Page 16 of Marrying Off My Husband

“Perfect. I’ll just finish up some work and meet you there.”

My nose crinkled as we ended the call.Work? At this hour?Yes, she definitely was perfect for Spencer.

I rose and headed for my en-suite. Before long, I was zipping up my sundress, tossing my sunglasses in my purse, and slicking on my lip gloss.

I pranced my way downstairs, finding Spencer staring out over the view of the water with a coffee cup in hand.

“Work break, darlin’?” I asked.

“Yes. I managed to slam through a good amount already and was rewarding myself with another cup of coffee.”

“That’s hardly a reward. How about a real reward?”

He glanced down at my ensemble. “If you mean a shopping trip, pass. Going to try again and see if today’s better?”

“I am. And I know it will be. Hey, put on something sharp this afternoon, okay?”

Spencer’s lips curled as his nose wrinkled. “Why?”

“Just…may have a friend dropping by.” I offered him a fleeting smile before I crossed the living room, heading for the front door.

“A friend?”

“Uh-huh,” I called nonchalantly as I stopped to do one final check in the mirror before I gave a final approval and grabbed my keys.

“Wait, what friend?” Spencer hurried toward me as I pulled the door open. “Not…the friend. Not the girl… for you…you know…me.”

“Uh-huh,” I answered with a grin and a nod.

His eyes went wide, and he swallowed hard, fear flashing across those icy baby blues. “Lou…” The shaking of his head told me exactly what he thought of the idea.

I gave him a dismissive wave. “Oh, Spence, it’s just a little meet and greet. Nothing crazy. Just an icebreaker so that firstdate isn’t so awkward. By the way,” I said as I poked the corner of my purse at him, “we’ve got to talk about that and make a plan.”

“Louise–”

“Gotta run, darlin’.” I darted out the door, calling, “Remember, something nice!”

I didn’t bother to look back, knowing he probably stood with a shocked and worried expression on his features. Poor Spencer. But it was for his own good.

Behind the wheel of my sleek sports car, I let the top down and aimed for the shopping district, enjoying the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin.

I slid into a parking space near the bakery and left my car behind as I sauntered down the sidewalk, following the delicious scent of cinnamon.

Eve waited, shifting her weight from foot to foot, outside the door, scanning the sidewalk. The little darlin’ was early…of course.

I grinned at her as I approached. “Hi, sugar.”

“Hi,” she said, her smile seeming genuine. “I was a little early.”

“I see that.”

We ducked into the bakery to place our orders for a morning iced coffee for the road.

“Now,” I said as we hit the sidewalk again, “did I hear you right? You were working at the ungodly hour when I called you?”

She chuckled. “Louise, it was after eight.”

“I know, that’s why I’m asking.” I laughed as I shot her a glance that demanded an explanation.

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