Page 47 of Finding Out

“How’s that?” I stomped the snow from my boots on the steps.

“I was holding out hope that you’d bring your girl.” She smiled.

Stomach knotting, I shook my head. “I told you it was just me.” Inside, I was hit by the scents of wintergreen and roasting turkey.

“But I’m dying to meet the woman who tamed the rake.”

With a laugh, I clutched my chest. “Colleen, you wound me. I am not now nor have I ever been rakish.”

“I do fear you’re both watching too muchBridgerton.” Heath joined us. “Merry Christmas,” he said as he took the bags from my hands.

“Merry Christmas.” I kissed Colleen’s cheek and slapped Heath on the back. “Am I the last one here?”

“Yes. Everyone’s in the back.” Heath pointed toward the den.

“Except Wren,” Colleen added.

“Oh.” I schooled my features, going for vague interest even though every cell in my body perked at her name. “Did she hit traffic?”

“No.” Colleen sighed. “She claims she’s sick, but mother’s intuition says she’s dating someone.”

I fisted my hands at my sides. Sick? What the fuck? She didn’t even tell me. My heart hammered and worry buzzed through my system.

“She did not bail on us to spend time with a random guy.” Heath frowned, though his expression was unconcerned. “Even this one.” He pointed at me. “Didn’t bail on us to hang with hisbaby girl. I can’t imagine Wren would make up a story.”

Irritation built in my gut. Did he not care about the fact that his daughter was sick?

He shrugged. “It’s probably just one of those days.”

What the fuck did that mean?

“Come on, Tom, the Pats game is about to start.”

I stepped forward, ready to follow him, but stopped abruptly. If I went into that room, I couldn’t pull out my phone and check on Wren. And I would check on her. Maybe her parents weren’t concerned, but I was.

“Just gonna hit the head first.” I slipped into the bathroom, and the second the door was locked behind me, I pulled out my phone and frowned at the alerts.

Baby Girl: I’m sorry. I should probably have called earlier, but I fell asleep and now you’re probably there.

Baby Girl: But I’m not coming today. Just not feeling great.

Baby Girl: Sorry.

I pressed her name and held the phone up.

“Hello.” Her soft voice was music to my ears.

“What’s wrong?” I did my best to keep my voice from being too harsh.

“Nothing. I just don’t feel great.”

“Do you need me to send a doctor over?” The Revs had two on staff. With the right incentive, I could probably talk one of them into meeting me at her apartment.

“It’s Christmas.”

“I don’t care what day it is. You’re sick.” And I should be there to take care of her. I tried to pace, but the damn room was too small, so I was just turning in circles.

“I’m not sick. I just don’t feel great.”

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