Page 27 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

“Okay,” Bobby responds, sounding no less weary or confused as I lead him through the entryway to the spacious living area beyond.

Two hours later, we’ve given in and made ourselves as comfortable as possible on the barstools at the kitchen island, the only pieces of furniture the owners appear to have left in the home.

The place is gorgeous, and even Bobby’s distress over missing practice didn’t dampen his appreciation for it. I have to say, seeing how seriously Bobby takes his job shows me a new side of him. That, coupled with the miracle he worked on Matty yesterday, has me thinking there might be more to this guy than muscles, dimples, and a flirty sense of humor.

Bobby’s head is bent to his phone as he watches the Florida man video I finally directed him to.

“I’m going to text Coco to check in,” I tell him.

I message her a quick update, and when I see Bobby’s attention still trained on his screen, I scroll to the Catnip app on a whim, pulling up my chat with @PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer.

@Singlemomcatlady: So, just for research purposes, how inappropriate is it to be attracted to a client?

Bobby’s phone pings while I’m waiting for a response. I look over to see him grinning at his phone. When he notices me, he says, “One of the guys from the team. They’re a bunch of knuckleheads.” He bends his head again to continue his chat.

My phone pings a few seconds later.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Spill the tea.

I huff out a tiny laugh and look up to see Bobby glancing my way. I hold up my phone. “Coco.” That sounds plausible, right?Wait. Why am I explaining myself? I shake my head and get back to my conversation.

@Singlemomcatlady: It’s nothing. I just figured since you were in the middle of your own workplace attraction conundrum, you might have some insight.

I press send and notice Bobby’s phone ping again. This time, my glance is more furtive. I can’t have him suspecting I’m texting about him, can I? He’s really sort of unfairly good-looking. He’s also intently studying his phone.

The app pings me again.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: I guess it depends. Is this a long term client? If so, I’d say just enjoy the view but keep your distance.

@Singlemomcatlady: Very short-term.

Bobby is obviously still in a chat with his buddies because his phone continues to ping almost as quickly as mine.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: That’s easy then. As soon as the contract is done, jump his bones. Why not?

Bobby chuckles, drawing my attention again, and I can feel my stupid skin heating at just the notion of “jumping” Bobby Rhodes’s bones. I let out a quiet groan. I mean, can you imagine? This is ridiculous. Thank goodness he’s oblivious to me and still focused on his phone.

@Singlemomcatlady: I’m not going to jump his bones! Besides, he’s way out of my league.

I hit send as I scoff at the screen.

Ping!

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: How so? I think you’re probably selling yourself short, cat lady.

@Singlemomcatlady: How are things going with your workplace romance? Any luck?

Ping!

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: I’m actually with her right now.

@Singlemomcatlady: Then what are you doing messaging me?! Go talk to her!

Ping!

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: She’s on her phone. Must be important too because she keeps mumbling to herself as she types.

@Singlemomcatlady: I think you should get her alone and tell her how you feel.

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