Page 102 of Tangled Up In You

"A sexy detective? Lizzie told me that you and Adam stayed at the lake after his party."

"We did. He's really great."

"He is," Chloe agreed. "Is this going to be something serious?"

"I don't know. I'm not good at serious. But we're having fun."

"Is Adam on the same page?"

"I think so. We've been honest with each other."

"That's good. The man could use a little fun."

She gave Chloe a thoughtful look. "Is there something you want to tell me about Adam? You—you're not interested in him, are you?"

"No. I like him as a friend. That's it. Did someone tell you something different? I know there were rumors going around about Adam and me after Kevin and I split, but nothing happened. Adam was just helping me with Leo and being supportive. But we have never been romantically interested in each other. I just let myself lean on him for a while."

"He is a good person to lean on."

"Yes, he is. But he needs someone who wants more than protection, who challenges him, and I think that's you. He has smiled more this week than he has since I've known him."

"He is something else when he smiles," she said with a wistful sigh.

Chloe laughed. "You have it bad. So, when are you seeing him again?"

"We're going for a bike ride after work. Then he's going to barbecue for me and Drew and probably Cassie, who seems to be permanently attached to Drew."

"That sounds fun. So, I had another reason for coming by. Lizzie told me about some amazing pillow that guarantees a good night's sleep."

"It is an amazing pillow. No guarantee but I think you'll like it." She led Chloe over to the corner of the store where her sleep aids were displayed and handed her the pillow. "This is my last one. I just ordered more after the sidewalk sale. It's made of organic, non-allergenic materials, and it stays cool while you sleep."

"Perfect. I'll take it." As they walked back to the register, Chloe said, "How are things going with Jackie?"

"I'm not sure. I dropped off my first package yesterday, with no response. I stopped by at lunch, and she just gave me a tight-lipped look as I left a basket of goodies on the counter. There were customers in the boutique, so their presence might have prevented her from yelling at me or throwing the basket in my face."

"You're being very nice to her. If she can't see that, then she is beyond saving."

"I hope she can see that I'm trying. I do want to help her. I left a note today saying that Phoebe had left instructions on things that might make her sleep better. I wanted her to know that Phoebe is still looking out for her."

"Well, I can't wait to hear what happens. I have heard that you're impressing the hell out of everyone by knowing exactly what they need before they even ask. One of my waitresses said her mother, Joanne, came by this morning, and you knew exactly what vitamins she wanted before she even asked."

"I'm just following Phoebe's notebook, as well as adding to it," she said as she took Chloe's credit card. "Especially for the locals. That way, I'll know what items to keep in stock and what other new products they might benefit from." She handed Chloe the receipt. "Let me know how the pillow works out for you."

"I will. I better get home. My in-laws are in town, and they're babysitting Leo, but he gets very hyper around this time of day."

"Phoebe used to call this time of day the witching hour, and it doesn't apply just to kids."

"That's probably true. Have fun tonight, Molly. Say hi to Adam."

"I will."

After Chloe left, she rang up her other customer, who had found a couple of herb tinctures she wanted to try. When that woman departed, she turned the sign to Closed, locked the door, and ran up the stairs to change clothes.

As she moved through the living room, her gaze went to the bear rug that was still on the floor. Heat ran through her as she remembered the hours they'd spent on that rug before making their way into the bedroom. She flushed a little as her gaze also landed on the gold urn by the window. "I guess we put on a show for you, didn't we, Phoebe?" She paused, hearing Phoebe's laugh in her head. "I just wish you were here, and we could really talk to each other."

She walked over to the urn, kissed her fingers, and then touched them to the urn. "You were always about living life to the fullest, staying in the moment, but the more fun I have with Adam, the more I care about him. The more I start to worry about what's going to happen if—when—our moment ends." She drew in a breath. "But it's not going to end tonight. I'll see you later, Phoebe. And by the way, if you have any idea where that damn diamond is, can you give me a sign, something…"

As the quiet surrounded her, she let out a sigh. "I'll have to figure it out for myself, won't I?"

---