Page 12 of Finally Moore

Scott frowns. “What if we don’t tell them?”

My feet almost slip out from under me again, but thankfully I catch myself. “What?”

“I mean…” Scott rocks on his heels with his hands tucked in his pockets. “It’s a week, right? What’s the harm?”

“Are you serious?” I will my heart to not burst out of my chest. He still has a grin on his face, and I think I might need that fainting couch after all. Until something else comes to mind. “What about Amanda?”

“Things with her, they’re complicated.” I wait for him to elaborate. He sighs. “We went on our first and only date a few weeks ago. She’s married and going through a separation…” When my eyebrows shoot up, he stops me from commenting. “I know! It sounds lame, and believe me my sister has made sure to tell me what a dumbass I am. But I’m waiting, and I guess I’m also hoping that when it’s all final, she’ll reach out.”

“That doesn’t sound very lame to me. It’s romantic.”

“See! You get it. Now if only my sister and best friend could understand…”

“Scott, I appreciate you being willing to help me out and all, but if you’re waiting for her…”

“Look, your family already thinks we’re engaged and, well, I might need a small favor in return?”

“Really?” I press, unable to believe what I’m hearing.

“Don’t you want to know what my favor—”

“Unless you’re asking for my firstborn, I’ll do whatever you need me to do if you help me survive this week.”

“Okay.” He sounds relieved. “Thank you.”

“Oh my god.” I rush forward and wrap my arms around him. “No, thank you. You have no idea how much you’re saving my ass right now.”

“No problem,” he says as he rests his hands on my back. “But we do have a few things to figure out. I wasn’t exactly sure whathomeI’m expected to return to tonight.”

Crap… I did totally imply that we lived together. “Um…” I take a step back. “You’re already doing me a huge favor, so feel free to say no, but I was hoping that maybe we could stay at my place. I’m short-staffed, and it’s nice to be onsite in case I’m needed. Hannah usually has the nights covered pretty well, but I don’t want to risk having to rush out at two in the morning if something happens that’s above her paygrade. Again, this is my problem, not yours. So, if that doesn’t work—”

“Breathe.” Scott tilts my chin, forcing me to look at him. “It’s fine. It makes sense.”

“It does?”

“Yeah, I get it. Besides, I’m not sure Bruce would be happy with the temporary relocation.”

“Oh my god, you’re the best.” This time, when I hug him, I don’t think and press a quick kiss to his cheek too. I feel like an idiot the second I do and he tenses up. Not wanting him to change his mind, I take a few steps back to put some distance between us.

“I have a few things to wrap up here, then I’ll need to stop by my place for some clothes…”

“Okay, yeah, no worries. I’ll be up. I have a list of things I need to prep for tomorrow myself. Do you know where the groundskeeper cabin is located?”

“Yeah.” He quirks a brow at me. “Don’t you remember—?”

“Oh, yup.” I back away slowly as the memory of the night he walked me home returns. “So, you know it’s just down the path, on the south side of the property?”

“I remember.” He smiles.

“Good, here.” I dig out my keys and take off the one for my room. “Use this. I have a spare in my office.”

“I guess I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“Again, thank you. I’m not sure I can ever repay you.”

Scott smiles. “That’s what friends are for.”

Chapter five

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