Page 27 of Merry with a Single Dad

“Not many men would pick up on this. Nor would a lot of them go out of their way to make sure the friendship isn’t sacrificed over the relationship.”

“I knew when I met you that your bond was something I could never come between. I love every moment with Emily, so don’t get me wrong. I’m going to hate not being with her after work Friday night. But I know she needs this more than a night in with me and Hudson.”

“I have one request,” Cassie said.

“Name it.”

“No curfew.”

“Done.”

“And a slumber party,” she added.

“You said one request.”

“What can I say? I’m a greedy bitch.”

I barked a laugh. “Fine. But have her back by breakfast.”

“Deal.”

If I knew Cassie the way I thought I did, she was already planning their night out.

“So,” she said after a moment, “what are you and Hudson going to do while we’re out painting the town red?” Cassie teased.

“Duh,” I said. “Pizza and aStar Warsmarathon.”

“You sure you’re not looking for a way to nerd out with Hudson for the night without feeling guilty?” she asked, snickering at herself.

That was what I loved about Cassie—talking to her reminded me of conversations with my sister. She and Savannah excelled in giving me shit.

Chapter Eleven

Emily

Cassie met my eyes in the mirror.

“Damn, we look good,” she said, twisting to the side to check out her ass in her cognac suede skirt.

Paired with a tight black top and thigh-high black boots, Cassie looked like she was ready to prowl.

“Rawrrr,” I purred at her.

“You’re one to talk,” she said, grinning. “Those boots scream cougar.”

“Ha-ha,” I said. “They’re cheetah, not leopard.”

Cassie shrugged like it didn’t matter what cat print adorned my feet. “I’m surprised Chris let you out of the house.”

“He almost didn’t. One look and he threatened to skip dinner and just have dessert.”

Cassie threw her head back and laughed.

“That man makes me feel so sexy.”

“Honey, it’s not the man. It’s you.”

As good as I felt in my pleather black dress shorts and long-sleeve sweater, Chris made me feel beautiful even when I wore sweats and a t-shirt.

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