Total pages in book: 151
Estimated words: 145823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
He smiled against my mouth. “Infinitely.”
I pulled back slightly when I heard his door open and close, knowing Finley would follow. “I’ll tell you about Will, if you want to know more than what the articles said. You just have to be patient. I have this thing—it’s called complicated grief—and it makes it really hard to talk about him. But it’s getting better.”
His eyes widened, and he nodded quickly. “I want to know whatever you’re willing and ready to tell me.”
“Morgan!” Finley called out as she thundered down the steps.
“Hey, Fin!” I pulled out of Jackson’s arms and waved at her as she raced toward me.
“Shit. Morgan, there’s something I need to tell you,” Jackson began.
“I’ve missed you! Where have you been? I have so many shells to show you!” Finley’s words came at me with the same speed that she did, and I barely maintained my balance as she tackled me with a hug.
“I’ve missed you, too!” I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. “I can’t wait to see the shells.”
She grinned up at me, sporting two pigtail French braids.
“Wow, I love your braids!” They looked fantastic, even if a little tight.
“Thanks! Mommy did them!” She nodded enthusiastically.
Everything went wobbly as my questioning gaze flew toward Jackson. “Mommy?”
“That’s what—”
“Yes, Mommy,” a clipped, feminine voice asserted from a few feet away. “As in her mother. Who would be me.”
Sweet mercy, the woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her clothes were obviously couture, her body flawless, and her makeup expert. Her auburn hair was a shade darker than Finley’s, and her complexion was worthy of a skincare ad. No wonder she was an actress. No wonder Jackson had fallen in love with her.
Suddenly, my shorts and tank top felt dowdy next to her silk blouse, and I regretted not wearing a stitch of makeup.
She arched a delicate eyebrow, as if she could read my mind.
“You must be Claire,” I said, finding my voice and forcing a smile. This woman created Finley, and obviously the little girl was happy to have her near, so the least I could do was be happy for her. “I’m Morgan. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“Right. Finley mentioned you a few times.” She walked forward and put her hand on Finley’s shoulder, careful not to touch me in the process. “Why don’t you get in the car, baby? Daddy and I don’t want to be late.”
Daddy and I. Good Lord, I’d found myself smack in the middle of a family. My cheeks stained with color as Finley waved good-bye and ran toward the garage.
Claire scanned me from head to toe, her eyes lingering on my feet that hadn’t seen a pedicure since week one of the reward system. “Aren’t you just the cutest neighbor ever when you’re not losing your mind and slamming doors over and over?”
My stomach fell out of my body.
“Claire!” Jackson snapped a warning and stepped toward me.
“What?” She gave him a genuine smile. “I was just admiring Finley’s friend and her exceptionally well-projected voice. Sound really does carry, you know.” She motioned between our two houses.
She’d heard my entire breakdown? Wait…she’d been in Jackson’s house while we were out on a date? My heart joined my stomach.
“Stop,” he growled. “And you damn well know that Morgan isn’t just Finley’s friend. She’s…she’s more than a friend to me.” His hand moved to the small of my back.
Well if that wasn’t awkward. What the hell were we, anyway? And if Claire knew what we…were or were not, what did that mean they were? Was this just a visit? Was she staying with him? Were they sleeping together fifty feet away from my house?
It was too much. This was too much.
“Right.” Claire offered me a sugar-sweet smile. “Well, if you’re ready?”
“I’ll be there in a second. Why don’t you get Fin buckled?” He nodded toward the garage.
“I can wait,” she replied.
I was going to die right here, right now. Had she seen me kiss Jackson? Was she kissing Jackson? It’s not like we were exclusive since we weren’t…well, anything.
“Claire.” It was a clear warning.
She pouted. “Fine. I’ll go. Just hurry up. You were the one who told me her pediatrician doesn’t like it when we’re late, and I want to make a good impression now that I’m home.” Her gaze slid toward me and sharpened. “For good.”
I was going to be sick.
She wiggled her fingers in a little wave and sauntered off for the car, swinging her hips expertly.
“Morgan—”
“Is that what you wanted to tell me?” I backed away from him.
“Yes. I just didn’t have time—” His eyes were wide and panicked.
“Because I was busy kissing you. Again.” I shook my head. “How stupid can I possibly be?”
“You’re not!” He reached for me, but I retreated again. “Look, she’s home, but that doesn’t change anything between us.”