Page 14 of Can We Skip to the Good Part?
Morgan brought her shoulders to her ears. “Listen, I thought Bristow was taking us somewhere new and upping her typical spice level.”
“To housekeepers who are a little dirtier than the houses they service?” Em smiled and shook her head in amusement.
“Yes! Exactly that!” Morgan cried out. “I thought she was a dirty girl, and, to tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure I minded.”
Ella’s stomach still hurt from the laughter, just imagining the prim housekeeper of the wealthy main character entering the sexual fray. Morgan was shaping up to be a treasure to protect. The group had been rowdy, but Em, who, for whatever reason, had stolen her focus, always maintained an element ofcontrol. She would describe her as quiet, but she wasn’t that—more like intelligent and calm. The group seemed to both adore and look up to her. If Ariana was the most vocal member of the group, often steering the conversation as moderator, Em seemed to serve as their quieter leader. Intriguing. Ella could admit to wanting to know more.
There was always next week. She thanked Stevie, who kissed her cheek with a smack, said her goodbyes to the rest of the group, and headed out to the cute little porch in search of her Mini.
“Headed out?”
She turned, and there she was, sitting on the wooden porch swing, the blue-hued moonlight illuminating a portion of her face. Em. She suppressed the dreamy sigh that threatened to escape. “Didn’t see you there.”
“Forgot to turn the porchlight on. I was just taking a minute before heading home. The fresh air helps me regroup.”
Ella wasn’t sure what to say, but she didn’t want their moment alone to end. If only her thoughts would settle. “Where’s home?”
“I’m about four miles east, not far from what we would consider downtown. But for newcomers, it’s that way,” she said, pointing to her left.
“Very helpful. You’ll find that I’m directionally challenged and self-aware enough to admit that.” She rocked back on her heels. “Now you know.”
Em smiled. “Then I should walk you to your car so you don’t get lost along the way.”
Ella went up on her tiptoes. “I won’t say no.”
As they covered the twenty-five feet, Ella couldn’t help but admire the clear, crisp sky. Maybe it was the romance novels that had her noticing every picturesque detail. “It’s nice out tonight.”
“Want to take a stroll around the block? This street is basically a circle.” Em shrugged. “Not quite ready to go home. I’ll likely start working, and who wants that?”
“No one,” Ella said, a hit of energy zapped her at the idea of walking with Em, just the two of them. She was about three inches taller than Ella was, and somehow that seemed to fit their … everything. “Let’s do it.”
Max wasn’tsure what made her ask Ella to take a walk, other than the obvious. She wanted a few more minutes with her. First of all, she was captivating. Pretty and blond, with eyes that latched onto anything she found intriguing, which tonight had been a lot. They were newly into September, which meant the days were chilly, but the evenings were cold. At least tonight there was no harsh wind to brace against and a nice bright sky to enjoy. It almost felt like the stars had joined them for their walk. “So, what’s your story, Ella?”
Ella eased her hands into her pockets and glanced over at Max as they walked. “I was at a crossroads in my life, and a good friend suggested I move to where she lived here in Everly Springs. That’s code for I lost my job and needed a clean slate.”
Max nodded. “Completely understandable. I see a lot of that.”
“At work? What do you do?” They followed the road as it curved to the right.
“I’m an attorney who specializes in mediation. Mainly for divorcing couples.”
Ella’s brows shot up. “Oh, so you really do see people looking for a new start.”
“I’m the local expert,” she said with a sardonic laugh.
“No wonder you’re a romance skeptic.”
“I’m not a skeptic when it comes to romance. I believe it’s real. It’s just not as monumental as those kinds of books would have us believe. Doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy pretending.”
“Pretending! Listen to you. I just got here, and you’re already trying to kill it for me.”
Max laughed. This woman was beyond cute. She wanted to take her to bed and maybe protect her from the world for as long as possible. Did she go there, or just let things be what they were? “I would never want to do that. I like that we disagree. It will make our life together more interesting. Our grandchildren will enjoy the bickering as they eat pancakes in the kitchen.”
Ella laughed loudly. “Wow. I’m coming up short after that one.”
Max softened. “I’m kidding. You’ll learn I like to tease.”
“But …”
