Page 104 of Whiskey Wednesdays

I rubbed my forehead. “Sometimes I have to fight his possessive nature, and it’s an uphill battle. But he’s protective and loyal, and he loves Elodie and tries so hard to be a good dad. He also gives me the tingles.” I glanced at them and cleared my throat. “Sex with him is hot and dirty. And fun. He makes it fun.” My mind drifted. “Sometimes I just want to bite his ass, and grab… Well, you get the idea.”

They both stared at me and nodded. Martina seemed to shake herself. “I need to get laid,” she muttered.

I sighed. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, you better figure it out,” Martina said. “Harley overheard Connor talking to Damien yesterday. He said he’s done fucking around.”

My heart lurched, and I sucked in a breath. Connor told me that the day his divorce was final. It didn’t bode well for me.

Chapter 29

On Friday afternoon, I met Dad and Elodie at Elmer’s Café for an early dinner. When she saw me, Elodie hopped up and down and hugged me tight.

“Belly, I miss you. Come home!”

I hugged her back, then studied her. She had on green striped leggings, a red print shirt, and her pink Vans. Her outfit clashed spectacularly, but her hair was arranged in a beautiful rose braid with little wisps floating around her face. I smiled and felt a sharp pain in my heart.

Dad studied my face. “Are you getting any sleep?”

Shrugging, I took Elodie’s hand and led her into the restaurant.

“Have you ever had their German pancakes?” I asked her.

“No, but Daddy made pancakes this morning. He burned them and said the f-word twice!”

“You sound happy about it.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I’m rich.”

We ordered German pancakes and strawberry milkshakes. Elodie bounced next to me and talked my ear off.

“How many best friends do you have now?” I asked her.

“Lots. ‘Cause everyone should have a best friend.”

“You’re right.”

She put her sticky hand on my thigh. “Daddy is sad. He said he misses you. Are you still his best friend?”

My eyes filled with tears, and I squeezed her hand. “We’re trying to figure a few things out, Ellie, and I need some time.”

“Okay. How much time?”

Smiling a little, I gave her a side hug. “I don’t know. But I’m coming to your game tomorrow, so we’ll see each other there.” God, I missed them so much.

The next day, I was a bundle of nerves before Elodie’s soccer game. I rode with Laurel to the park, and as we walked to the soccer field I saw Connor standing on the sidelines watching the kids warm up. He looked so good, and I’d somehow forgotten how tall he was.

He turned and spotted us, then stared at me as we walked toward him.

I held up my hand. “Hello.”

Laurel looked out at the players. “How do they look today?”

“Young and uncoordinated. Except Sophie.” He grimaced as a kid kicked at the ball but completely missed it.

Laurel smiled. “Believe it or not, they’re doing much better this season.”

“Did you two drive together?” he asked.

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