Page 22 of One Unexpected Gift

Only, she couldn’t bring Gabby to her lunch date with Nick.

Nick: Perks of being the boss. I can make my own schedule. Is there a day that works best for you?

Sky breathed in a gulp of air. Yup. She was really doing this. Olivia had school, and Charlie and Brooke worked during the day, but Gina worked from home and could be available to babysit. She sent Gina a text asking if she could watch Gabby and waited for a reply.

And waited. And waited. Newlyweds. Gina and Bryce were probably preoccupied. Sky would have to wait until morning.

Her phone buzzed and she picked it up again.

Nick: Or dinner. Dinner works as well. And breakfast.

Nick inserted a smiling emoji.

Skylar: I need to figure out a few things with my schedule. I’ll let you know tomorrow.

She didn’t like the way her text sounded like a brushoff.

Nick: Ok.

His response was short. Was he mad? He could be busy trying to close up. Or maybe he didn’t believe she would actually follow through.

Her phone vibrated again. This time it was Gina. She sent a gif of a woman with her hands in the air dancing in a circle followed by a message.

Gina: I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday at noon. Otherwise I’m free.

Sky was about to message back when Gina added to the text.

Gina: Shoot. I’m working at the diner for Charlie on Thursday and Friday but I should be back by 2:00. How about tomorrow? Can I watch Gabriella tomorrow?

Tomorrow? That was so... soon. Or she could wait until Wednesday, which was the better option.

Gina: I really want to watch that sweet angel tomorrow. Pleeeeaassseeee??????

Skylar chuckled and thanked her. She opened Nick’s texts and replied.

Skylar: I happen to be free tomorrow if that’s not too soon.

Within seconds, he replied.

Nick: Not too soon at all. In fact, I’m free right now if you want to get together.

Sky gasped and she felt her cheeks warm. She shouldn’t be blushing when she’d already done the deed with him. Twice. Her phone vibrated again showing another text from Nick.

Nick: Kidding. I mean, I’m not. I’d gladly open my door to you, but lunch is good. Lunch is real good. How does 7 work for you?

Sky waited for him to fix his typo. When he didn’t, she typed a silly reply.

Skylar: A little early for lunch, don’t you think?

He was quick to respond.

Nick: Not if it means I get to see you earlier.

“Well, hell,” she said out loud, swooning just a little. She leaned her head against the wall and smiled. Nick Pierce was a flirt, there was no doubt about it. She was sure he talked to all women this way. Still, being on the receiving end made her feel sexy.

Needing to keep it cool around him, she texted back.

Skylar: Mornings and I don’t get along. For your own safety, you’ll want to stand back.

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