Page 63 of Baby For The Billionaire Silver Fox

“Whew. I mean, the thought just crossed my mind that you were destitute and working a minimum-wage job because you had to.”

“I assure you that is not the case.”

She sat back, looking relieved. I wondered why that was.

I turned the questions around to her. “So what do you think of Cooperstown, now that you’ve had a chance to explore it?”

“I’m definitely getting a vibe, which I think will be a good direction for the products we’ll be promoting in the shoot. But I feel like I haven’t seen everything I’ve come to see yet.”

She looked at me, pulling her hair to the side and twirling it around her fingers. I used to love watching her do that, but no longer. These days all I wanted to see was dark wavy hair pulled back in a ponytail that I could wrap around my fist.

“I bet you know all this area’s hidden nooks and crannies. I would love it if you could show me around.” She touched my hand. “Please.”

“I’m not sure I could show you anything you haven’t already seen. The town isn’t huge, and the surrounding natural beauty isn’t at its best this time of year. We’re heading into winter.”

“Well, everyone I talked to after finding out you were my ex-husband told me you were the guy who could point me to all the good places.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at her. “Why the hell are you telling people you’re my ex?”

“Because I am?” she answered, bewildered.

“It’s no one’s business. This town may be growing bigger by the week, but it’s still a small town, and I do not choose to be this month’s hot gossip. My mistakes are no one’s business.”

“Are you saying I was a mistake?” Outraged, her voice rose.

“No.” I ground out. “I’m saying that screwing up my marriage is a private matter to me.”

She had been ready to bite out a retort but stopped. “Oh.”

“Look, I’ve got to go. I’m meeting the guys for poker. Have a nice night.”

I didn’t look back, but if I had, I would have seen the smug smile playing on her face.

Nicole: Thank you for the beautiful flowers. When I got home from work, I saw the bouquet and thought Nana had a secret suitor. Imagine my surprise when I found out they were for little ole me

Me: My pleasure. Should I send Nana some flowers tomorrow so she doesn’t feel left out?

Nicole: Oddly, Nana didn’t look the least bit unhappy about them being for me.

Me: Good.

Nicole: Although I’m not sure why you sent them. Is this a sorry I was a jerk, or a thank you for the booty call? Because the 1st would be fine, but the 2nd would not.

Me: Can’t it just be because they’re pretty, like you? And I hope you’ll think of me when you smell them?

Nicole: Wait, I’ll be right back.

Me: ???

Nicole: I just went to sniff them. They don’t smell anything like you. They smell pretty and girly, and that’s definitely not you.

Me: Good point. Just think of me then when you LOOK at them.

Nicole: Good night. Sweet dreams.

I thought about telling her I would be dreaming of her. Or better yet, she could come over, and we could have sweet dreams together. But I didn’t.

Me: Good night. Til next time.

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