Page 26 of Sean
“Probably.We had a snack at the house,” Sean said.“But, I know I’m starving.”
“I could eat a horse,” Caleb said.
“I’d settle for a sandwich,” Bobbie added.
“You guys have been troopers.”Monica pointed to the nearest table.“You’re in luck about that sandwich thing.Scoot a few extra chairs around that table, and I’ll run out and get our dinner.”
“I’ll help.”Bobbie fell in beside Monica.
“I can—”
“Shh.”Bobbie’s voice was hushed when she responded.“Just keep walking.I’ve been looking for a chance to get you alone.Don’t deprive me.”
When the door shut behind them, Monica turned to discover Bobbie had stopped.She was leaning against the brick wall, fanning her hand in front of her face.“Oh, my goodness.”
“What?”
“You were holding out on me.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”Her words emerged a little haughty, and thatprotesting too muchquote came back to her.
Bobbie smirked.“Please.You know exactly what I’m saying.Sean Conklin is one fine looking specimen.That beard and those eyes...”She was practically swooning.
“Need I remind you that you are a married woman?”Monica asked.
“Wed doesn’t mean dead or blind.And I’ll tell you what.I think thatlikething goes both ways.”
Monica rolled her eyes.“I think you’re full of puppy poop.He’s been very careful to tell me that friendship is all he has to offer.He’s still grieving.”
Bobbie flapped her hand in dismissal.“Maybe...maybe not.Grief fades.People have to move on sometime.Besides, he’s here, isn’t he?”
“So are you and Caleb.”
“Old married couple, remember?You think this was his only option for Friday night entertainment?”
“I know he has a baby and no sitter for tonight.”
“Yes, and he dragged that baby and a ton of junk over when it would have been easier to stay at home.You do the math.”
At Bobbie’s words, the attraction in Monica’s heart went from a gasping spark to a hopeful flame.Monica needed to throw a bucket of reality over it.
It was only natural for Bobbie to think Monica would be attracted to Sean.Obviously, he was attractive.Plus, Monica hadn’t mentioned the opportunity to work for Matthew Wright to anyone yet.She was waiting until there was something concrete to share.The only information Bobbie had to work with was their numerous conversations about Monica’s dreams for a home and family of her own.
“He just moved back to town and needs to socialize.”
Bobbie pushed herself away from the building.“You believe whatever makes you happy, but I call it like I see it.Now let’s get these men fed before they wither away to nothing.”
A few minutes later, Monica set an insulated tote on the table and began to unpack the contents while Sean peered over her shoulder.
“Do you have the entire grocery store in that bag?”
The feel of his breath on her neck made it hard to focus, especially after her conversation with Bobbie.Monica needed to take Sean at his word and focus on friendship, but the part of her that wanted more than friendship was growing faster than a garden on steroids.She cleared her throat and tried to ignore the double-time thumping of her heart.“We’ve got two kinds of sandwiches.Ham and cheese, and chicken salad.A bowl of potato salad and some cold sodas.”
Bobbie emptied the paper bag she’d carried in.“Plates, forks, napkins, chips, and some fruit.”
“Everything we need for a picnic except the ants.”Sean put a hand on Monica’s shoulder and squeezed.“You’re amazing, thanks.”
Oh, boy.It was hard enough to pretend she wasn’t attracted when hedidn’ttouch her.She couldn’t decide whether to duck away or lean closer.
