Bella wasn’t, either. I hadn’t told her about Jed yet. I hadn’t told her about a lot of things, and it was too much to think about.
Winnie came to mind, as did Jenna and Tess.
Winnie was on the Stallions’ payroll, as the office manager at Stallion Motors. Her perspective would be invaluable, having been around for so long. But Jenna and Tess could be helpful, too. They were both ol’ ladies and engaged to be married to Stallions. They were outsiders looking in, just like I was.
I glanced at my phone. I had all of their numbers. We exchanged them that first night at Steel Mustang. I hadn’t used them since, but now felt as good a time as any. I needed a friend, and three would be even better.
Picking up my device, I unlocked the screen, started a group thread, and shot off a message before I could think twice about it.
Hi, it’s Alexia. I know this is short notice, and I totally understand if you’re busy, but I could really use a girl’s night. Is anyone free tonight?
Immediately after I sent it, I blacked out my screen and set it aside, not expecting to hear from anyone right away.
Thirty seconds later, I got a notification alert.
It was Jenna.
Your timing is impeccable. Save me from this brown-box jungle! I’m in.
I smiled and before I could type out a response, another message came through. This one from Tess.
Girl’s night sounds fun! I’ve got MK, though. Night in at our place?
Winnie was next to chime in.
Wine, anyone?
My day had been made.
If we’re doing wine, I’ll bring the charcuterie, I offered.
OMG, we’re legit! How does seven sound?
Itwasalmostfive-thirtywhen I felt his presence in my doorway. I looked up, caught his blue-green eyes, and smiled. Regardless of the reason, he was still a welcome sight at the end of the day.
“Hey. I was just getting ready to pack up.”
“No rush.”
“Actually, kind of a little rush,” I admitted as I stood, straightening the files on my desk. “I made plans tonight. Also, I need to stop by the store on the way home. And I was thinking, it would be easier for me to make the board at your house and then take it with me to Tess and Mustang’s, but it’s probably easier for you if I make it at their place so I could ride over on your hog, rather than you having to follow me—unlessyou wouldn’t mind taking me inyourcar.”
“Darlin’?”
I strapped my purse over my shoulder and looked at him. He quirked an eyebrow at me in confusion.
“What’d I miss?”
“You’ve been stuck babysitting me the last two nights. I made plans with the girls. Tess has Mary-Kate, so we’re going to hang at their house, and you can go to work.”
“Lex, spendin’ time with you is not a hardship.”
“Thanks for saying so,” I said, coming out from behind my desk. “But as much as I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, I know you’re missing out on work because of me. I appreciate everything you’re doing, but I also feel a little bad. Plus, I’m really looking forward to tonight. So—how do you feel about taking your Tahoe out for a spin?”
“It’s called a cage for a reason. It’s the middle of June, gorgeous. Unless I’m cartin’ around two kids, the Tahoe stays in the garage.”
“Fair enough,” I conceded.
“More than happy to drop you off for girl’s night, but you should know I’ve been thinkin’ of cuttin’ back my shifts at the bar anyway. This keeps goin’ how it’s goin’, doesn’t make sense for me to work fifteen-hour days just because.”
