Page 46 of When We Were More

Henry laughs, and it’s deep and… sexy. How is even this man’slaughsexy?

“Matilda, are you trying to get rid of me?”

I don’t get a chance to answer, which is too bad, because I was going to be a smart ass. Instead, Ruthie decides it’s her time to blab.

“Did you know that these two ladies are starting their own business? They’ll be on their own, well, with me helping them, in January. You should spend some time with this gentleman,Matilda.If he already has a business, he might be able to give you some tips. Just thetips.” She winks at me.

I want to crawl under the table and die.

“Ruthie…” I warn. I give her my best evil eye.

“I think Matilda knows that I would be more than happy to help her with any questions she might have. We’re friends, after all. I’m notonlyher contractor.” He doesn’t take his eyes off me, and it makes me irritated, but it’s also stirring up some interestfrom parts of my body, which shouldnotbe on high alert right now.

“You guys did some remodeling for me and my sister, as well. I recommended you to Tillie. How come I never got to meet you, young man? Not that the gentleman who came over to complete the contract was hard on the eyes, butyoutwo are?—”

“Ruthie!”

She spares me a quick glance. “What? I wasn’t going to be inappropriate.”

“Like hell you weren’t.”

Ruthie rolls her eyes. “Sorry, Mom.” That earns her a chuckle from Henry. Even Harrison is smiling.

“Sally babysits his kids. How did you not know who he was?” I whisper-hiss.

Ruthie’s eyes get huge. “It’s all making sense now. I’ve met your darling girls.”

I stand up suddenly, not even caring that I bump into Henry’s body. Not that he moves at all. He solid. Damn him. I squirm my way out from between him and the booth.

“I’m leaving. I have a meeting I need to prep for.”

“No, you don’t. I checked your calendar before we left.”

I rub my hand over my eyes.

“Christ, Ruthie. Have you no loyalty?”

I peek at Henry’s face, and he’s grinning as he watches the back and forth between us.

She huffs at me.

Shannon must finally remember we’re friends because she decides it’s time to side with me.

“Tillie’s right, Ruthie. We do have to get back.” She stands as well and looks at the men. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Likewise,” Henry responds.

Ruthie scoots herself out of the booth and mutters, “Party poopers.”

I make my move and take a few steps to walk away. I look over my shoulder. “It was nice to, um, to see you again.”

“It was entirely my pleasure.” Henry’s words are velvety smooth.

“That’s what she said.” Oh my gosh, I’m never going out in public with her again.

“For fuck’s sake, Ruthie.”

I walk away, but I feel his stare on me as I go, and I like it, even though I shouldn’t.