dust.

“Miss Braelyn!” The wide grin he’s donning reveals all of his teeth. “What’re you doing here?”

I bend forward and ruffle his unruly mop of hair. “Hey, Ollie. What a nice surprise. I’m enjoying the great outdoors with my friend.” I look to her, nodding at him. “Sadie, meet Ollie. He’s my best customer.”

He preens with my praise, puffing out his chest. “Thicket is my most favorite shop ever.”

Sadie beams at him. “Doesn’t Braelyn have the best candy? I love it.”

Ollie bounces on his toes. “So do I. Sometimes on Saturday she gives me extra.”

“Lucky duck. You must be super-special.” She winks at him, and they exchange a high-five.

“I sure am.” He does a little jig, showing us his best moves. There’s not a shy bone in this kid’s body. “Right, Miss Braelyn?”