Page 30 of Surprised By Love

Amber studies me and I can see the wheels turning in her head. “What?”

“There is someone.” She squints her eyes. “I can tell.”

I let out a sigh. She can always tell when there is something going on with me. It’s like she has some radar or something. “Okay, fine.”

“I knew it!” She claps her hands. “Tell me everything.”

I laugh. “There isn’t much to tell. Remember, I told you about the hot guy who stopped to help fix my tire?”

“Oh. My. God. Are you banging the hot tire guy?”

I drop the spoon I have in my hand. “I’m not banging anyone!”

“Okay. Are you going to bang the hot tire guy?”

“You are ridiculous. No. I’m not going to bang him. It turns out he lives here.”

“What! Oh, that’s perfect!”

“It is definitely not perfect. He is the police sergeant and to make things worse, he is a widowed dad and his daughter is Amelia’s new best friend.”

“Like I said. Perfect!”

I put my hands on my hips. “How in the world is it perfect?”

“Just listen. If you marry—”

“Whoa. Hold the phone there, chica. Don’t jump the gun. No one is getting married.”

She barks out a laugh and then holds a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Let me finish. I’m only saying Amelia has always wanted a sister and if you—”

“Don’t finish that sentence.” I shake my head and grab the spoon that had fallen into the dough. “Just because you are ridiculously happy, in love and married, doesn’t mean everyone has to be.”

She slumps her shoulders. “I know. I’m just worried about you. You had it hard with dickface and I can tell you like hot Sergeant guy. It would be perfect. Wouldn’t it?”

“His name is Josh, not hot Sergeant guy.” I laugh. Amber has always had a way of making me laugh. Even in the most inappropriate times. “But, yes. It would be perfect, but I’m not even close to being ready for anything like that.”

We talk for a little while longer, then I tell her I have to go get ready for the tree trimming tonight, but I don’t tell her Josh and the kids are coming. It would set her off on a whole new tangent.

Chapter Twelve

Josh

WhatthehellwasI thinking? Why would I agree to join them for tree decorating when I’m supposed to be distancing myself from Sam? Not spending more time with her. Yes, I know our daughters are best friends and they want to spend as much time together as possible. Maybe I can get my mom to take her to meet up with Amelia.

As the thought enters my head, Jake tugs on my hand. “Daddy, do you know what kinds of treats will be there?”

“I’m not sure, but I know it’ll be yummy.” I lift Jake into my arms and grab hold of Emily’s hand as we walk the rest of the way to Sam’s house. Max leads the way as if he knows where we are going.

As we approach the side door, Emily is bouncing on her feet. The door swings open before she could knock.

“Yay, you’re here! I saw you in the living room window. I’ve been watching for you,” Amelia says with a big grin on her face.

The door opens wider and Sam is standing there and I freeze in place. Damn, she looks good. She’s wearing a red knit sweater that’s clinging to every curve of her body and a pair of black leggings. Her hair is up in a messy bun and for some reason, I feel the need to pull the hair out of the bun and run my fingers through it.Dammit, she is not the type of woman you go for, so stop with the thoughts. You can’t have her. She’s too good for you.

“Hi.” She smiles and I can’t help but look down at her perfect bow pink lips. Wondering what they would taste like.

“Hi,” I say in a low grumble. I clear my throat and try again. “Thank you for having us.”

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