Page 18 of Shattered Secrets

She smiled as the twins switched to teasing their mom about her new cats, Ripley and Bishop. While their crew was going to be away in London, Matt had agreed to watch the two felines. Apparently, her friend was a bit neurotic with the cat-care plan. Two bullet point pages of the cats’ daily activities and feeding schedules. It was a bit extra, but also so very Poppy that Scarlet had to laugh.

“Poppy?” Daisy asked, her tiny voice quieting the group.

“Yeah, sweetie?”

“Can I play with the kitty cats when you’re not here? I think they’ll be sad.”

“Of course, sweetie,” Poppy replied.

Matt, who was seated next to Scarlet, reached over and squeezed Daisy’s foot. “I think you’re right, Otter Pop.”

Scarlet furrowed her brow at the nickname, but when Daisy giggled, her stomach did that flipping thing again.

Holy shit. Matt Alvarez and her daughter had an inside joke.

“How about,” Matt began, “when you want to play with the cats, you let your mama know, and then she can let me know? Then we can get you over here to make sure the cats aren’t sad. Sound like a good plan?”

Daisy nodded, then yawned and leaned back into Scarlet’s chest. “A good plan, Mr. Matty.”

Scarlet had been acutely aware of the man sitting beside her for the last hour. It actually helped that he was so close. It meant she didn’t have to make eye contact. It also helped that Daisy was sitting on her lap, growing more tired by the second. She knew she shouldn’t use her daughter as a buffer, but she couldn’t resist.

Truthfully, Matt made her nervous. He was just... a lot. Handsome, intelligent, and surprisingly kind. It was intimidating. She didn’t know what to say to him and constantly worried she’d make a complete fool of herself.

It was easier to talk to him when she was at the diner, taking his order. She was well-practiced at that kind of small talk. But this kind? Where everyone was sitting around, shooting the shit? It was completely different. She didn’t know how to do this. At all. So, like the coward she was, she hid behind her sweet little girl.

Daisy twisted and looked up at her. “Mama, we have to make sure Ripley and Bishop aren’t sad. Poppy said I can visit them, and Mr. Matty will take me.”

“I heard, baby.” Giving Matt a smile, Scarlet ran a hand over her daughter’s head. “I’m sure Ripley and Bishop would love to see you while everyone’s gone.”

“Maybe they can come live with us?”

Soft laughter filled the air as hopeful blue eyes gleamed up at Scarlet. “I think Ripley and Bishop would be happier here. This is their home, sweet girl, but we’ll come visit.”

“Promise?” Daisy asked, bottom lip sticking out.

She nodded, and Daisy let out another yawn. “On that note, I hate to break up the party, but we should be getting home.”

Rising, Scarlet adjusted her hold on Daisy, who’d snuggled into her like a little monkey.

Everyone stood, and Poppy made her way over, enveloping both Scarlet and Daisy in a hug. “Even though our flight to London isn’t until Friday, we’re planning to head over to Seattle on Wednesday. Cade needs to check in at the Seattle gym, and we’re going to see his folks before we take off. But I’ll check in with you tomorrow, okay?”

“Please do.” She returned her friend’s hug. “I’d love to see you before you take off.”

“Thanks again for coming out, Scar,” Poppy said, shifting her attention to Daisy and gently bopping her on the nose. “And you, missy. You make sure to take care of that arm of yours, okay?”

Following the group into the kitchen, Scarlet helped Daisy wave goodbye to the guys. “Thanks for having us, Cade. The steaks were divine.”

“I’m glad you liked them,” he replied. “And you two are welcome any time.”

“Oh, come on, Scar,” Carter protested. “Forget the steaks. Have you ever had better shucked corn in your life?”

“Impeccably shucked corn,” Dylan added. “Not a husk thread in sight.”

She chuckled. These two never failed to make her laugh. “Pardon me. The steaks were okay, but thecornwas amazing. Thank you, guys.”

“That’s right, girl,” Carter said, holding out his fist.

With a shake of her head, she bumped her fist against his. “If I don’t see you two before you leave, have fun in London.”

---