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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.