Page 17 of Holiday Hire

"Any art store will do. I want to get watercolors for the kids."

"Oh! Let's go to Lilac on Main! They have art stuff but also other crafty things," Willow declares.

I snap, "Willow, this isn't a shopping spree. I don't mind stopping, but I need to get back to work."

"Oh, shush. Jagger and Mason have it under control," Willow states.

"Because I do nothing all day?" I blurt out.

My sister laughs. "You know they can handle it when you're gone."

"Willow, I have a lot going on. I don't have all day to wait for you to spend money."

"I like it better when you're fun, Alexander," she says.

I groan.

Phoebe pipes up, "Actually, if we can run in and run out, I think that's best. I want to unpack before the boys get home from school. We can go shopping another day if that's okay?"

Once again, I'm surprised she seems to have my back, but I remind myself not to let her fool me. She wants to stay for two months, and I don't need her.

"If that's what you want," Willow replies.

Phoebe nods. "It is. But I definitely want a rain check on the shopping trip."

"Deal," my sister agrees.

I focus on driving, trying to keep my eyes off Phoebe's sun-kissed, toned legs, but it's hard. A few times, she catches me. I know because of her blush.

I grip the steering wheel harder and pull up to the store. I shift the gear to park and beg, "Please don't take all day."

Willow snorts.

Phoebe meets my gaze. "I'll be quick."

"Thank you."

"Sure," she softly says. She opens her mouth, as if she wants to say more, then shuts it.

I want to ask her what she wants to say, but she leaps out of the truck. I stay in the cab, staring at the back of her killer calves and thigh tattoo.

Maybe his name is Mario.

Is she still with him? Or is she with the D guy?

Maybe she dumped both of them.

I'm stumped, trying to think of more M-A-R-I male names, when she pops out of the store. She's carrying a big shopping bag, and Willow's in tow.

"That was fast," I praise.

"I'm known to have laser focus at times," she claims.

"That's a good trait to have," I admit.

Willow shuts her door, declaring, "Why don't we return on the weekend?"

Phoebe turns and replies, "Let's play it by ear if you don't mind. I want to make sure the boys have my full attention."

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