Page 82 of Unforgettable

“For some reason,” I said, hearing pounding footfalls from tiny feet against the concrete in the hallway, “I don’t think we’re going to have enough time for that.”

“Auntie Manda!” Zach shouted, bursting through the door. He looked left and, after not finding me in the kitchen or living room, whipped to the right, where he spotted both me and his dad in the hallway.

“Auntie Manda, I have to go potty!” He raced to me with his hands in front of him.

Sensing the emergency, I quickly ushered him through my room and into my bathroom.

Back out in the hall, I rejoined Josh just as Reed also came through the door.

“Dude,” he panted, with his hands perched on his hips. “I work out all the fucking time. Hell, I own my own goddamn gym, for Christ’s sake, but when that kid took off saying he had to pee, there was no way I was keeping up.”

Josh and I both laughed as Reed rolled his eyes, nostrils flaring.

“You’re both assholes.”

I could see the torment on Reed’s face—he saw my smile and wanted to return it. And a second later, he lost his inner battle, one corner of his mouth tugging upward.

Then his eyes dropped lower, perusing my body until he stopped at my legs. A different expression passed over his face, and I frowned. Looking down, I realized he’d noticed my change of attire.

A blush crept over my cheeks, and I could feel it down my neck and chest. I didn’t know why I was suddenly embarrassed when I’d made my intentions completely clear only the day before.

“You guys get the chance to talk?” he said, and I couldn’t decipher his tone. Was his tone weird, or was I reading into a change that wasn’t actually there?

“Yes, and thanks for that, by the way,” Josh responded with sarcasm dripping from every word. “Didn’t think I was telling you so you could run and tell everyone else.”

Reed chuckled and glanced between us. “I know you’re being sarcastic, but you’re welcome. Looks like it all turned out for the best, since our girl is wearing different pants.”

He gestured to my legs and my blush from before was magnified.

Our girl. Oddly enough, I didn’t mind the sound of that at all.

“Auntie Manda,” Zach’s voice startled me as he exited my bathroom.

“Yes, bud?” I asked in a weary voice.

“Your bedroom and bathroom and everything is really messy.”

My jaw dropped. Like father, like son, apparently.

“Trust me, bud. Daddy already told Auntie Manda that she should clean her room.”

“Okay, good. Daddy, can we go get something to eat? I’m hungry.”

“Yes, we can.” Josh turned to me. “Want to come with?”

There was something about the idea that he included me—that Josh wanted me around him and his son—that made my breath catch. And as much as I wanted to say yes, I had to decline.

“I have papers to grade, and I promised Hazel I would help organize all of my shit we just threw into her guest room. Rain check?”

“It’s an open invitation—whenever you want to spend time with us, we’d be happy to have you.”

How I didn’t end up in a puddle on the floor, I would never know.

“Thanks,” I breathed out, hoping to stay steady on my feet.

“Bye, Auntie Manda!”

“Bye, Zach. I had so much fun today, and I’ll see you soon, okay?” I stooped down to his level, and he threw his arms around my neck without hesitation.

---