* * *
Dad and Renataare already in bed by the time I'm showered and dressed in a black tank dress, fresh as a peach and ready to consume multiple gin and tonics. For some reason, cell service is patchy on the screened porch so I walk into the yard and open the Uber app. As I'm entering my destination, Seth walks by on the way to his cabin. Renata said he was working a long shift today, nine to nine, and he's still got on his work clothing. I'm surprised that I find his navy blue paramedic uniform incredibly sexy. Maybe it's because it fits him so well or perhaps there really is something about a man in uniform. Mutt, who's running beside him, turns and makes a beeline in my direction. I nearly drop my phone, trying to maneuver and block.
"You'd think this dog was starved for attention," I say, rubbing Mutt's ears.
"Don't let him fool you. He's been spoiled today. The lady who owns the hair salon brought some leftover steak for him. All the ladies love Mutt."
I'm pretty sure all the ladies love Seth, including the one at the hair salon.
"You should exploit it, use him as a way to meet women. Guys with babies do it all the time."
Seth looks genuinely perplexed. "Why would a guy with a baby be meeting women?"
"Not everyone shares your morals," I say bitterly.
Mutt wants to waggle through my legs so I'll scratch his butt. I've seen him make this particular move before, but I'm not interested in participating while I'm wearing a dress.
"C'mere Mutt." Seth drags his dog away by the collar. He takes a better look at me, and I feel as naked as I did in the bikini. "You look nice. Are you going out tonight?"
"I was about to call a ride." I lift my phone. "I'm going to Ricky's to meet Rhett and his friends. Planning on having a few drinks so I don't want to drive."
Seth strokes Mutt's head. "You're hanging out with Rhett again?"
There's nothing confrontational in his voice, but I'm in a pissy mood and take offense anyway.
"What, I can't make friends while I'm here?"
Seth gives me a tired look, as if he isn't up for a fight tonight, and runs a hand through his hair. He must know that move gets to me.
"Hey, you can do whatever you want. In fact, I'll give you a ride to Ricky's. I could use a beer after today."
"You don't have to do that." I brush dog hair off the jersey fabric of my dress.
"It's not a big deal. My friends will probably be there, too. I won't bother you when we get there. Let me get a shower, and I'll take you."
When Seth says the word shower, my mind gets dirty. Then soapy. Then... no, no, no. Tonight is not about men. It's men who are screwing up my entire world. Tonight is about drinking away my sorrows.
Seth walks toward his cabin, and Mutt trots beside him.
"Why are you walking that way?" I point to the farmhouse. "The shower is in there."
Do not picture the towel falling to the floor as Seth gets into the shower. Seriously.
He keeps walking and shouts back at me, "I finished tiling my bathroom. Shower is up and running."
No more naked Seth on the other side of the door. Today is seriously one big loss.
Eleven
Seth comes backtwenty minutes later—speed shower in effect—and finds me waiting for him on the screened porch.
He opens the door and leans inside. "Ready to go?"
I hop to my feet. "Born ready."
He holds the door open for me, and as I pass by him, I surreptitiously drink in his freshly showered smell. He's wearing gray shorts and a white t-shirt, his dark hair still damp and curling a little at the ends.
We walk in silence to his truck, and when we get to it, he beats me to the passenger side and opens the door for me. It's a gesture that's both antiquated and chivalrous, and definitely something you'd do on a date.
