Page 15 of Training the Heart

“Twice in one day that I’ve done something stupid … I-I’m going for a shower, so I’ll see you later,” I say as I give him an awkward quick wave and dart down my hallway.

“Might want to check the water before you get in so you don’t end up with another injury,” Wade calls as he closes the door behind him and I disappear into my bathroom, properly mortified and wondering errantly if I have time to flick it to the image I now have mentally saved of my boss before I go to dinner with his whole family.

I’m not quite prepared for the scene unfolding in the big house when Jo’s dad, Dean, opens the door to me just after six. The Ashbys’ big burly golden retriever, Harley, nuzzles right up to me looking for cuddles the moment I come in. CeCe is sitting on the floor in front of the sofa in the living room looking beyond beautiful as always with Nash propped right beside her, hand on her knee while he watches hockey highlights on TV and sips bourbon. It’s almost like he can’t not be touching her. Mabel is behind CeCe on the couch styling her long blonde hair in different braids and clips, and a drawing is taped to the coffee table with writing in a man’s untidy scrawl that says “Able Mabel’s Beauty Salon.”

Cole and Wade are in the kitchen in deep discussion as Jo bastes two mammoth-sized chickens freshly pulled from the oven.

Dean takes my coat with the most comforting smile and hangs it in the closet. I say thank you and smile at him then turn to the room.

“Hi, y’all,” I say as I enter the open space.

Seven pairs of eyes turn and land on me before the quiet explodes with “Hi” and “Come on in.”

“Lemon is my favorite,” Jo says as she kisses me on the cheek. “Was Wy’s favorite too, you’ve got good taste.” I grin, happy she approves. Her long blonde hair smells like cinnamon. She’s homey and comfortable. Everything my own mother isn’t anymore but used to be and it tugs at my heart. “Wade, be a gentleman, pour this woman a drink,” she quips as Wade’s eyes lock on mine across the room.

His half-naked torso flashes through my mind, making the room suddenly feel just a little too warm. He’s still wearing that black Titans hat but now it’s backward, making him look even younger, more carefree and dangerously hot.

It’s a look that’s definitely working for me. His sleeves are pushed up and strong forearms ripple with muscle as he works to roll out biscuits. He nods and breaks my stare when he reaches for a towel to dust the flour off his big hands.

Jo takes my pie and sets it on the counter as Wade hands me a small crystal glass with a double shot in it when I arrive at the kitchen island.

I go to take a swallow but his hand darts out and ghosts over mine, stopping me. His touch sinks beneath my skin and almost makes me shudder with the quick contact. I berate myself when it happens. One glimpse of him in a towel and suddenly I’m a teenage girl with a crush?

“We drink with a salute,” he says matter-of-factly. “So, you got a toast for us?” he challenges, leaning on his elbow looking up at me.

I draw a blank for a moment, then I smile sweetly.

Put me on the spot, deal with the repercussions.

“To bosses that forgive me for barging in on their half-naked asses, deliver me first aid and fulfill a sort of superhero fantasy by then fixing my power?” I offer.

Jo, Cole and Dean turn and look at me. I grin as Wade’s cheeks turn a fine shade of pink, but he doesn’t take his eyes off mine, always in control as he taps his glass on the counter and takes a drink. “Salut,” he says.

“There’s a story there and I’m invested. Did he fix your power half-naked?” Cole sits down and looks back and forth between us before adding, “Also, I’ll put your first dollar in, but around here, if you cuss, Mabel takes your money.”

I look out at the living room to see Mabel wearing an ear-to-ear grin, baring two missing front teeth as she’s waving at me.

“Noted.” I smile back.

“You were saying?” Cole asks about my story.

“Forgot to lock the door. She’s clumsy and just walks into people’s houses uninvited like she was born in a barn. No story,” Wade deadpans.

Cole grins and pops a handful of peanuts into his mouth from a bowl on the island.

“Not surprised he was half-naked. Wade never wore clothes when he was young either.”

“Just not self-conscious,” Wade says, his eyes telling Cole to shut his trap, but it seems to fuel Cole.

“The moment we got in the door, he’d strip right down to his boxers.” Cole chuckles.

“And his hand was always holding onto his no-no parts too,” Mama Jo pipes up, giggling.

I raise my eyebrow and start laughing with them.

“Christ sakes,” Wade protests, trying not to let his niece hear.

“Uncle Wade, that’s another!” Mabel yells from the other room.

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