Page 9 of My Boyfriend Marks Trees

“Not if you like her.”

He blurted out his dilemma. “That’s why I don’t think seeing her is a good idea.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do I really have to spell it out?” He arched a brow.

“Oh, for goodness sake, I’m not telling you to admit you like peeing on trees, but you can be friends, you know.”

“Friends?” Friends could eventually become lovers. Or not. Maybe the strange vibe coursing through his body would fade if they spent time together.

Not likely.

“And by friends, I don’t mean banging her,” Selene said, as though reading his mind. “She’s got a kid, which means you gotta be extra careful. No stringing her and the kid along. If you want this woman, then you’d better be 100 percent sure you’re ready.”

Was he ready?

No.

Maybe.

How could he tell?

“Maybe I should just forget it,” he mumbled.

“What are you afraid of? Falling in love? Happened to Athena and she’s never been happier. Are you scared of happiness?”

“You just said to take it slow and be careful.”

“I said to be sure before you break that woman’s, and her kid’s, heart. So, yes, take it slow. Be careful. Not just of them, but yourself. I don’t want to see you rocking and crying in a corner. I’d have to take pics and mock you later.”

“You really think I should go over.”

“Or at least give her a call or a text.”

“I don’t have her number.”

“In that case, visit, but not empty-handed. Have an excuse.”

Advice he took and how he ended up on Charlotte’s front stoop, carrying a large shopping bag in one hand and balancing a pair of pies in the other.

The look on Charlotte’s face went through a few stages; trepidation, surprise, suspicion, and, finally, a rueful shake.

“You’re back.”

“Yeah. I told my mom and sister about you and Greta and the tree, and well, we had a few things lying around that we don’t use that we thought Greta might like. Tinsel and some other decorations.”

“Were the pies lying around too?”

“Mom likes to bake. She also sent a jar of her honey. And I brought cheese,” he finished, trailing off.

“Why?”

Because she’s the one.

A furry claim that startled him so much his dumb ass blurted out, “’Cause I like you.”

Chapter 4

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