Page 81 of Sycamore Circle

“I’m going to pick up Chloe from school, run her through a drive-thru, take her to dance, then help her with her homework when she’s all done.”

“What time will you be home next?”

“I don’t know. Around four or so? I don’t stay while Chloe’s dancing.”

“I’ll make sure to have my phone nearby. Text me when you get your mail, okay?”

She was starting to feel like she was taking advantage of him. “There’s no need for you to worry. If I have a letter, I’ll call Kevin.”

“I know you will, and I’m glad. But still, text me after you get your mail, okay?”

“Fine.”

Bo continued to stare at her intently. “And if something feels off at home, you call me. I’ve got some stuff to do until about six, but if you need something, I’ll send someone to come out and make sure you’re all right.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course. I’m not going to joke about getting you help.”

It was all too much. She was starting to feel like she didn’t have anything to offer in return. “Bo, that isn’t necessary—”

He stilled her protest with a firm but kind look. “Please? I promise, I can’t get out of this appointment, but I don’t want you being shy and not texting me that you need help. If you let me know, one of them will be over right away.”

How could she refuse him now? “All right,” she said softly.

“Thanks.” He cupped her jaw with his hand and gently ran a thumb over her cheek before turning away.

She forced herself to sit down before the whole coffee shop watched her stare at him like a lovesick fool.

But when she heard a soft chuckle beside her, and noticed an elderly lady was watching her with bright eyes, Joy knew it was already too late.

Oh well. Pretending that Bo wasn’t one of the best things that had ever walked into her life was proving to be impossible.

CHAPTER 27

“That’s right, Bo,” Winter murmured. “Yes. Put your arm just like that.” The camera clicked. “Hmm. Okay, now look pensive.”

Bo turned his head, stared at the white screen in front of him, and did his best to look pensive. The first time Winter had directed him to look that way half the room had burst out laughing. It turned out there was a whole lot of difference between looking pissed off and solemn and wary.

“Adele, fix that wrinkle on his shirt. Hmm. And, Davis, the light... yeah. Perfect.” Click, click, click.

Bo remained motionless while the photographer looked through the latest shots.

“We’re good. Wardrobe change.” Winter looked at the computer printout of her notes. “Okay, we’re moving on to the parka, modern jeans, black sweater combo,” she called out.

“I need five,” Bo said.

Winter glanced at her phone. “Take ten. I need to take a call anyway.”

“Can I take that flannel, Bo?” Adele asked.

“Yeah, sure.” He unbuttoned it and handed it over. “Let me get some water, use the john, and check my phone.”

“Do you want something to eat?” Adele asked. “I can order you a sandwich.”

They’d already put out a whole spread for him when he’d arrived two hours ago. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

Adele smiled at him before walking back to wardrobe, which was essentially a huge room lined with two dozen mini clothing racks. Adele and Winter and probably some higher-ups had set up the outfits for the catalog and the order for him to wear them.

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