Page 8 of A Reclusive Heart

“Where’s your mom, Cole?” Nick asked.

Cole stepped back and gestured towards the kitchen.

“Alright, guys. I have to go talk to your mom, but I’ll see you tomorrow at your game. Okay?” Nick said as he bent forward so he could look Cole in the eye.

“Can we feed the ducks afterward like last time?”

“We sure can,” Nick said with a fond smile for the little boy. He kissed Cole’s forehead and the two little ones on the top of their heads before he gestured for Jamie to follow him. She was starting to feel kind of awkward following after him, but that feeling was quickly replaced with shock when they walked into the kitchen.

Well, at least she could say those magazines that Caitlyn liked to read were wrong. Edward and Dana Pierce didn’t seem to be on the verge of an ugly divorce. In fact, it looked like they wereon the verge of tearing each other’s clothes off. Dana cupped her husband’s face as she practically devoured his mouth while he cupped her backside, holding her tightly against him while Jamie did her best to look away.

Nick, on the other hand, didn’t really seem to care. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him lean back against the wall and cross his arms over his chest, looking bored.

“If I could interrupt you for a moment?” Nick drawled, grabbing her arm when embarrassment demanded that she make a run for it. He pulled her back and, in one swift move, had her turned around so she that she was forced to face the couple they’d just walked in on. Instead of looking angry at the interruption, they looked amused. Edward pressed a sweet kiss against Dana’s mouth and nose before stepping back.

“You know,” Edward drawled as he leaned back against the counter, “most people would have just walked out and gave us a few minutes. Maybe knocked to let us know that they were there?”

“Sorry,” Jamie muttered automatically, still not quite able to meet their curious gazes.

“Who’s this?” Dana Pierce asked with a warm smile.

“Oh,” Nick said as though she was an afterthought. “This is the favor I need your help with.”

“Does this favor have a name or are we all supposed to follow your rude example? Honestly, Nick, sometimes I wonder why I love you so much,” Dana said, sighing heavily.

“Hey!” Edward snapped while Nick simply grinned.

Dana rolled her eyes playfully at her husband. “Don’t give me that look, you know that I have a soft spot for Nick.”

“That’s funny because I have a hard-” Nick began, only to get cut off when Dana slapped her hand over his mouth.

Dana smiled warmly as she looked at Jamie. “I’m sorry that my very rude friend here is being, well...himself. I’m Dana andthis is my husband, Edward. We’re very pleased to meet you...” she prompted smoothly.

“Jamie Harris,” she mumbled, really wishing that she could leave.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Jamie. Would you care for something to drink?”

“No, thank you,” Jamie said, feeling really nervous and wishing Nick would release her so she could make a run for the car or the border, whichever one was more convenient.

Dana nodded, turning her attention back to Nick. “I’m going to remove my hand now. Behave yourself,” she warned sternly, but the smile she gave him kind of defeated the tone.

“Now, tell me what this favor is that you need,” Dana said, walking back to her husband and leaned back against him. Edward’s arm automatically came around her waist and pulled her closer.

Jamie had to look away again, feeling like she was intruding on another private moment. It was obvious that this couple was in love. Something that she would probably never experience.

Wow, that was a really depressing thought.

“I need you to take Miss Harris out for a complete makeover.”

Dana frowned as she looked back at Jamie. No doubt she thought it was a hopeless task, too.

“Not that I could ever say no to you-”

“You better be able to say no to him,” Edward practically growled, making Dana smile.

“-but do you mind telling me why she needs a makeover and what it’s for so that I know where to focus?”

Nick sighed. “Rerum just signed and I’m her agent. I need to get her ready for some PR opportunities, but I don’t have much time.”

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