Page 41 of Regards, Mia

The little girl looks like the devil himself, her pigtails jostling like red horns. “How the hell do you know?”

“Watch.”

I watch as the little boy steps out of the way, letting the little devil girl go ahead of him. She flashes a tiny-toothed smile at him and scoots to the top of the slide.

“See? I told you.” His eyes are softer than I’ve ever seen them, filled with amused affection.

“You like kids?” I ask, feeling the familiar pinch of regret in my chest.

“Sure. Who doesn’t?”

A cold fist closes around my heart. “Me.”

His gaze shifts to me, assessing my expression with a sweep of his dark chocolate eyes before turning back to the playground. “Want to swing?”

“What?” I laugh.

He puts his hand on the small of my back, easing the tension I hadn’t realized was there. “I think you forgot how to play, Counselor James.”

His teasing tone makes my belly flutter. “I certainly did not.”

“Prove it.”

I can’t resist a challenge, and before Jay can react, I take off toward the swings as fast as my high-heeled boots will allow. “Last one there is a rotten egg!”

CHAPTER 16

Work Emails

Email message from [email protected] to [email protected]

Mia,

It has come to my attention that you were late this morning without clearing paid time off with administration. I know you are working hard and need a break, but cavorting at the park on the state’s dime is unacceptable.

Please refrain from such behavior in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with me to discuss. Remember, I’m on your side and here to support you in any way possible.

Respectfully,

Jordan Adler

Email message from [email protected]

To [email protected]

Dear Jordan,

I was unaware that I had to schedule every minute of my day with you. In the future I will be sure to involve you more in my schedule.

Just as a reminder, in two weeks, I will be gone Thursday-Sunday for my brother’s wedding. Since I haven’t taken any vacation days in three years, I plan to also take Wednesday off in order to prepare. I must look my best, and I have booked a hair appointment, a mani/pedi, and a Brazilian bikini wax. I will keep you informed with any additions to my schedule.

It is currently my time of the month, so I might need an emergency run to Blanchard’s for tampons, but other than that I will be sitting tight at my desk.

Regards,

Mia

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