I love that he’s protective of me but worry that the comfort comes from the wrong place—years of conditioning. “I’m meeting a friend who moved back home across the lake.”
The term friend might be a stretch but we’re more than acquaintances.
The light coming through his office door is cut off as his large frame takes up most of the doorway. “Which friend?”
“Madison Shepherd. She’s a teacher. Moved back home to take the position that’s open.”
His shoulders relax as soon as I say her name. Was he jealous that it might be a guy? Interesting.
“I’ll get all of my work done. I promise.”
He motions with his pointer finger for me to come to him. In a heartbeat, he hoists me up. “Behave.”
Then he kisses my lips like we’re in the heat of passion. I reflexively grind against his jeans, but he stills my hips. “Like I said. Behave. None of that until tonight.”
Nathan joins us in the doorway for a kiss then with a swat of my bottom, I’m returned to my feet and set out to see a friend.
I show up right on time and she bounces as she hands me a cappuccino. Has she had a few too many already?
“I’m so glad you came over.”
“Thanks for the invite. I’ve only been back in town a few days and haven’t had a chance to reconnect with anyone.”
Madison bites her lower lip. “You moved in with Carson and Nathan. Seems that you’re finding plenty of fun.” She raises her eyebrows.
I hold my cup in front of my mouth. How do I reply to that? Do they have a reputation? “I’m working for Skylar’s maid service and they hired me to be a live-in for two weeks. Some big project is taking up all of their time.”
I downplay the extent of our relationship.
“But they’re super hot. And rich. Or didn’t you notice? You never dated in high school, did you?”
We’re in uncomfortable territory but owning my past is part of establishing the new me. “I wasn’t allowed to date.”
“Oh. That’s weird. So do you date now?”
“Yeah.” And I’d rather not talk about my dating life. “But hey, you’re back in town, anything exciting going on?”
She beams, and shuffles in her oversized deck chair to get her feet under herself. “Very…it’s still sort of a secret.”
“Secret?” I’ve never been the type of person people tell secrets to. I’d keep them safe but my upbringing didn’t exactly lend itself to having close friends.
She waves her hand toward my house. “Well, since you’re…a maid…for them, I figure we can swap secrets.”
How can she possibly know? I settle my back against the cushion, attempting to appear unfazed. She’s probably just fishing.
As I assumed would happen, she continues, “I’m in a relationship with my ex’s dad and his friend.”
I’m suddenly not ready to have this conversation. Distraction needed. “I’m going shopping this afternoon. I need to pick up some stuff for the online bartending class I’m taking. Want to go with me?”
“Only if you’ll admit that you’re more than their maid…”
Wow, she pulls out all the stops. The guys and I agreed not to tell anyone. “Nothing official.” I wink to let her feel like she has information without divulging any more.
My offer is enough to patch us over, but guilt racks me that my not-really-anything admission will come back to haunt me.
Thirteen
Carson