Page 53 of Over and Above

“Just say no.” I faked a laugh. “I’ll go get the forks.”

I fetched forks and a cupcake for Maren and hoped like hell Magnus didn’t accept Jonas’s invite. We’d agreed to be exclusive, so I didn’t think Magnus would be interested in the nurse friend. However, no one else knew we were anything at all, and he’d been so off the past week or so that I felt wobbly, like the stones under our friendship were sinking. And I had no idea how to fix things either.

A funk settled over me, lasting through Maren and Diesel opening a pile of tiny clothes and other gifts. I shooed them both home, leaving the rest of us to handle the cleanup.

As I went around the room with a trash bag, looking for cups and plates, Magnus cleared the food table, and I could almost see the bad mood rolling off his tense shoulders. We needed to talk, but I wasn’t sure about the subject, let alone what to say.

“What’s wrong?” John walked over near me with a bag for recycling. “Not ready to be a grandpa?”

“I’m getting there.” I didn’t bother denying my funk as John was quietly my most perceptive kid.

“Tired of friends trying to set you up?” Huffing, he rolled his shoulders to stretch his neck like he was well-acquainted with that particular headache. “I heard Jonas is trying to get you to meet some nurse.”

“He’s trying. I said no, but yes, I’m sick of people asking.” Gentling my tone, I met his pained gaze. “Are your friends into matchmaking as well?”

“You could say that.” He shifted his bag of cans from one hand to the other. “The friends who are dating think everyone else needs to be either as happy or as miserable as they are. No, thank you.”

“Amen.” I whistled because he summed up my feelings perfectly. “You’ll date if and when you’re ready. No rush.”

“Ha. Everyone’s in a rush. Graduation’s coming up fast, not to mention prom. Last year, we went as a friend group. This year…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Who the hell knows?”

“I’m sorry.” I set aside my trash bag so I could pat his sturdy shoulder.

“You think your friends would respect your decision not to date.” John pursed his lips, expression pinched. He’d always had what some called an old soul. “People suck. Doctor Dad’s only been gone like two years. They can show some damn respect.”

“Yeah.” I echoed weakly. What would he and the other kids think if I did date? Specifically, if I dated Magnus? Would it push John away during this critical time of his senior year? We needed to be focused on college applications and football scholarships, not to mention whatever friend drama he had going. He didn’t need any additional pain or awkwardness.

“Food’s all packed.” Magnus strode up behind John, yet again likely overhearing more than I wanted, judging by his terse tone.

“Thanks.” I offered a smile I didn’t really feel.

“I’ll take the recycling and trash out.” John picked up my bag and added it to his before heading to the back of the community center, leaving me alone with Magnus. Well, sort of alone. Rowan and Wren were across the room, removing decorations.

“Looks like we’re almost done. Do you need to get back to The Heist?”

“No.” Magnus blew out a breath, glancing over at Rowan, who was teasing Wren with animal pictures. “Any chance you could come over later? We need to talk. Privately.”

“Yeah.” I’d figured as much, yet what little food I’d eaten at the party soured in my stomach anyway. Magnus’s wooden expression revealed far more than his cryptic request. I wasn’t going to like this conversation one bit.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Magnus

I’d known Eric wouldn’t keep me waiting long after we returned home from the baby shower, and indeed, a knock sounded on the carriage house while I was refilling the dogs’ water and food bowls.

“Hey.” He stood on the small doorstep, shifting his weight from foot to foot as the dogs insisted on greeting him most enthusiastically. “And hey, guys. No, no treats today.”

Ben took the opportunity to zoom around the main room, running laps before returning to greet Eric again. Meanwhile, Jerry hadn’t gotten the memo that treats weren’t forthcoming.

“Sorry.” I made a go-lie-down gesture that both dogs ignored. “They’re extra energetic after being alone all afternoon.”

“We could walk them,” Eric suggested, seeming none too eager to actually come into my place.

I’d rather the neighborhood not hear my business, but it was cold and mid-January dusk enough that most people would likely be cozy in their houses.

“Sure. Let me get leashes.” I clipped the dogs into their harnesses and wound both leashes over my palm out of habit.

“I can take one.” Eric held out a hand, apparently in extra-helpful mode, even if he was reluctant to talk.

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