Page 47 of Free to Live

Strolling over to him slowly so as not to let my cameras jostle too much, I slide my arm around his waist. I whisper, “Go along with it,” right before I brush my lips under his firm jaw.

I don’t count on when I wade in to save him that I’ll be waking up long-dormant parts of myself. Joe’s arm tightens around me, curving my body perfectly into his. I can smell the citrusy scent of his cologne.

Damn.

Focusing on the fuming woman in front of me, I smile vaguely; offer my hand, and say, “Holly Freeman.”

The nasty scowl that drops onto the woman’s face confirms my decision that I made the right choice to help.

22

Joseph

I’m nursing a drink while I stand on the deck behind Tide Pool when I hear her grating voice. Is it not enough I have to deal with it each time I pick up Grace from school?

“Hi, Joe.”

Internally groaning, I turn, and Tiffany is wearing tight jeans and a revealing top, sauntering up to me. I jerk my head in a nod.

“Want some company? You look so lonely standing out here,” she purrs.

I don’t know to handle this. I’m about to text someone to get me out of this situation when another voice breaks through the shadows of the night. “That’s because he’s been waiting for me.” And when Holly Freeman appears out of the shadows and into the light, I’m simultaneously grateful and disturbed.

Because her words trigger something in me.Maybe you have been waiting for her.

As she slides up next to me and casually slips an arm around my waist, I stiffen. She must feel it but doesn’t let go. Instead, she nestles under my shoulder before whispering, “Go along with it,” and brushes a soft kiss on the side of my jaw. Turning to face my daughter’s teacher, she lets go of the camera she’s been holding, despite the strap around her neck. Holding out a hand, she says, “Holly Freeman.”

Tiffany is fuming. “Joe and I were trying to have a private conversation…”

Holly laughs at the other woman. “That would be surprising considering this is the first time I’ve had all night to escape to spend some time alone with him.” Holly tips her head and then snaps her fingers. “Now I recognize you! You’re my niece’s teacher. Kalie Marshall. My sister Alison speaks of you.” She pauses for dramatic effect. “Often.”

Tiffany takes a step back. “You’re related to Ms. Freeman.”

My body reacts not only to her nearness but also to her calm efficiency in dealing with this troll. “Hmm, yes. She’s fantastic. A barracuda of an attorney, you know?” Turning to me, she gives me a brilliant smile. “I forgot to tell you, Joe, Ali’s pregnant again. Keene’s beside himself. The whole family is, really.”

Sliding my arm around her shoulders, I squeeze her hard. “I heard at the pancake breakfast. It is great news. When did she tell him?”

“After the race today.” Holly angles her body slightly toward mine.

I chuckle, because I’m enjoying how naturally this show is playing out. Tiffany, on the other hand, finds nothing about our conversation amusing. In the overhead light above her, I can see her face turning a rather unpleasant shade of mottled red.

Holly grins, and my gut clenches because that smile is so damn appealing. I almost forget it’s an act until I hear the stomping of Tiffany’s heels as she storms off.

We wait a few moments in silence before Holly whispers, “Is it safe? I swear, she’s a freaking piranha.”

I burst out laughing. “Yeah, after you started talking about Keene and Ali, she took off. Thanks for the save.” I look down into her smiling face. “How did you know I needed it?” I ask curiously.

She shrugs. “I came out to get some air. Very few people know about the back deck. And Ali told us how fun things were at the parent-teacher conference. I listened in to see if you might need an assist.”

I squeeze her shoulder. I still haven’t let go, though I can’t explain why. “So, you’re an eavesdropper.”

She stiffens in my arms. “Did I misread the situation? Should I go apologize and send her back out?”

“Hell no! I was just joking.” I look down at my booted feet. “I guess I’m out of practice.”

“Joe?” My head snaps up to hers. “It’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. I just…see things and try to help where I can.”

“I’m glad you did,” I tell her. We stand there in silence before I ask, “How much do you know…”