Page 142 of Denim & Diamonds

I glanced down at the card. Her name was April, which comesafterFebruary. April was certainly attractive, but she didn’t hold a candle to the preceding winter month, if you know what I mean.

At one point, hoping to escape April’s clutches, I turned toward a table where a woman was selling pickled turnips. But it wasn’t the turnips that caught my attention. It was the gorgeous woman staring back at me. She’d apparently been quietly observing my interactions.

“Excuse me,” I muttered as I abruptly left the conversation with April.

My heart squeezed. “What are you doing here?”

February grinned. “Didn’t you invite me to Meadowbrook for Patrick’s christening in a couple of days?”

“Yeah. But I assumed you weren’t coming.”

“Well, that’s why you should never assume.” She winked.

I inched closer but managed to stop myself from kissing her. “I’m glad you made it, Red.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.”

She kissed the top of Patrick’s head and rubbed the back of her hand along his cheek. “I missed you, little buddy.”

“We missedyou.” I placed my hand briefly over hers. “How did you find me here?”

“I wanted to surprise you. After I dropped my stuff off at the hotel, I went to your place, but you weren’t there. So I texted Trevor to see if he knew where you were. He told me where to find you.”

She’s staying at a hotel. For a second, yet again, I’d forgotten we weren’t together anymore.She won’t be sleeping in my bed tonight.How’s that for torture?

“Where are you staying?” I asked.

“At Brooks Inn.”

“Not a lot of places to choose from here, I suppose. Although it’s weird that you’re in town and not staying with me.”

“It’s best, don’t you think?”

“No,” I groaned. “I think it sucks. I want you in my bed.”

She smiled. “You’re nothing if not honest, Brock.”

“We can be friends until kingdom come, Red. I willnevernot want you in my bed.”

Her eyes lingered on mine as she murmured, “I get it.”

“You do, do you?” I said seductively. It was impossible not to flirt with her.

“Yeah, I do.”

“I’m gonna make you dinner tonight.”

She rubbed the top of Patrick’s head. “How are you gonna manage that and take care of him?”

“I’m getting better at balancing everything. He likes to watch me cook now. He sits in his little seat. As long as I talk to him, he’s good.”

“How aboutIentertain him while you cook?” she suggested.

“I think he’d love that.”

“Good,” she cooed as she pinched his cheek.

“I really appreciate you coming.”And I’d like to show that appreciation by making you come again later.