Page 36 of Pucked Up Plans
Yeah, who needs a fictional man to fantasize about when I’ve got a real one?
Walsh is in no way “mine.” In any sense of the word. But does a little daydreaming about the way he would look hovering over me hurt anyone?
Nope. Just my Kindle as it splashes into the water, falling from my fingers as notions of Walsh skate across my mind.
Jarring out of this fantasy world, I sit up in the bath, chastising myself for allowing my thoughts to drift to these places. With Walsh, no less. Besides being out of my league, he can have any woman he wants. As evidenced by his ex. He’d never choose me.
I tamp down any ideas there could be more between us—even after the hot almost kiss in my kitchen. And damn, that was hot. Not just because it’s been so long. Because of how Walsh vibrated. Ready to devour me.
And so begins the vicious cycle again.
I climb out of the tub, shoving down all notions of Walsh. Thankfully, my phone pings with a text, bringing me back to real life, where Walsh can only have a starring role in my fantasies.
Then again, when I find his name on my lock screen, it has to mean something.
Yeah, a playdate for his kid, you moron.
Despite the truth, my belly flips at the mere sight of his name. Reminding myself I have to keep these feelings reined in tight, a smile creeps on my lips.
Hey. Lennon’s at her mom’s for the weekend. Any chance you’re free to grab dinner one night?
Huh?is my initial reaction.
Is he asking me out on a date for dinner? Heat settles in my cheeks and other areas covered only by a towel. A date with Walsh. Until reality slams into me, knocking me down.
I tumble onto the bed I’m in front of.
No matter how much I want to go on a date with Walsh, the actuality is I can’t.
Aubrey.
Unlike him, I don’t get to ship her off to her dad’s for the weekend. Something I’ve never been able to do, even at home. My parents were around for the occasional night here and there, for a little time to myself, but not a date.
Here in Vermont, a night “off” from Aubrey isn’t a possibility. Even if there was the slight possibility of my aunt helping and taking Aubrey for one night, I won’t leave her with someone she doesn’t know.
But you can get to know her,my mind taunts. She wants to get to know us, otherwise she’d stop inviting us for dinner. It’s probably time to take her up on the offer.
But not to leave Aubrey by herself with her.
No
I keep it short, to the point. As much as I want to elaborate and explain, a simple answer is best.
The dots jump on his end almost immediately.
No because you have plans or no because you don’t want to?
Neither
Again, I can’t get into specifics. Not over text.
So when the phone rings, WALSH displayed in big letters on the screen, my heart rate quickens. I can’tnotanswer since we’ve been texting. I can’t pretend I’m too busy for a call.
Shaky fingers drag over the screen to answer.
“Hello?” My voice almost stutters, as if I had no idea who was calling. But can you blame me?
“I don’t understand.”
