A few hours later, we’ve demolished the wings and ordered pizza. Baylee is drunk, and Cadence is getting tipsy. I won’t drink because someone needs to watch Hazel, who’s coloring.
She gets up with a yawn. “I have to go potty.”
“Do you need help?” I put down my slice of pizza.
“I can do it.”
“Holler if you need help.” She’s been such a good girl all day.
As Nick’s SUV pulls into the driveway, Cadence leans over. “Does boss man have a girlfriend? I’ve been dying to ask you.”
My heart falls. I knew she liked him. “I, um, I’m not sure.” I go with something vague because I’m uncomfortable divulging something so personal about my employer.
That’s weird to think when we’re the same age and live together, but it’s good to remind myself that he’s my boss.
I’m so excited to congratulate him on the big win, but he’s scowling when he opens the door.
“Nick!” Cadence flies off the couch and throws her arms around him. “Congrats! What a game. I almost died when you were sacked. Are you okay?” She pats him down like she’s physically looking for an injury.
His brows lift, and his eyes meet mine. I look away because it’s hard to watch another woman maul him.
I’m not sure what he does to disentangle himself, but he drops his stuff by the door. “Is everyone drunk? Or just you, Cadence?”
Baylee raises her hand. “Guilty.”
I set my paper plate on the coffee table. “Cadence is off duty. I told her I could watch Hazel if she wanted a glass of wine to celebrate your win.”
Nick glances around. “Where’s Hazel?”
“I’m he-a, Daddy. Look! It’s like Staw Waws.”
I think she means Star Wars. Nick makes a weird sound, and I turn to him. His jaw is tight, and he looks pissed. “Hazel, where did you get that?” The sternness of his voice catches me off guard.
That’s when I see what she’s playing with.
My new, hot pink vibrator with the little rabbit ears.
“Oh, shit.” Baylee elbows me. “Is it yours?” she whispers.
Cadence trots over to Hazel. “Where did you get that?”
Nick takes it out of his daughter’s hands, and then, to my great mortification, it starts vibrating.
Cadence giggles and shoots me a look. “Guess you like ’em big, huh?” She ushers Hazel back to the kitchen.
I flop back on the couch and cover my face with my arm again. “Don’t mind me. I’m just going to roll over and die.”
When I finally brave another look, Nick is still holding my freaking vibrator, trying not to laugh. “I get the main part, but what’s this for?” He flicks the rabbit ears.
“Shut up. Like you don’t know.”
He flushes. “Swear to God, I don’t.” Then he chuckles and hands it to me. “Sorry, that’s kinda personal. Just ignore me. Got my bell rung pretty hard today.” He runs his hands through his hair. “And I’m sorry Hazel got into your stuff. I’ll talk to her.”
I get up so I can put it away and maybe hide under my bed until I leave for London in December.
21
ABIGAIL
