being stifled. Even the thought of taking one more day off stressed her out
so bad that she could barely breathe. She did feel bad for Chloe, but it was
the best she could do. It really stung that it obviously wasn’t even close to
good enough. If she wasn’t at work, she was a bad business owner. If she
wasn’t with her child, she was a terrible mother. Either way, she lost. Was
this what it meant to own a business?
Outside, in the warm sun, Taylor put all her energy into making up
for lost time. Digging holes and sticking posts was a good work out, at the
very least. Of course, her thoughts were on Chloe the entire time.
Christina’s words stayed with her, needling under Taylor’s skin. She wasn’t
a bad mom. She seriously freaking wasn’t. She’d find someone to watch
Chloe even if she had to stay home for a week. If that delayed the business
opening, then it freaking delayed it.
Chapter 13
Christina
Christina brought a huge bag with her to work the next day. She’d gone
out shopping late last night, after going home and being eaten alive by her
guilt about her comments the day before.
As soon as Taylor walked in the door with her daughter, Christina was
ready. She purposely did not let herself notice how beautiful Taylor looked.
As per usual, she tamped down the rising tide of desire that swept over her
and focused on something else instead of the heat gathering in every single
bit of her body.
She approached Taylor and Chloe and held out the bag, which was
overflowing with arts and crafts supplies, and various toys. Chloe had the
sweetest little face. She was an adorable little girl, even if Christina really
didn’t like kids. Her big green eyes were exactly like Taylor’s. She had a
smattering of freckles and the sweetest little lips. Her dark hair was long
and combed into a ponytail held in place with a pink scrunchie. She really
was utterly adorable. One day, she’d easily be as beautiful as her mother.