“Okay,” I whisper, the words thick with emotion.
“Come here.” He pulls me into his strong arms, and I don’t hesitate to return his embrace. It’s exactly what I needed in this moment. I feel his lips press against my head before I force myself to step back. “I’ll be here Monday bright and early. You have my number, right?”
“I think so.”
“Grab your cell and make sure you still have it. I still have yours. I’ll call to see if you need anything on my way into the office tomorrow, and on my way home. We’re not meeting until noon.”
Stepping around the couch, I grab my phone from the coffee table and pull up my contacts, finding his name. I quickly type out a text.
Me: It’s Amanda.
* * *
His phone beeps, and he grins. “Good. Now, if you need me or need to go anywhere, you call me.”
“Thank you, Will.”
“Anytime. Lock up behind me,” he says, moving toward the door. With one last look and a wave, he’s gone.
I do as he says and lock up before moving to the couch and plopping down. What a long, weird, and unexpectedly good day. My phone beeps, and I smile, expecting it to be Will asking if I locked up, but it’s Bellamy. Guilt sits heavy on my chest. I just spent the evening with her dad and more than once thought about how hot he is. Some best friend I am.
* * *
Bellamy: Hey, just checking in. Are you doing okay? Dad said he got you home and settled.
Me: I’m good. Just a long day.
Bellamy: I know you, Manda, and I know you’re feeling guilty about calling. Stop it.
* * *
She follows it up with a string of laughing emojis.
Me: Love you, bestie.
Bellamy: Love you, too.
* * *
I’m just about to set my phone down when it rings. I don’t bother looking at the screen. “Miss me?” I answer with a laugh.
“Actually, yes, I don’t like talking to myself,” a deep, gruff voice answers.
Shit. Pulling the phone away from my ear, I see Will’s name. I recognized the voice, but I needed confirmation.
“Sorry, I was just texting with Bellamy. I assumed you were her.”
“No worries. Hey, listen, change of plans. What time are you going to bed?”
“Uh, I don’t know, why?”
“I’m going to bring you my SUV. I don’t like the thought of you and Mia being there alone without transportation. What if something happens?”
“Nothing will happen,” I assure him.
“I don’t like it. I already called Baker. He’s going to meet me at my place and follow me back to yours and then bring me back home.”
“Camden’s not feeling well. He doesn’t need to do that. You don’t need to do that. We’ll be fine.”