Page 21 of One Unexpected Gift

“Skylar, what about you?”

She dribbled the basketball, her gaze flicking between her friends. “I don’t know yet. I’ll have to see how...” she stopped dribbling and tucked the ball under her arm. “I’m a definite maybe as well.”

Nick nodded. “I’ll be at The Zone all night. You’re welcome whenever, of course. I, uh, I need to get home and shower before heading into work. Thanks for a fun day.”

“I wouldn’t call it fun. Not compared to your usual fun, but thanks for your time and the food.” Charlie hugged him as did Gina and Brooke while the men gave him a swat to the back.

Skylar bounced the ball again. “Bye, Nick.”

He may have taken it too far, but he didn’t regret it. He wanted her to know he planned on touching her again. Soon.

“See you around, Skylar.”

***

Guilt gnawed at Sky’s insides. She should have at least walked Nick to his truck this afternoon. She’d made it more awkward by being the only one not to exchange some sort of hug or handshake with him.

After being away from Gabby all day, she didn’t want to leave her at night, not that she had the energy to go out anyway. It had been a long time since she’d put in eight straight hours of manual labor, and then played basketball on top of it. She had a long way to go before she was in the same shape before her pregnancy.

She was vain enough to want her flat stomach back, but realistic enough to know the stretch marks may be a lasting reminder of her pregnancy. For the most part, she didn’t mind. While Gabby had been anything but planned, Sky loved her with a depth she never imagined possible.

Sky unwrapped the towel from around her hair and hung it on the hook on the back of the bedroom door. Charlie and Owen had been more than gracious letting them stay here during her maternity leave. The playpen fit in the corner of the bedroom and still gave Sky plenty of space for the few possessions she brought with her.

Who knew someone so tiny would need more luggage and travel space than a thirty-three year old woman? Little coos slipped from Gabby’s mouth. Sky bent over the playpen to stare at her perfect daughter.

Her cheeks had filled out, as had her little thighs, now bundled in her soft sleeper. Being away from her for most of the day except to feed her, Sky had the urge to pick up Gabby and snuggle her to her chest. Since her hands-free time was limited, she resisted the urge and climbed into bed with her book.

It used to take her two days—three tops—to read a book. Now she read snippets when she could. Sky picked up the paperback and read the back cover for the umpteenth time as a reminder of what the book was about. She’d started it three weeks ago and wasn’t even halfway through.

Reading used to keep her up at night, but now it put her to sleep. Her body was still adjusting to being at the beck and call of a tiny human.

Her phone glowed on the nightstand, and she picked it up to read the text. Derek. He’d been her life savior back in her teens. If he hadn’t been assigned as the social worker on her case after her family had died, she’d probably have ended up in jail. Who knows what kind of messed up life she would have led.

Derek: Karen and I miss you and Gabriella. Hope you’re having fun with your sisters. Love you.

They exchanged texts for a few minutes before saying goodnight.

Her book now forgotten, she stared at her phone and chewed on her bottom lip. It was ten o’clock. Not late for most people, the middle of the night for her. Nick would be closing up The Zone.

She wasn’t sure if anyone had told him they were all too wiped to hangout and felt bad for ditching him. Not that they’d ditched him. He put in a long day of physical labor and then worked another six hours, at least. She had no idea how long it took him to close up the place. He was probably busy, but she sent him a text anyway.

Skylar: I’m sorry we didn’t stop by. We were all pretty exhausted. I hope work wasn’t too busy. Thanks again for lunch.

She hit send before she deleted her message, then instantly regretted her words. Totally cheesy. Three little dots showed up on her phone indicating he was typing a reply. She held her phone tight, staring at the dots, waiting for his response.

Nick: I had a good time working side-by-side with you. Maybe next time we can have lunch without everyone else.

Sky nibbled on her thumbnail. Lunch with Nick would mean she was interested in him, which she was. Not as a future husband or father for Gabby, but she could enjoy his companionship while in Maine. There was no reason not to.

Well, there was absolutely one gigantic reason not to, but as long as she kept her head on straight and didn’t let her heart get in the way, a few meals here and there wouldn’t be so bad.

Skylar: Sure.

She hit send and then regretted how cold she sounded.

Skylar: Lunch would be good. What’s your work schedule like?

That was better. Now the ball was in his court. Lunch with Nick couldn’t hurt, right? Just enough to keep her busy during the week without being overwhelmed.

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