“You can’t hide in your room all day,” Roxy says.
I move my cell to my other ear. “Says you. You should’ve seen his face, Rox. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life, and that’s saying something.” For the past hour, I’ve been catching her up on how I ended up living with Nick.
“I wish I could swoop by and pick you up so we could process this properly with some quality junk food.”
My stomach rumbles in agreement. “I need to go eat. The house is pretty quiet, so maybe Nick and Hazel left.” It’s Sunday, and he usually tries to do something special with her to make up for the rest of the week when he has to eat, sleep, and breathe football. “Before I go, how’s Marley?”
“She’s getting so big. I’ll send you some pics. Oh, and Billy says hi.”
“How’s he enjoying the NFL?”
“He’s in heaven. I love seeing him happy.” She sighs dreamily. “I just love him so much. Last year sucked, but now we’re in such a good place. It was worth every bit of heartache. I’d do it all over again for him.”
Roxy deserves her happily ever after. We both got played by Ezra. I just hope I can find my HEA someday too. “I’m glad y’all are doing well. Thanks for checking on me. Send those photos of the baby.”
After we hang up, I listen at my bedroom door to make sure I’m alone. When I don’t hear anything, I tiptoe out to the kitchen, which gives me a clear view out to the backyard where Nick is jumping rope. Shirtless.
Holy hot eye candy, he’s wearing gray sweatpants.
Sweat drips down his brow. Down his muscled chest. Down his six pack, and… and…
Wow. He’s packing.
It’s all right there.
Bouncing.
Up and down.
Again and again.
“Daddy!”
I jump back from the window when I hear Hazel’s voice. She must be playing in the backyard while Nick works out.
I close my eyes. I should not be checking out Nick’s impressive bulge while he jumps rope. Bad Abigail.
Maybe I have a few minutes to make breakfast before they come inside. I hustle around the kitchen to make some toast and pour a cup of coffee. I’m buttering my bread when the back door opens.
“Hey.” Nick’s out of breath.
“Hi.” I’m not wondering if that’s how he sounds after he has sex. Not at all.
“Hazel has something important she wants to tell you.”
Oh, heck, no. Please don’t bring up my vibrator.
I force a smile and turn around. Shoulders slumped, Hazel ambles to me. “Sowwy.”
Nick wipes his face with a towel, and I’m momentarily distracted by his chest muscles that contract with the motion. “For what, honey? Remember what we said? That you wouldn’t go in Abigail’s room without an invitation?”
Hazel sheepishly smiles. “Sowwy I went in you-a woom.”
I kneel down and hug her. “That’s okay. It used to be your room and will be again soon. I understand why you were confused. I really shouldn’t have left that box on my bed. Lesson learned.”
Nick grabs a glass of water, and I studiously ignore his incredible body.
The tension in the room is thick. I wonder if it’s just me.
