Page 82 of When We Burn

“He likes me.” I shrug and smile smugly. “And it’s definitely reciprocated.”

“I love this,” Skyla says with a happy sigh as she reaches down to pet Riley between the ears. “I’m so happy that I found this group so soon after moving to town.”

“And we’re happy to have you,” Bee replies. “Do you have any delicious, Irish brothers that might be single?”

Skyla’s smile spreads. “You know, I might just.”

“Well, bring them to town, friend,” Charlie says with a wink. “We need more book boyfriend material.”

Chapter Fifteen

BRIDGER

Kitten: I’m headed your way now. Just leaving the bookstore.

I grin and flick off the football game that I’ve had playing in the background.

Me: I can’t wait to see you.

I’m glad that she went to her book club, but I’ll be even happier when she’s here and I have her all to myself.

I pad into Birdie’s room to check on my daughter and smile when I see that she’s sound asleep with Pickles curled up right next to her. I didn’t have to do much convincing to get my girl into bed tonight because she was excited to have the cat with her. Not to mention, she’s so tired. Lethargy has been one of her main symptoms for the past year anyway, but add on to that an illness and an asthma attack all in one day, and it’s safe to say that Birdie will sleep like a rock tonight.

But I’ll check on her several times anyway, just to be sure that she’s okay.

The sound of a car door slamming comes from the front of the house, and I reach the front door at the same time as Dani.

“Hey,” she says, keeping her voice low.

“Hey yourself.” I pull her against me as I close the door behind her and frame her face so I can kiss the hell out of her. “Did you have fun?”

“It was so fun.” She grins up at me. “I’m almost sad that we’re only meeting once a month. How was everything here? Is Birdie still okay?”

“She’s sleeping with Pickles,” I inform her. “Go have a look. It’s really cute.”

Dani practically tiptoes down the hall, making me chuckle, and pokes her head in the door. When she backs out again, pulling the door not quite closed behind her, she has her bottom lip out.

“That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Come on.” I take her hand in mine and lead her farther down the hall to my bedroom. “I’m going to pamper you a bit tonight.”

“Why?”

I blink and frown down at my girl. “Because I want to, sweetheart. I don’t need a special occasion for it.”

“Oh, well, okay then.” She rubs her lips together nervously, and it makes me laugh as I take her shoulders in my hands.

“You’re the only person I know who would look nervous in response to someone telling you they want to take care of you.”

“That’s not something that I’m used to.” Her brows pinch together. “But it’s nice when you do it.”

Jesus. There’s never a time when I forget what Dani went through as a girl, but there are moments when it kicks me in the stomach.

“Come on. Into the shower for you, and I’m going to pour you some wine. Are you hungry?”

“No, Jackie Harmon brought huckleberry tarts for everyone.”

I give her a mock glare. “And you came home empty-handed?”

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