Her face brightens suddenly. “Oh, wait. Speaking of away. Are you going on the Vegas trip?” Her eyes widen, eager and hopeful, and somehow it makes me feel… included, like I belong in a little world I don’t usually get invited into.
“I can’t wait,” I tell her.
She claps her hands together, practically bouncing. “Me too!”
I step back inside, the quiet of the house folding around me once more. I close the jar of treats and tuck it into the cupboard, the faint smell of baked sweetness lingering in the air. Washing my hands, I glance out the window and watch the kids hurry home with Poppy bounding after them.
And that little tug—that quiet, persistent ache of longing—slides through me again, sharper than it has in weeks. Why does it hit me so hard these days? I’m not sure, I only know It’s now impossible to ignore.
I finish my last sip of coffee, push back from the table, and head outside. The warm morning air hits my face, and I squint against the soft sunlight filtering through the trees. I greet a few neighbors who’ve grown used to seeing me leave Jaxon’s place—half smiles, nods, casual hellos—and I slide into my car, seatbelt clicking into place. Muscle memory takes over, and I drive the familiar route without really thinking, until I find myself parked in front of Golden Grinds. My stomach tightens. Will Matt be here?
The door swings open before I even reach for it. “You’re running late,” a familiar voice says from behind. Heavy and effortless, it has that curious edge I know too well. Billy. I don’t need to turn to confirm it.
I step inside, then glance over my shoulder. “Thanks. Yes, running late. Did I miss anything at work?”
“Nope.” He winks, a little grin that says I owe him. “I covered for you when the boss came looking.”
I exhale quietly, letting a fraction of relief wash over me. We move toward the counter, and I steal a glance around. Matt isn’t here. Probably gone, considering my arrival is later than usual.
“Looking for someone?” Billy asks, voice casual, though I can tell he’s curious…digging.
“No.” I shake my head, trying to keep my tone even. Just then, the barista approaches. I place my order and glance at Billy. “I’ll get his too.”
He smirks. “Thanks.”
I tap my card against the machine, confirming payment for both of us. “Thank you… for covering for me,” I add, a little softer this time.
We step to the side, waiting for our drinks. Billy’s gaze lingers on me, the hint of something probing in his eyes. “Everything okay?” he asks. “You’ve been running late a few times.”
“Been staying at Jaxon’s,” I admit. “It’s further out than my place. I just need to adjust my mornings to account for the commute.”
His grin widens, but there’s a sparkle of mischief too. “Ah, that makes sense. He’s away right now. He must have given you your own key.”
“Yes, he did.” I’m not sure I want to know where he’s going with that.
His eyes narrow slightly, and I instinctively inch back. He’s fishing for details. “You two became a thing, fast. Anything I should know?”
I shake my head, keeping it light. “No. Just old friends who reacquainted and realized there was something there.”
He arches a brow, challenging. “Here I thought it was Matt you liked.”
Was it that obvious? I force an uncomfortable laugh. “Nope. It’s Jaxon.”
Billy’s grin shifts into something amused and slightly scandalized. “Hot and heavy at lightning speed.”
Hot and heavy… I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from rolling my eyes. Sure, we might be, but give me a break.
Then his eyes widen, darting down to my midriff. “Wait. Don’t tell me you’re?—”
“God, Billy, no. Why do you jump to such crazy conclusions?”
“Not crazy. Not really.”
I shiver at the thought, even as logic steadies me. I can’t even imagine it—getting pregnant would throw all the trust we’ve built into flames. But it’s not something I have to worry about. IUD. Done. Nothing’s going to happen.
He tilts his head, cluelessly earnest. “Isn’t marriage and a baby what every woman wants?”
I blink. My irritation flares. He’s so completely out of touch it’s maddening. “No,” I blurt, sharper than intended. “Not all women want that.”