Page 6

CHAPTER

FIVE

FORD

Amber is sulking. Why is this woman so stubborn? I’m not trying to treat her like a child, I just want to help. I have millions of dollars sitting in my bank account and she needs money. Problem solved! Except this ridiculously independent woman wants to do everything herself.

We walk in silence, something I’m usually more than comfortable with, but I hate that she’s upset. I wanted to ease her worries, not add more to them. I glance at her right as we pass by a colorful shop window. By the look of the window display, it seems to be a furniture and decor store. Amber’s face finally brightens.

“Oh, my gosh. Let’s get some things for your house.” She grabs my wrist and tugs me along behind her.

Now, of course, I could easily resist her. I’m a 250-pound, 6’4” professional hockey player…and she’s a foot shorter than me and a good hundred-ish pounds lighter to boot. But now that she’s smiling again, I’m not about to ruin it.

As soon as the door shuts behind us, I’m hit with a dozen different scents. I school my features, trying not to scrunch up my nose. I look to my left and see a candle display filled with candles of varying scents, shapes, and colors. That’s probably where the overwhelming smell is coming from. I remind myself it still smells better than our locker room.

To my right, there’s a large red sofa with so many pillows on it, there’s no way anyone could actually sit on it. Amber is eyeing the same couch, but her expression is delighted.

What is it with women and throw pillows? What’s the point? You need two throw pillows exactly. One for each end of the couch.

Amber squeaks a sound of excitement. “Ford, we have to get you some pillows.”

I’m not sure what expression my face twists into at that moment, but it makes her laugh.

“A little color will brighten up your living room. Just trust me.”

I heave a resigned sigh. “Fine. Two pillows.”

She places her fists on her hips. A difficult pose to pull off with a baby strapped to her front. “Five.”

“Three.”

“Four,” she pleads, making her green eyes all big and round and pretty.

I clench my jaw. “Okay, four.”

She claps her hands together above Nella’s head, then turns around and gets busy picking out four pillows. She holds one up that has a flamingo on it, complete with actual feathers. She touches the feathers with an evil grin on her face.

“No.”

She tosses it back into the pile and grabs a pale yellow one with a pineapple on it.

“Does everything in this shop have a symbol for swingers on it?” I ask with a groan.

She slaps her free hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh. “Get your mind out of the gutter,” she whispers, looking around just as an older woman with a name tag walks over toward us.

The grey-haired woman, whose name is apparently Barbara, smiles at Amber. “Well, good morning! Can I help you love birds find anything?”

I open my mouth to correct her, but it’s too late. She’s spotted the baby.

“Oh, lord! Look at this little doll!” Her voice goes all soft and motherly as she looks at Nella with twinkling eyes. “You guys are just the cutest little family,” Barbara gushes, smiling at me and Amber.

Amber takes it in stride. “Thank you so much.” She looks up at me and sighs. “Isn’t my husband a tall glass of water? I could just drink him right up.” She turns and winks at Barbara.

I can’t see my own face, but the heat I’m suddenly feeling would indicate I’m blushing. Hard.

Barbara giggles and loops an arm through Amber’s. “Well, I wasn’t going to say it. But yes! You lucky thing, you.”

Amber flutters her lashes at me, loving this entire spectacle.

“Listen,” Barbara says. “I own this shop, and I’ll give you guys 20% off everything today, just because y’all are so stinking cute.” She smiles and starts to walk away, waving over her shoulder. “Just let me know if I can help you find anything!”

Once Barbara is out of ear shot, Amber breaks into laughter.

I roll my eyes and cross my arms. “All day, every day I feel like I’m babysitting unruly hockey players…and you’re no better.”

She ignores me, back to rummaging through the throw pillows. “Okay let’s pick out your pillows and get out of here. I’m sure the candles are driving you crazy. ”

I smile. It’s nice having a person in this world who knows me almost as well as I know myself. Someone who can sense the things I don’t always want to say out loud, someone who really sees me, even when I want to be invisible. Amber has a way of siphoning my thoughts out of my own head…except for my thoughts about her. But that’s probably a good thing.

She picks two of the simplest pillows in the pile, one a pale blue, and the other white with a subtle floral pattern. Amber hands them to me, and I hold one under each arm, feeling ridiculous. She selects two more, both similar to the other two, with blue details.

“These four are simple but will still add a little color to your house.”

I nod, surprised that I don’t mind the colors or patterns she chose. Amber starts toward the register in the center of the shop where Barbara is waiting for us. I lean in, making my voice low so only Amber can hear me. “You do realize I don’t need the 20% off, right? I could buy this entire shop with cash.” I’m not trying to brag; I’m giving her facts. She doesn’t have to pretend to be my doting wife to get me discounts. And money isn’t an issue for me, so helping her isn’t a big deal. I want to help her.

“I know, Mr. Money Bags. I was just having a little fun.”