Page 65 of Someone to Hold

Before I can respond, another couple approaches the booth and buys the last three bouquets. I give them a discount they didn’t ask for, mostly because my mind is spinning. Because I know exactly what inviting Chase into my bed means. The pleasure and the push and pull between us. The way he makes me lose control. The way I let him.

But it’s not just about tonight. If this keeps happening, it won’t just be my bed he ends up in. He’ll be a part of my heart, too.

I don’t know how to stop that. And I’m not even sure I want to anymore.

“Mommy!” Luke’s excited voice pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. “Ian bought me a puppy!”

“It’s a stuffed animal,” Ian clarifies immediately. “Luke, you’re going to get mein trouble.”

Luke grins, clutching a soft brown-and-white plush dog to his chest.

“We could get a real one,” he says, his tone hopeful.

“You know the answer to that,” I remind him gently.

My mother-in-law has lived on a farm for most of her life, but claims to be allergic to dogs. I’ve often wondered if Linda gave us that excuse because she didn’t want one more thing to care for. But I want to adopt a dog, maybe two. I want the whole package of childhood happiness for my kids–as much as I can give them.

“Hey, Ian,” Luke says, bouncing on the balls of his feet, “Chase is gonna teach me how to ride a horse.”

Ian’s grin spreads wide. “That’s what I’ve heard at least a dozen times.”

Chase chuckles, and I catch a hint of pride in his expression. Like Luke’s excitement means a lot to him.

And I get it. Because it means the world to me.

“Chase is great with horses,” I blurt. My kids, my friends, and Chase all turn to stare at me because…duh…hello, Captain Obvious.

He shrugs and…whoa…adorable blush on the cowboy. “I’ve had a bit of experience.”

Sadie elbows me. “You’re also good with flowers.”

“Well, Chase has been a huge help with that too.”

The kind of help I didn’t know I needed and definitely didn’t want, but I appreciate it more than I can say.

Laurel grabs mine and Sadie’s hands, swinging our arms. “Can Piper come to Sadie’s for manicures?”

I smile. “I’m sure Piper has plans.”

“She doesn’t,” Sadie replies, wrinkling her nose. “Since she’s been back, she’s barely left the house. Besides her hospital shifts and walking Max, she’s gone full hermit. It’s like she...”

My friend trails off, something flickering behind her eyes that I can’t quite name. She lets it pass with a slight shake of her head. “I’m sure she’d be thrilled with a pizza and spa night.”

I glance down at my hands, dirt caked beneath my fingernails from this morning’s market prep. “I could probably use a manicure myself.”

“We could pick you up for dinner,” Sadie offers. “A little nail polish and some pizza could be exactly what the doctor ordered.”

“Tempting,” I say with a grin. “But I’ve got paperwork.”

“Paperwork,” she repeats, drawing out the word like it’s code for something scandalous. “Right. Yourvery important paperwork.”

“Idorun a business, you know.” I try to keep my tone serious but feel my cheeks heat. “This ankle’s slowed me down way too much already.”

“Uh-huh.” She gives me a look like she can see right through me. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy all that paperwork.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “Depends on who’s helping me file it.”

She lets out a laugh, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re terrible.”