Page 50 of Love Her

“Mother!”

Shrugging she simply winks and calls for my dad and Clem to get a move on. “Are you sure you’re okay dropping her off? I’m here doing nothing after all.”

“That’s ridiculous. We are already out and driving that direction.”

I can’t help but feel guilty for not taking Clem but she’s right. I would likely follow them the entire way to Bella’s house. This makes sense. Saying goodbye to everyone I remind my parents to text me when they make it to the hotel and close the door behind them.

Padding my way back to the kitchen, I toss the now cold popcorn into the trash and contemplate making a fresh batch when a thought occurs to me. I’m home alone. I have an opportunity for an indulgence.

Instead of serving myself a dinner of gourmet popcorn, I rush to my parents’ bathroom, I eye my mom’s pride and joy. A huge soaking tub. This is exactly what I need. Turning the taps, I sprinkle some of her bath salts into the water before moving back to the kitchen to pour a glass of wine and gather my e-reader, phone, and a few extra towels.

I make it back to the bathroom quickly and shut off the water before setting up my things on the tray my mom has already set up. Tapping a playlist of relaxing music, I start shedding my clothes and tying my hair up then easing myself into the warm water. It takes only a minute or so before I find a relaxing position. Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the moment. The peacefulness of being alone for the first time in months and enjoying something like a bath seems indulgent, but I’m grateful I have the opportunity.

My thoughts begin to drift and I’m so relaxed, I almost knock over everything around me when my phone vibrates on the tray. The water is still warm so it can’t be my parents. Worried it’s one of the kids, I dry my hand and grab the phone.

Connor: Is it a full moon? Everyone has lost their damn minds.

Like anytime he sends me a message or calls, I smile.

Me: I’m not sure. Are there werewolves running around too?

Connor: There is a guy with a pretty cool beard so maybe. What are you doing?

Me: Taking a bath and contemplating which movie to watch first.

I expect him to send back a smart ass comment not for the phone to ring with an incoming video chat. Shifting my body so I’m sitting up, I hold the phone so only my face is in the shot and answer.

“Hey,” I say but I doubt he can hear me over all the noise of the bar. Moving, the screen shakes a little as he moves it around. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was trying to see more of me. As if moving his phone is going to help.

Stepping into a room, he flips a light and closes the door. From the looks of it, he’s in a supply closet. “Goddamn. You are in the tub. I thought you were joking.”

“Nope,” I reply popping the “p.”

“Baby, you’re killing me here. I’m at work and you’re there. Naked. How am I supposed to get back behind the bar with this image in my head?”

There he goes with the baby again. I swear if he says “darlin’” I may combust.

“Wait. How are you calling me if you are dealing with the moon and werewolves?”

“We’re in a bit of a lull and I have to grab a few things from storage. Now I need to hide in here and control what’s happening in my pants. Thanks for that.”

I love that he says what he’s thinking. That I have this effect on him. Truth be told, I’m a bit flush at the moment and I don’t think it’s from the warm water. In fact, I know it’s not because the warmth is almost non-existent.

“Gotcha. Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m about done with this portion of my evening and going to cue up some romantic comedies and eat popcorn.”

“So, I was thinking . . .”

Lifting a brow, I wait for him to continue. “Maybe I could come by your place after I finish here. I’m not closing tonight, letting one of the other guys handle the late night. I should be out of here in about three hours.”

Come here? Am I ready for that? I’m not sure if I’m ready but I sure as hell want him here. I can’t overthink this or I’ll tell him no. I need to go with my instincts. Throw caution to the wind tonight. Live a little.

“Text me when you’re on the way.”

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