Page 19 of Wicked Grumpy Heart Doc

Dakota pressed her lips together to keep from laughing out loud and noticed Chloe doing the same.

“Yeah, Chloe. Can’t I just go to ALDI’s?”

“No, they don’t carry that cereal.”

“Look, I love you for caring about me—”

“I just want you to have what Todd and I have.”

“And I appreciate that; I do. But I don’t think that’s what the Universe has in store for me.”

“Well, we’ll find out, won’t we? I put it out there.” Chloe crossed her arms defiantly in front of her chest. “And I’m not taking it back.”

She smiled at her sassy daughter, who reminded her so much of herself at that age.

“I guess we’ll see whether the Universe agrees with you.”

Dakota kind of hoped so. She was overdue for some mind-blowing orgasms.

****

Aiden

It was dark out, and he was still sitting in his office at the hospital. He’d finished the last of his reports an hour ago but couldn’t muster the energy or desire to go home to his empty house.

The girls had made it to Wisconsin and were having a good time with their grandparents. They’d already sent him a dozen photos of themselves at the lake. Aiden had always enjoyed spending time there with them. He’d taught them to swim and fish at that lake.

He smiled, thinking back to the first time Kailey had caught a bluegill. How proud she’d been, and then how she’d screamed bloody murder when it had slipped out of her hands and flopped around on the dock. And how Brianna, fearless as ever, had picked it up by its tail and thrown it back in the lake.

Back when his family was still intact.

His phone chimed with an incoming text. He picked it up, thinking it was one of the girls sending him more pictures, but it wasn’t either of them.

Steven: The forecast is calling for sunny skies and perfect temperatures at the Cape. Just sayin’…

It was tempting. Aiden wasn’t scheduled for the entire holiday weekend. He didn’t think he had enough projects around his new place to keep him busy the whole time.

While he’d thought he wanted to be left alone, the idea wasn’t holding as much appeal now.

Maybe he’d get a massage?

The second he thought it, he shook his head. He doubted Dakota would even be working that weekend, anyway. Normal people enjoyed time off for the holiday. Although he could make an argument she wasn’t normal.

Why was he still thinking about her?

Steven: Seriously though, I’d love for you to come.

Aiden: What should I bring?

Steven: Your swimsuit and your sexy self.

His friend followed his message with an obnoxious GIF of an old man in a speedo.

Aiden: I hope you have plenty of alcohol because I’m going to need it if I’m going to get through the weekend hanging out with your dumb ass.

Steven: I used a cart at the liquor store if that tells you anything.

Aiden: Damn. It tells me you might have a problem, dude.

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