Page 19 of Here With Me

The tiny bundle in the crook of his arm started to move again, and he looked down to find Isabella’s big eyes open, her mouth pinched. She grunted before a strong odor assaulted him. Saved by the…uh…stink?

He passed her to Jon. “I think that’s my sign to give her back. I’m not sure uncle duties cover that.”

He had to go. He shoved his hand into his pocket—yep, car keys, phone, wallet. He stepped toward the door. “Thanks for dinner, but I’m gonna head home.”

He hurried out of the room before anyone could respond or stop him and opened the front door, welcoming the cool night air.

His skin burned.

Sadie had a nine-year-old daughter. She sure hadn’t waited long to move on.

He’d been so devastated when they broke up. Maybe her feelings hadn’t been as deep as his. Maybe that’s why it had been easy for her to move on. Because news of her wedding hadn’t been that long ago.

She’d moved on. And then on again. He’d been stuck in the past, wondering what could have been. No one had ever compared to her, and she replaced him. Quick.

Working with Sadie would be hard no matter the circumstances, but to know she had a daughter, and that she was widowed?

David opened the door of the small truck and sank into its seat.

In reality, this news didn’t change anything. He still needed the job, and the hardware store was the only option.

Ten tips on working with your ex.

The words blurred as Sadie stared at her phone. Okay, Google, here goes. She clicked on the link because David would be here in ten minutes, and she had no idea how today was supposed to go. How was she going to work with the man who had completely shattered her heart and changed the course of her life?

A message from Romee dropped down and she clicked over.

Romee: Are you ready for today?

Sadie: Not even close. What was I thinking?

Romee: You were thinking about saving your store. *gif of Superwoman.

Sadie: Assuming I can save it.

Romee: *gif of a cat jumping up and down with the words You Can Do It.

Sadie: But seriously, how do I face David?

Romee: What did Google say? Because I know you looked.

Sadie: Agree to keep the past in the past. Be professional. Don’t stir up drama. Focus on your work. Always take the high road…There’s more, but you texted.

Romee: That’s a start. Ignore the past.

The bell jingled and Sadie sent one more message as cool air blew into the shop.

Sadie: It’s go time.

David walked in wearing boot cut jeans, a navy Henley shirt, aviator sunglasses, a dark brown bomber jacket, and he was holding two to-go cups from Donny’s.

Closing the space between them, he handed her a cup, his fingers brushing against her hand as she took it.

Heat crept up her neck. She pulled the cup to her face. Coffee. She closed her eyes and took a moment to savor the welcome aroma.

“It’s just the way you like it. Four creams and a sugar.” David’s deep voice washed over her, sending a trickle of shock through her system.

He remembered how she drank her coffee? A warm pit opened up in her stomach, but her phone vibrated on the counter with a message from Romee.

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