Page 56 of Feels Like Love
“Fine,” I said. “The place is going to look kick-ass when it’s done.” I would’ve asked him how his latest DIY project was going, but I knew if I did, he’d talk me into helping.
He grinned. “I didn’t realize the bachelor pad was getting a revamp. This doesn’t have anything to do with the owner of the pair of tits on your phone earlier, does it?”
“No.” I focused on breathing in and out through my nose.
“Why are you so defensive and secretive about her anyway? Judging from that photo, she’s hot.”
“I’m not being secretive. There’s nothing to tell.” I swallowed back the bile that rose at his statement. If he only knew… We needed to talk about something,anything, else. “Have you seen much of Tessa lately?”
“I ran into her at Mom’s shop the other day. She was buying some books for the kids.” He turned on the blinker and turned onto a different street. “Why?”
“I don’t know. It just seems like she never hangs out with us anymore.”
Before their second kid, Tristan and Tessa had been inseparable. The town’s golden couple who did everything together. They were both outgoing and friendly, kind to everyone. It was probably the reason they’d been so popular in high school. Even though Tristan had been captain of the football team, and Tessa was president of the student council, they’d never fit the stereotype of being popular and snobbish.
“Well, she does have two young children at home. Life with little ones can be chaotic,” Liam said, turning into the parking lot for Fall River Estates winery.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t stop Tristan from coming out,” I said, something niggling at my gut as we headed into the restaurant.
“I’m sure it’s just a phase. It’ll pass.”
I hoped he was right, though it got me thinking about Wren as a new mom, wondering what she’d been like. And while I shouldn’t have brought her up, I couldn’t seem to help myself. “What was Wren like after River was born?”
“She was…” His lips curled into a soft smile. “A natural.”
I’d figured as much.
Conversation turned to other matters, but I couldn’t help thinking of Wren as a new mom, holding our child. Pregnant with my baby. It would never happen, but that didn’t stop me from wanting it all the same.
Chapter Fourteen
Harper glanced up when I entered the studio. “You look nice.”
I’d just gotten back from a morning shoot, and I dropped my stuff on the table.
“Thanks.” I smiled. “I have a date with Arlo this afternoon.” And I’d just been sexting with Bennett.
I still couldn’t believe I’d sent him a picture of my boobs in my lace bra. I’d never done anything quite so brazen, but he made me feel safe to be reckless. Perhaps because I knew it could never go anywhere.
“Ooh. The hot Aussie?” Harper asked, jolting me from my thoughts.
“Yeah.” I laughed, pushing Bennett and the image he’d sent me from my mind. Or at least trying to. But damn, that picture…his chest and that bulge. He was so freaking sexy.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, and I was grateful she didn’t mention my last disaster of a date. “Because you look amazing.”
“Good,” I said. “I’m feeling good. We’ve been chatting online the past few days, and it’s been really nice.”
“What about that Ben guy?” she asked.
“I don’t know. He seems…shy or something. We chat online every day, but he’s never asked to meet up.”
She arched her brow. “Interesting. Well, at least things are moving forward with Arlo. Hopefully you’ll like him as much in person. Where’s he taking you?”
“We’re meeting at 221b Bakery.”
“Oh, that place looks so fun. I’ve been meaning to take Aiden there.”
I nodded. “Aiden would love it. Though, you do have an amazing pastry chef in your own backyard.”
