Page 20 of No Love Lost

Although knowing Ginny, she’d just laugh.

But Heath was coming to pick them up. And she wasn’t going to face him until she looked like an adult.

When Nina exited the bathroom a few minutes later, she laughed at Addy’s appearance. “I take it the book’s going well today? Hurry.”

Addison nodded and rushed through the shower. One day, she’d have time to relax in it, but not today. It wasn’t like the hot water was guaranteed, anyway. Even with the new heater, there were gremlins at work. She’d already had to reset it a few times.

Glad the gremlins were snoozing, she rushed through the shower and dashed into her room, trying to decide what to wear. It wasn’t a date. It wasn’t even about her. Lunch was an opportunity for Nina and Heath to get to know each other.

But she wasn’t going to look like a troll.

She patted herself on the back when she opted for jeans instead of leggings and bypassed her favorite hoody that would probably fit Heath himself. Although he might not appreciate wearing Miss Piggy and Kermit.

Addison pawed through her sweaters, looking for something that wouldn’t look like she was trying too hard, even though she was definitely trying too hard. She tried the light blue sweater, but that screamed too fancy for lunch. Finally, she closed her eyes and stuck her hand in the drawer.

The sweater she pulled out was a soft, heather green cardigan. With a cami beneath, it would be perfect. Something she’d worn in town many times so no one would think she was primping.

If she had time, she was totally going to primp. Last night, she’d looked closer to death than she liked. Today, looking alive was the first goal.

Addison rubbed her hair with a towel and then put it in a quick braid. She’d dry it later.

A knock on the door had her sighing. At least she was clean.

She moved to the kitchen and opened the door with a smile, and she even managed to keep it mostly in place when it wasn’t Heath.

Instead, Jonas Adamson, her closest neighbor, stood smiling at her.

“Hello, Addison. I noticed your car wasn’t in the driveway, and I saw Kimi drop off Nina.”

There wasn’t a question there, but Addison nodded. Jonas was a little awkward. The man was probably a decade older than she was, and he seemed to think that because her property had once belonged to his family, that he needed to check on her. Often.

But he was always pleasant, and she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Even if he made her a little uncomfortable at times, he’d never acted anything other than a helpful neighbor.

She’d rather be drying her hair than waiting for what Jonas had to say, but that would be rude.

Jonas nodded again. “I can drive you to get your car.”

“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I’ve got a plan already in place.”

He tilted his head with a smile. “It’s not a problem. I’m happy to help.”

Addison maintained her smile. “Thank you, but it’s fine, Jonas. I’ve got everything under control.” Which would be a major miracle if it were true.

Heath’s car turned into the driveway, and she felt her heart rate pick up with anticipation. Apparently, the relief of knowing he hadn’t walked away from her without a regret had her body deciding she was ready to jump back into a relationship with him.

Her heart wasn’t sure that was a good idea, and she doubted he was even interested. But it had been a long time since her body had enjoyed thinking about kissing and sex. Heath’s arrival had brought it all back.

“I don’t recognize this man. Do you know him?” Joans moved so he blocked her from view, probably trying to protect her from an unwanted visitor. Which was ironic.

“It’s fine. He’s a friend of mine.”

Heath parked and climbed out of the car, grinning at her when she peeked around Jonas. She was relieved he was still excited about seeing Nina again.

“I’m Jonas Adamson. And you are?”

Heath’s eyebrows shot up as he turned to the other man. For a moment, she wondered how he was going to respond to the demand, but those manners asserted themselves. He held out a hand. “Heath Wilcox.”

“What are you doing here?” Jonas’s voice was laced with curiosity. Addison hadn’t realized the man was a gossip, but it surprised a laugh out of her. She patted Heath’s arm. “As I said, Heath’s an old friend of mine. Jonas Adamson, meet Heath Wilcox. Come on in, Heath. Thanks for checking on us, Jonas, but we’re all good. You don’t have to worry. I’ll see you later.”

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