Page 28 of When We Burn

“Jesus, no.” She looks horrified, and that makes me feel marginally better. “I’m simply surprised, that’s all. But she’s awesome, so I hope it works out. Now, come see my fabulous store.”

She takes my hand and leads me out of the coffee shop and next door, and it takes me a moment to snap out of my sudden mood.“She’s just not your usual type.”She’s always been my fucking type, but I’ve had to steer clear.

Shake it off.

When we step inside, I’m surprised to find that most of the bookshelves are already full.

“Wow, you’ve done a lot of work in here, Bee.”

“I know. My back is killing me,and I need to find a massage therapist. But I love it so much. I need Birdie’s help this weekend buying children’s books for the kids’ corner over there. I want to do a story hour once a month, and I want it to be a fun spot for kids to sit and read while their parents browse.”

“I hate to burst your bubble, but you’ll probably end up with some ripped books and stuff. Kids aren’t usually careful.”

“I’ll have some out that the kids can read and damage, and the brand-new ones will be in cellophane if they’re within reach.”

“Good idea.”

She shows me around each section. I notice the romance section takes up more than half of the store, and when I point that out, Bee grins.

“As it should be,” she says. “It’s the best-selling genre out there.”

“You’re the expert. Are you sure you want Birdie for the whole weekend?”

“Yes. I was about to call you, actually, so don’t even worry about us. I have extra meds for her at my place, just in case, remember? Not that she’ll need them.”

“I really would like to spend some alone time with Dani.” And I’m completely floored that Bee’s offer aligns with my weekend off. That never happens, butit’s something I’ve tried to implement across all of my team. Rotating weekends off.Myself included.

“Done. Do it. Enjoy.” She grins at me. “Wrap it before you tap it.”

“Jesus fucking Christ, Billie.”

“Hey, it’s good advice.”

After I left the bookstore yesterday, I got called to a fire and didn’t get home until late. Birdie ended up spending the afternoon and evening with Merilee, a retired teacher that Brady Wild recommended, and I have to admit, she’s a lifesaver. She even came to my house, so Birdie was at home.

I never had the chance to call or even run over to see Dani, but I’ll see her this morning when I drop Birdie off at school.

“Now, don’t forget, Aunt Bee is picking you up, and you’re spending the weekend at her house.”

“Iknow,” Birdie says with a little shimmy in her seat. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

“And I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Okay.” She’s not concerned at all, and I love that my girl doesn’t get separation anxiety when it comes to being away from me.

After parking in the lot, I walk Birdie over to the sidewalk where teachers are greeting kids.

“I’ll see you Sunday,” I say as I squat down to hug my daughter. “Be good and have fun, okay?”

“Okay.” She kisses my cheek. “Bye, Daddy.”

And with that, she rushes inside of the school, and as I stand, my eyes lock on Dani.

She’s in khaki pants today that hug her curves, and a navy blue button-down top that shouldn’t be provocative at all, yet, I want to strip her out of it and have my way with her.

“Good morning,” she says as I approach.

“Good morning.” I reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear. I want to kiss her and pull her in for a hug, but she already set the boundary of no affection at work, and I won’t cross it. “So, Bee is picking Birdie up from school today. I wanted to give you a heads-up. She’s already listed with the office.”

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