“Gross.” Britt’s lip curls. “But I still don’t see the connection.”

  “I said I personally knew it wasn’t luck, that Alex worked very hard, and somehow Drake jumped to the conclusion we were a couple… and I didn’t correct him.” I cover my face with my hands again. “Then Alex appeared, and Drake congratulated him on our engagement. So Alex played along. It was only supposed to be that one night—just until Drake left.”

  “But he didn’t leave.” Britt’s voice is quiet.

  “So we kept pretending.”

  “Were you even Pinky’s nanny?”

  “Yes.” I look down at my hand still wearing his ring. “That part was real.”

  Britt blows air through her lips. “I don’t know, but it all looked pretty damn real to me. I’ve never seen Alex that way with anyone.”

  “He did it because he doesn’t like Drake.”

  “Nobody likes Drake, but that doesn’t make a man call you his future wife. Men don’t play games like that, not even for friends.”

  The friend zone is not my lane. Alex’s hazel eyes burning with desire sear through my memory, and I cross my arms, sliding my hands over my skin.

  The heat between us wasn’t fake. The things we shared were very real… but real what? A real fling? He told me before we ever started Penelope was his top concern, and the more I was with her, the more I wanted to protect her as well.

  I don’t want her to question everything like I always did growing up.

  “My mom never came back for me.” Lifting my eyes to hers, I see her confusion. “It took me a long time to get over believing if my own mother didn’t want me, why would anyone else?”

  “Oh, honey.” Britt stands, pulling me into a hug. “You are so loved.”

  “I know that now, but I’m trying to explain.” I stretch back. “Pinky needs to know her mother wants her, that she does care about her.”

  Britt takes my hand. “I get it. You know I do, but I think having two people who love her so much they’d put her needs over their own sends a pretty strong message, too.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” I study her hand holding mine. “I never had that.”

  “Get up.” She gives me a pull. “You’re coming with me to Nemo tonight.”

  “Oh, no…” Shaking my head, I’m ready to dive under the covers again. “I can’t see them there, all being a family. I’m not ready for that.”

  “Let’s go.” She stands, pulling the blankets all the way off the bed. “You’re coming with me. Now get dressed. I’ll meet you in an hour, and don’t make me come up here and get you.”

  Movies in the Square launched last summer as a community service project by the Little Miss Sunbeam Pageant winner. Britt disapproves of pageants in general, but I’ve looked forward to this town gathering ever since we had a girls’ night, huddled up in lawn chairs with blankets and wine in our Yeti cups singing along to Grease.

  Tonight, I’d pay to be anywhere else.

  The sun is setting as everyone gathers around the large screen at the end of the grassy square across from the courthouse. Blankets and lawn chairs, portable play yards for babies, and dogs on leashes fill the space.

  Events like these remind me how many people I don’t know in Eureka now, and how much the town is actually growing. Drake is on the sideline handing out pamphlets promoting Redford Park, and I do my best to avoid him, lifting my chin when I see Britt waving from down front.

  Owen and Ryan are throwing a frisbee to Britt’s dog on the other side of the lawn, and a knot is in my stomach as I scan the area for Alex. I really don’t want to see him, but I can’t stop looking.

  Before I came, I ran to the Pack-n-Save and picked up three boxes of Cracker Jack for the kids. They were all out of Big League Chew.

  Picking my way through the crowd, I notice Britt hop to her feet. Her eyes are worried, and she’s making her way towards me. The skin on the back of my neck tightens, and I’m about to turn around when I hear the loud voice I love.

  “EmCeee!” Pinky yells from behind me.

  Instinctively, I turn, dropping to one knee and holding out my arms. She runs straight into them, wrapping hers around my neck like she might climb me.

  “Hey, baby.” I give her a tight squeeze. “Are you ready to watch Nemo?”

  “Daddy said I had to sit with him, but he didn’t know you were going to be here. So I’m sitting with you.” She’s talking fast, and I notice her hair is in one of Alex’s cockeyed ponytails.

  Sliding the scrunchie out of her silky curls, I re-tie it in the center of her head. “I like your shirt.”

  She’s wearing cutoffs and a T-shirt with Nemo on it that reads, Have you seen my dad?

  Nodding, she holds it out. “Jessica got it for me. She said it’s funny because it’s true.”

  “How’s Jessica doing?” I don’t really want to know, but I need to.

  “She thinks I should use kind words at baseball.” Pinky shakes her head. “It’s like she doesn’t know Owen at all!”

  My lips press together. “She doesn’t know Owen at all…”

  “She said at this rate I’ll have cavities in all my teeth, and she said Daddy lets me get away with murder.” Her little brow furrows. “I don’t even know what that means.”

  “I think it means you eat too much sugar.”

  Pinky frowns. “She never gives me lavender baths with bubbles, and she never sings to me.”

  “Not that anyone could sing like you.” My heart leaps at the sound of Alex’s smooth voice.

  Standing quickly, I do my best to smile because I want to cry, and I will not do that.

  “Hi…” My voice is breathless. “How’s it going?”

  His dark brow lowers, and he’s so deliciously grumpy. “I’ve had time to think about things, and we need to talk.”

  “Okay…” I look around the lawn. “Where’s Jessica?”

  “We left her at the house.” His voice is flat.

  “Jessica wasn’t in the mood for cartoons tonight.” Pinky pulls my arm. “What’s this?”

  Swallowing my emotions, I drop to one knee again, handing her the small red-and-white box. “I got some Cracker Jack for you and the boys.”

  “Cracker jacks!” She jumps up and down, shaking the box. “Does it have a surprise inside?”

  “Yes.” I give her the other two. “Take these to Owen and Ryan.”

  She grabs them and starts to run. “Don’t step on people’s blankets!” I call after her.

  When I look up, Alex is watching me, and the heat in those sexy hazel eyes takes my breath away. He’s in jeans that stretch over his toned thighs and a short-sleeved navy tee that shows off his round biceps. He’s so perfect.

  His eyes slide down my body, like he’s remembering me naked, and my bottom lip slips into my mouth.

  Clearing my throat, I cross my arms over my chest. “What did you want to talk about?”

  “Our arrangement.”

  I’m about to ask him to explain when Drake strolls up, gloating like he won some award. “Folks are getting really excited about Redford Park.”

  “Drake, would you give us a minute?” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my tone.

  “Always so warm, Cass.” His eyes narrow. “I’m surprised to see the two of you together. I heard you got the boot from the baby mama.”

  Heat burns in my cheeks. “Who told you that?”

  “It’s so like you to lie about being engaged.” Dismissing me, he turns to Alex. “You’re a good man to put up with her shit.”

  “We discussed this.” Alex’s jaw clenches, and I see his arm start to rise.

  Stepping between them, I hold Alex’s wrist. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”

  “It might be.” Alex doesn’t flinch. His muscles are tense and ready, and fire is in his eyes.

  I can’t help it, but I love him so much for it. He’s always ready to defend me.

  “Whatever.” Drake exhales a huff as he starts to go. “I don’t get you, man. We could’ve been good friends.”

  Alex watches him leave. “Like I’d ever be friends with that asshole.”

  His eyes lower to mine, and it’s heat in my veins. His body is so close, our chests are almost touching. We’re caught in each other’s gaze, and I want to slide my hand into his, threading our fingers and holding on forever. I want him to kiss me.

  I think he might, but Pinky’s loud voice interrupts us. “Look at my surprise, MC!” She holds up a pink, plastic poodle, and I make a surprised face. Then she grabs my arm possessively. “Come on, the movie’s starting!”

  “MC?” A faint smile is on his kissable lips.

  “I didn’t think she should call me Mama Cass in front of Jessica.”

  His eyes tighten, but he allows his daughter to pull me away. “We still need to talk.”

  Nodding, I follow Pinky to the low chair Britt saved for me beside her. I take a seat, and my little friend climbs into my lap, turning to the side and snuggling under my chin.

  CHAPTER 27

  ALEX

  As usual, Jessica is nowhere to be found when we get home from the movie.

  I carry my sleeping daughter from her booster chair into the house and help her brush her teeth before carrying her to her bedroom. Her eyes are closed as I help her out of her clothes and into her nightgown.

  “When is Mama Cass coming back?” She’s pouty, and I achingly agree.

  “I’m not sure. I’m going to talk to her about it.”

  Tonight. I intend to talk to her about it tonight.

  “She sings all the songs with me. I want her to sing me a lullaby.”

  “I know, Princess. Can you sleep now?”

  Her eyes are closed, and her little chin nods slowly. I place my hand over her sweet face before kissing her head and leaving the room.

  Jogging downstairs, I notice Jessica is in the kitchen, but I don’t stop.

  “How was the movie?” She follows me into the living room, and I pause.

  “It was Finding Nemo, your daughter’s favorite.” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my tone. “I’ve seen it a hundred times.”

  She nods, and her eyes drift away. “That makes sense. She likes fish, and you like fishing.”

  “Actually, it made things really complicated. Pinky didn’t know fishing involves catching fish and eating them. It’s why Cass introduced her to Miss Piggy.”

  “Right.” Jessica nods, exhaling a laugh. “Talk about backfires. Then she started karate-chopping everyone—Adam told me.”

  “And Cass also helped her with that.” Irritation is clear in my tone. “She’s a preschooler. She doesn’t know everything.”

  “Don’t tell her that!” Jessica’s eyebrows rise, and I’ve had enough.

  “Did you need something?”

  “No! I was just… making conversation.”

  “I have to go out. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Jessica’s eyes fly wide, and she almost seems panicked. “What about Pinky?”

  “She’s asleep. She should sleep all night, but if she wakes up, just read her a story and tuck her in again.”

  Like a mother would do, I’m ready to say out loud, but I don’t have time for a fight.

  She starts to protest, but I’m out the door. She came back to be a part of her daughter’s life. Time to step up.

  The lights are still on in Britt’s old apartment when I park near the courthouse. The workers have finished taking down the projection equipment. Most of the moviegoers are gone, but a few stragglers are strolling down Main Street.

  The air is heavy, and dark clouds have rolled in from the coast. It happens during the summer after hot days, and I taste rain on my tongue.

  From a block away, a lively crowd is going at El Rio, but I’m not interested in any of it. I have one thing on my mind.

  I quickly enter the code and pull open the glass door leading to the small foyer outside the Star Parlor. Heat burns in my veins as I jog up the narrow staircase.

  Almost a week has passed since I touched her, and seeing her tonight in that dress with the setting sun casting a halo on her skin as she held my daughter in her lap…

  It took all my strength to hold back.

  Pausing on the landing at the top of the stairs, I take a deep breath to calm my surging need. I can’t meet her at the door acting like a caveman.

  In a swirl, the door opens, and Cass lets out a little scream.

  “I’m sorry!” Reaching out, I hold her upper arms so she doesn’t fall, and her scent of lavender and fresh soap surrounds me.

  “Alex?” She places her palm against her chest. “You nearly gave me a heart attack. What are you doing here?”

  “I told you we needed to talk.” Releasing her smooth arms, I take a reluctant step back. “Were you going somewhere?”

  “Piper just texted me. She and Adam are at El Rio.” She frowns, looking past me. “Would you like to go with me?”

  No. I don’t want to go to El Rio. I want to take her inside and kiss her, tell her how much I miss her, and fuck her.

  “Sure.” I smile. “I’ll have a nightcap.”

  “Hey, bro!” Adam pulls me in for a brief hug. “Didn’t know you were joining us. Does this mean Jessica is finally acting like a mom?”

  I don’t say no. I don’t want to badmouth Jessica. Instead, I shake my head and order a Modelo for me and a margarita for Cass.

  He laughs off my nonresponse. “I have to say, you two had us going. I honestly believed you were engaged.”

  “We weren’t,” Cass answers too fast, and my jaw tightens.

  Piper’s eyes are on me, and I know she’s reading me like a book. She runs the Eureka Gazette for a reason—she has a nose for news.

  “Something to say, Alex?” Her question hangs in the air as our drinks appear.

  My brother holds his glass aloft. “To Cass!”

  Piper raises her glass, and Cass appears self-conscious. “Guys! Stop it.”

  “Don’t be shy. It’s a big accomplishment.” Adam holds her arm, lifting her glass.

  I raise my bottle. “I’m out of the loop. What are we toasting?”

  “Your ex-fiancée is officially a college student,” Piper explains. “She got her admission letter this week.”

  My stomach sinks. “You’re going to college?”

  “Mrs. Priddy is retiring at the end of the year, and the school needs a kindergarten teacher. So I applied.” Her tone is apologetic, and I feel like an ass.

  Forcing a smile, I clasp her elbow. “That’s wonderful. You’ll be an amazing teacher.”

  “Not in time for Pinky, but that might be for the best.” Adam laughs.

  Piper is still watching me like a hawk. “You didn’t know?”

  “No.” I shake my head.

  “I didn’t tell anyone but you and Britt,” Cass explains. “It was such a long-shot.”

  “It was not a long shot,” her friend argues. “Dr. Bayer couldn’t write his recommendation letter fast enough. You’re amazing with kids.”

  The old elementary-school principal has known us all our lives. “I’m sure he knows how good you’ll be.”

  “Thank you, Alex.” She still looks guilty, so I lift my glass, toasting her again.

  An acoustic band starts up with “Hotel California” in the style of The Gypsy Kings, and Piper and Adam drift closer to listen. Cass and I linger at the bar.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” She stabs her straw in her margarita. “I really didn’t know what to expect.”

  “You don’t have to apologize.” My stomach cramps at the thought of her leaving Eureka, and while I’m happy for her, now I really feel like I’m losing her. “Where are you going to school?”

  “It’s a community college in Ridgeland. I’ll commute, so no big deal.”

  “That’s kind of far for a commute. Is it very expensive?”

  “Dr. Bayer helped me get a tuition waiver. Apparently there’s a teacher shortage in our area.”

  Nodding, I think about all this information. “I need to pay you. You’ll need the money for books and supplies.”

  “You don’t have to pay me.” She smiles, shaking her head, and it’s so Cass.

  “I hired you to help me with my daughter. I’m going to pay you for your work.”

  She inhales, and discomfort lines her face. “I can’t take money from you for that. We were… together. It wouldn’t feel right.”

  Frustration tightens my lungs. “I’m able to separate what we did in the bedroom from what you did with my daughter. You didn’t have to be her nanny, but you were. Your time has value.”

  “I love being with Pinky. I was glad to spend time with her.” Placing the drink on the bar, she pulls away. “I don’t charge the people I care about.”

  It’s what I’ve been waiting to hear from her, but she’s gone before I can say what I need to say.

  Without a word, she plunges into the crowd, weaving through the bodies until she’s out of the restaurant.

  Turning quickly, I fish out my wallet, removing two tens and signaling the bartender we’re leaving. He takes the cash, and I fight through the growing crowd, doing my best to get to the door before she’s too far ahead of me.

  The rain has started to fall when I step out into the night, and I see her jogging up ahead. I don’t have a jacket either, so I duck and run, doing my best to catch up to her.

  We’re both soaked by the time I meet her outside the door to her building. She’s entering the code, but I stop her, holding her hand.

  “Why are you running from me?” My voice is rough.

  “I don’t want your money, Alex,” she cries through the rain. “I want you to leave me alone.”

  We’re both breathing hard, and the rain is beating down on us. “I can’t leave you alone.”

  Her wet dress is transparent, and I can see the dark circles of her areoles rising and falling beneath the fabric. It’s fire to my burning need. Palming her breast, I step closer, ready to take this to the next level when I notice her eyes are pink and misty.