Page 222 of Bossy Hero

“Projecting, huh?” I flop my head to one side. “Perhaps I am.”

The corner of her mouth quirks. “What happened? He couldn’t get it up? Did you fall into the toilet ’cause he left the seat up? Was he drinking out of the milk carton? Scratching his nuts at the breakfast table?”

Leave it to Sammy to erase my sadness so easily. And with such vivid imagery.

“No, nothing like that.” I speak softly so I don’t disturb the babies. “I turned down Alan’s proposals too many times. Now that I’m finally ready to say yes, he says no. It’s what I deserve after all I’ve put him through over the years.”

How’s that for a truth bomb?

Her eyes widen like saucers. “Hold on. You asked Big Al to marry you? Today? And he turned you down?”

“Not exactly.” In an attempt to give myself the strength to explain, I place a kiss on Logan’s forehead. “I told him that when he gets back, he should ask me again.”

“And then he said no?”

When I’m done recapping the conversation, she rolls her eyes so severely that her head follows suit. “What is it with men thinking they know what we’re ready for? Sawyer was the same way.” She throws her voice into a deeper register. “You’re not ready for a relationship, Sammy. Blah, blah, blah, Charlie Brown’s teacher, wah, wah, wah.”

I fail to hold back my chuckle, and the movement causes Logan to shudder out the most adorable sigh.

Sammy notices it as well, and we both moon over him for a second before she asks, “What happened after Big Al told you no?”

“If I’m being honest, Iwantedto rage at him. After the shock and sadness of his rejection wore off, I almost called him a dickhead. When he left the room, I considered throwing my shoe at the closed door.”

With a hanging jaw, she feigns scolding me. “Mother,for shame. Anger solves nothing. You must learn to control your temper.” She can barely get through her BS without laughing.

“Didn’t you get suspended from the Sassy Parrot for throwing a plate at a line cook? Or was that someone else?”

She contorts her face into a mock sneer. “I did no such thing.”

“Liar.”

Tsking,she proudly says, “It was a pair of tongs.”

Leaning back, I arch my brows at her. I may be old, but my memory isn’t gone yet.

“Andthena plate,” she finally confesses.

We share a giggle, the levity bringing me some much-needed comfort.

“Mom, I’m sure he’ll be down on one knee soon enough. Don’t worry about that. He loves you. Everyone can see it.”

“I know he does. That’s why I didn’t call him crude names or throw something at him.”

She glowers at me in mock condescension. “He’s not the kind of guy you should throw a shoe at.” Her face dances with mirth, and she adds, “However, you should totally toss your panties at him. Trust me. Works like a charm.”

“If my hands were free, I’d stick my fingers in my ears.”

“Oh, fun with panties is the best.”

I shake my head and give her a mom glare. “Enough, child. Some things are best kept to yourself.”

“Fine. Don’t take my advice. What do I know? I’m only happily married with two babies and a bed with built-in wrist and ankle restraints.”

“Kill me now.”

Chapter41

Traitor

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