Page 116 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

After our meal, we’d planned on taking a walk around Lake Mendota, and Robyn had asked if Millie could tag along. Robyn promised Millie wouldn’t get into any arguments with ducks, but I doubted she had that kind of power over her. Even so, I readily agreed.

By the time we hit the trails, it wasn’t quite eight, so we had an hour of light. I couldn’t help but sneak looks at Robyn as we walked. Her tan legs were a definite distraction.

Robyn laughed. “Don’t think I don’t notice you checking out my legs.”

My face heated, but not to be thrown entirely off balance, I responded, “Just like you’ve been checking out my ass.” I wiggled it for effect.

“I might have taken a little peek.” Robyn stopped and made no secret of checking out my backside. “Tell Emma I approve of the jeans.”

“Emma. How did you know?”

Robyn laughed. “I didn’t. At least, not for certain, but I sensed Emma’s influence.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Now you have to explain.”

“You like to wear dark colors. Hides your curves, so I’m betting Emma had to convince you to wear them.”

I considered protesting or denying it, yet I wanted to be truthful. “I refuse to answer.”

“On what grounds?” Robyn’s tone was teasing.

“That I’ll incriminate myself.”

“That’s what I thought.” Robyn grinned and started walking again.

Millie was more than ready to get moving and pulled against Robyn.

I noticed the muscles in Robyn’s forearms straining. “Do you want me to take her for a while?”

“You want to walk Millie?”

“I’m thinking she’ll walk me, but it looks like you could use a break.”

“If you don’t mind.”

I steeled myself as Robyn passed me the lead. Millie must have sensed fresh blood because she pulled hard, almost forcing me to follow after her.

“Millie, be nice,” Robyn said in a stern voice.

Millie stopped pulling and looked over her shoulder at me. I swear she was laughing.

“Do you have any pets?”

“No. I mean, not anymore. When we were kids, we had pets, but not as an adult.”

“Why not?”

“Too busy.” I noticed Robyn give me a side eye, so I held up my hand. “That’s not meant as a negative. With my schedule, I didn’t think it would be fair to a pet. Even a cat. I’m gone long hours and away on business a lot.”

“That makes sense.” She smiled at Millie. “I couldn’t imagine life without one.”

My mind flashed to the item I’d crossed off my list so many years ago. I’d wanted a pet. “So you’ve always had them?”

A sad smile settled on Robyn’s face. “Yeah. Being an only child, they were kinda like my siblings.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you didn’t have any brothers or sisters.” My response wasn’t astute, but how should I respond to her sadness? “I mean, it seems to bother you.”

“You’re getting kind of good at this emotion thing. Yeah, I guess it makes me sad. I watch you and Emma, and I’m envious.”