Page 68 of Someone to Have
He runs a hand through his hair and glances away from me. Snow gathers on the shoulder of the highway, blurring the white edge lines. “She seems better, right?”
“It seems like she’s doing well.”
“Is it going to last?” His voice is barely above a whisper. “Once she’s back home.”
This is where my lack of experience dealing with kids is a big problem. Because I have no fucking idea what to say to him. But I do have enough life experience to know lying won’t help either of us.
“I hope so,” is about as much as I can offer. Actually, there’s a little more. “I’m going to do everything I can to support both of you.”
“From Germany?”
“I’ll figure it out,” I tell him as I veer off the exit toward the town that feels like home to both of us. “I promise.”
The snow is falling thick and heavy now, casting a hush over the empty streets, and I let the quiet settle my jumbled emotions. Maybe I didn’t technically keep my vow to my sister, but you can damn well bet this is one I intend to keep.
20
TAYLOR
“Holy walking flannel fantasy.”
David Miller, my favorite co-worker, sounds like he’s choking on his own tongue as he stares open-mouthed across the library.
“Hand me the next book,” I tell him. “And what are you talking about a flannel fantasy?”
“The guy who just walked in.”
I’m standing on a step stool in the nonfiction section and turn to see our boss point in my direction.
“Wait, is that your confidence coach?” David asks.
“I regret sharing anything about my life with you,” I mutter, heat creeping up my spine as Eric, wearing a thick flannel shirt, canvas work pants and a tool belt, saunters through the library. The heat intensifies as he strides toward us exuding sex appeal, confidence, and enough testosterone to make a gaggle of teenage boys jealous.
No wonder he has all the confidence in the world.
Traffic in the library has been heavy, which is typical for winter. We got about an inch of snow overnight on Sunday, but the real front is supposed to blow through tonight and tomorrow,with up to eight inches forecasted for the foothills where Skylark is nestled.
People are rushing in, stocking up on books and DVDs like they’re essential supplies. My father is the only person I know who even owns a player, but the library’s collection does a thriving business with the older folks, especially in this weather. But at the moment I feel caught in my own blizzard of thoughts and emotions.
“Good God, I’m going to need to check out a spicy romance just to continue the vibe.” He fans himself dramatically. “I’m burning up from the inside out at this visual feast.”
“Stop fanning yourself,” I hiss. “You look ridiculous. Besides, you’re in a committed relationship. What would Jasper think?”
“He’d tell me to take some pics.” He pulls his phone out of his back pocket. “So we can enjoy that tool belt together.”
“Giving me the ick, David.” Especially since I have some tool belt fantasies of my own.
“Introduce me—no, don’t introduce me. Walk forward so I can snap a photo, then introduce me.”
“You are acting like an idiot.”
“Me?” His hazel eyes widen as he feigns indignation. “I’m not the one trying to date a guy who looks like a strong wind could blow him across the street when you’ve got Paul Bunyan on the hook.”
“Paul Bunyan is not my type,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Liar,” he whispers, grinning.
My lady parts rise up like a Greek chorus, and I’m horrified to discover they aren’t the only ones. Could that be my heart calling me out as a liar? No, of course not. The thought is so disconcerting that I misjudge the final step of the stool and stumble forward—right into Eric’s path.
