Page 26 of Fumbled Love

Me:I’d like to see you again too. I’ll text you when we’re done shopping.

Maverick:Thank you. You and the baby should get some rest.

I snuggled into the blankets and rested my head against the pillow, knowing I would be dreaming about a bearded, super-hot football player with deep brown eyes and full lips. Very full kissable lips that I wanted to kiss again.

CHAPTER11

KINLEY

Usually,holiday shopping was something I dreaded, especially so close to Christmas, but I found myself laughing and smiling more than I have in years. My mom and I spent the afternoon browsing in all the retail stores while mixing in with the crowd of shoppers looking for last-minute gifts.

We grew tired of the long lines as the day drew on, and seeing that we didn’t have anything left to buy, we left the hassle behind and slipped into a little salon for pedicures. She listened patiently as I filled her in on my job, even though she probably thought it was boring, and she brought me up-to-date on all the latest gossip with her bible study group.

One of the things I didn’t miss about small-town living was everyone knew your business.

“Mom, you have to promise me that you won’t say a word about the baby until I give you the go-ahead?” I reminded her for the tenth time today.

She balanced the shopping bags in her hand while looping her free arm with mine. “I already gave you my word, didn’t I.”

“You did. Although, you might want to hide all those packages you bought for the baby. I’m not sure how you’re going to explain having all those infant clothes and a baby monitor laying around the next time Betsy and the girls come over for paint night.”

My mom was a closet artist who only painted as a hobby, even though she had natural-born talent. But every first Wednesday of the month, she hosted a wine and paint night with all her friends.

“God.” She got a dreamy look in her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother.” She stopped and paused for a minute. “You do realize this child will be spoiled rotten, right?”

I eyed the multiple shopping bags hanging from her fingers. “I can see that.”

She resumed walking toward the parking lot. “I just wish you didn’t have to go back next week. I need more time with you.”

This trip was already going by too fast, and the thought of leaving caused a heavy sadness to settle in my chest. “The feeling is mutual.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I have to pick up Spencer from work. His car is still at the dealership getting repaired.” She looked at her watch and started walking ahead of me. “If you want to sit on the bench, I’ll go get the car.”

The parking lot was packed when we arrived, so we were forced to park far away. As bad as I wanted to sit and rest, I was afraid if I did, I would end up falling asleep. The catnap I took early in the day wasn’t nearly enough.

“That’s okay, I’ll walk with you.” After all, New Yorkers were used to walking, but even I had to admit this little bean growing in my stomach was sucking all the energy out of me.

We were each balancing shopping bags in our hands when my cell dinged with a message. I slid it out of my pocket and grinned.

Maverick:How’s the retail therapy going?

Me:The long lines and frustrated shoppers are stressing me out. I’m ready to call it a day and buy the rest of my gifts online.

Maverick:That’s what you get for waiting until the last minute.

Me:I’ll let you know that most last-minute shoppers are MEN!

Maverick:Notice I’m not one of them

Me:Pfft…you probably have an assistant who does all your shopping.

Maverick:You sound angry.

Me:I’m hangry

Maverick:Good. I just finished up with my meetings. Want to grab a bite to eat?

Me:You want to share another meal with me? Two meals in a row?

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