Page 53 of Tequila Tuesdays

I wondered if he was catching up with Sadie, whoever she was. Then I felt bad for being jealous and snarky.

Me: Hiking with Gary—a little outdoor therapy.

Damien: Be safe, enjoy the day.

Me: U too.

After stopping by the ranger station in Idyllwild to pick up my day pass, I’d grabbed a quick lunch at a little café in town. It was a lot colder in the higher elevation, and I was glad to have my favorite Cotopaxi down jacket on. The cheery striped blue and green colors always made me happy.

I’d also brought microspikes for my hiking boots, and we hiked a portion of the Devil’s Slide Trail. Gary was ecstatic to get off his leash for most of the hike.

Gary frolicked in the snow, and the dark pines against the blue skies and white snow reminded me how lucky I was just to be here to enjoy the day. A few miles in, I decided to turn around. I hadn’t planned to make it to the summit, and the trail was icy in spots. But it was a beautiful, crisp day, and I only passed two other people.

Frankie would miss out on so much life. But Tiana was right. Frankie was free and she wasn’t suffering anymore. A few tears slipped out as I gazed out at the pine trees and skyline and thought about Frankie. Life was fleeting, and maybe it was time for me to start fully living mine.

Chapter 18

OnMondaymorning,Isat at the side of my bed thinking about Frankie’s death. Gary stirred from his dog bed in the corner. He was tired from our long hike yesterday, but he walked over and put his head in my lap.

I finally roused myself and fed Gary, then started coffee. It had been a rough weekend, but Damien had been my silver lining. Depression and sadness dogged me throughout the day. When I got home that evening the house felt lonely, so I was happy to get Damien’s text.

Damien:I need to call in a favor tonight if you have time. Can I swing by in a few?

His text sent a zing of anticipation down my spine.

Me: Sure, come anytime. Just walked in.

He rang the doorbell half an hour later. I’d changed out of the cutoff sweat bottoms and t-shirt I’d thrown on when I got home, and put on a pair of my favorite jeans and a soft sweater.

Damien glanced down at my bare feet, and his lip tipped up. “Hi, Legs.” His eyes looked tired. “I had a shit day today.”

“That’s a Monday for you. Are you okay?”

“No, but I will be.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “How was your day?”

“I’ve had better too.”

He gazed at me. “I want a hug, sweetheart.”

“Okay.” It was a dumb response, but I didn’t know what else to say. I also wanted a hug, and him calling me sweetheart had short-circuited my brain and made my heart skip a few beats. He pulled me in, and I wrapped my arms around him.

Resting his chin on my head, he pulled me in closer. “You feel good, and you smell even better.”

I laid my cheek on his shoulder. “So do you.”

He smelled faintly of some spicy masculine soap, mixed with his own male scent.

Damien leaned down and sniffed my neck. Goosebumps erupted along my skin. His back felt muscular and solid under my open palms, and my breasts brushed against his hard chest. I hadn’t realized how good a hug could feel.

He slowly stepped back. “Thanks. I feel better.”

I smiled. “So do I. Would you like some of the beer or wine you brought over the other night? I also have tequila, but it wasn’t juvenile drug court today, and I try to save it for emergencies.”

He chuckled. “I’ll have a beer. Thanks.”

I popped the cap off a cold beer bottle and slid it over to him.

Then I poured myself a glass of wine and leaned against the counter. “Tell me about your day.”

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