Page 59 of Seeing You

“This has been a lot of fun catching up, but I need to head over to Ashlynn’s place to help her with payroll.” Standing, she took her plate to the kitchen and placed it in the dishwasher. When she turned, Marcus was standing right there. “Oh!”

“You’re amazing,” he said quietly, moving in close.

Her heart hammered at his nearness. “It was just cake, Marcus,” she replied lightly, because she wasn’t sure what else to say.

“It was more than that and you know it. You came in here and accomplished more for Dad’s self-esteem than anyone else has in a year. You knew exactly what to say and it was nice to hear him sounding like he wants to get better.” Shaking his head, he gave her a boyish grin. “I’m kind of ashamed of how much more you know about him than I do.”

Now wasn’t the time to point out how he was the reason for that, so instead she replied from the heart. “I’ve always loved your dad, and it breaks my heart to see him like this. I’m glad I could help.”

His arms going around her didn’t surprise her.

The intensity of his gaze thrilled her.

But the fact that he didn’t kiss her completely disappointed her.

Yeah. I’m in trouble.

“You’re an amazing woman,” he whispered. “Can I see you tonight?”

This would have been the perfect moment to say something to break the romantic vibes he was giving off—something like suggesting they go bowling or do something that friends would do together. But she couldn’t because that was what she wanted.

And she wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.

“I’m going to be with Ash until six, but if you’d like to come over afterwards…”

“I would,” he interrupted. “You’ve had a long day and now you’re going to help your sister. I didn’t want to assume that you’d be up for having dinner together again, but I’ll pick up whatever you’d like.”

Smiling, she considered her options. “Surprise me.” And then, feeling bold, Billie reached up and raked a hand through his hair before pressing her lips to his and kissing him senseless. His arms tightened around her as he took control of the kiss,and if they weren’t in the middle of his father’s kitchen, she’d be dragging him to the floor.

And maybe I will later…

Pulling back, she licked her lips. “Six-thirty?”

The look he gave her made her tingle with anticipation. “Six-thirty.”

It took everything she had to casually say goodbye to John and then to Marcus, and her legs felt weak as she walked out to her car. She knew doing payroll was a no-brainer for her and it would be a great way to distract herself, but she opted to be a little selfish.

Picking up her phone, she called Ash.

“Hey! Are you on your way? Can you bring cookies? I swear the baby is making me crave them nonstop!”

Aww…

No! Be selfish!

“Hey, sorry! I’m not going to be able to come by today, so…no cookies.”

“What? Why? You always do the payroll with me! It’s our thing! And what do you mean no cookies? What’s going on?” Then she gasped. “Oh my God…you’re going out with Marcus, aren’t you?”

It wasn’t a question, and she wasn’t going to deny it.

“As a matter of fact, yes. We just made the plans, so I need some time to freak out and…you know…get myself ready.” Then she waited for her sister to tell her she was making a mistake and yell at her for doing this to herself again.

“Okay, okay…go home, strip the bed, and take a shower. I’ll be over in a bit to help. Do you want me to pick up wine? Flowers? Champagne? Do you have any sexy underwear? You don’t strike me as the sexy underwear type. You’re more cotton granny panties…”

“I amnotcotton granny panties! Why would you even say that?”

“Because you act like you’re an old lady most of the time!” Ash told her, laughing. “I mean, come on! This can’t be news to you! We all think of you like that.”

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