Page 68 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“I guess we’ll have to end things then,” she said without a moment’s hesitation.

He wasn’t sure why he took her words as a low slap. Since when did he care if things ended? He hadn’t expected things to last this long in the first place. “Sounds like a plan.” He dropped the ball and it rolled next to Waffles, who perked his ears, but didn’t bother moving. “Dog, you’re lazy.”

Waffles stared up at him with beady eyes.

“Hey, do you think it would be too far outside of the boundaries if I ask you to do me an itty-bitty favor?”

Now they were doing favors for each other.

Did he imagine that her bottom lip puckered slightly?

“Depends on the favor, I guess.” No denying, he liked Sadie, but he’d been very careful to keep their special friendship private from his family. She was right, not everyone would understand, especially his ma. She mentioned his lack of relationship status every chance she got these days. Now that his brothers were going down like dominoes, his lack of prospects made him stick out like a sore thumb. He didn’t have an ounce of competitiveness when it came to marriage. He was happy for his brothers, liked his sisters-in-law, and couldn’t wait to help teach his nieces and nephews the ropes of running a ranch. He believed he’d make a damn good uncle.

“You know that I’m part of the town charity and activity committee, right? I need help for the holiday events. It’s nothing crazy and might be a lot of fun.”

“How did you get wrangled into volunteering?” He smashed his hat down on his head. It fit a little snug, reminding him that he needed a haircut.

“Annika has always been part of the group on behalf of the spa but now that she’s on bedrest, she handed the reins over to me. No one ever says “no” to a woman carrying twins.”

“Couldn’t she have better planned her pregnancy around Christmas?” He chuckled.

“What is it with all these married people and their lack of understanding for their single friends? Like I have time for this.” Sadie winked. “It’s not too bad. However, I need big strong men who can reach up high to hang decorations. You could also donate from C&C Builders.” She batted her eyelashes.

“Let me get this straight. You want me at your disposal to help decorate and donate money?”

“Well...yes.”

“When do you need me?” He didn’t mind writing a small check, but he had no interest in decorating. Maybe she’d let him off the hook.

“I’ll let you know.”

He had his mouth open with the answer “no” on the tip of his tongue when she added…

“What would it hurt to do something together that required us to wear clothes?”

Oh shit.Channing swallowed. He’d feel like an utter ass if he rejected her, but he’d also be agreeing to something that could muddy the waters. If they wanted to keep their situation clear, then they were better off never seeing each other with clothes on. He searched his brain for a good excuse to turn her down, but he came up blank. “You’re not going to make me dress up as Santa Claus, are you?” He cringed at the mere idea.

“Now that’s an amazing idea. Oh, and there’s free food involved. I’ll buy dinner next time we meet.”

He couldn’t deny he loved to eat…and have sex. He guessed a man couldn’t expect to never wade through some swamp to get to heaven. “Well, then. Sign me up.” It truly wasn’t the food that enticed him as much as the hopeful expression on Sadie’s face. Although he’d kept solid limitations in place for the last few months, he wasn’t completely devoid of compassion.

“Wonderful. You won’t regret helping.” She slipped into her white Crocs.

Should he tell her that he already did? Probably best to stay quiet on that one.

Her cell phone buzzed, and she checked the screen. A frown passed over her expression. “Waffles, you ready?”

The dog stood and yawned.

“Everything okay?” Channing asked.

“Just great.” Only thing is she didn’t seem too convinced herself.

*

After Sadie climbed into her truck, she re-read the text message…

I have an emergency. Ruby needs you.

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