Page 16 of Touch Me

Right now, I’m numb.

Nikki studies me, then nods. “Let’s watch a movie before youhead home.”

“That would be good. Although it sucks the kids are gone.”

“The kids?” I hear the humor in her voice and have to admitthe statement dances pretty damn close to irony.

“I was just thinking that if I cuddled Bradley, maybe thewhole baby lust thing would rev up.”

She laughs. “You cuddle with him all the time. The girls,too. Haven’t seen you rushing to procreate after those snuggles.”

She’s right; I do snuggle with all her kids. And I love it.But those kids I can give back any time I want to.

I’m about to point that out to Nikki when my phone rings.It’s Ryan, and though I’m tempted to let it roll to voicemail, I answer. Thengive myself major points for being such a rational adult.

“Kitten, are you okay?”

Every ounce of oxygen leaves my body. Because how in thehell does he know already?

Except he doesn’t. He can’t.

“Okay?” I repeat. “What are you talking about?”

“Matthew called. Bryan Raine. And now you’re over withNikki. I can take a wild stab at your mental state.”

Phone. Of course he’d know exactly where I am. And,after getting the call from Matthew, he’d know why, too.

I drag my fingers through my hair. “It’s been a reallystrange day. But I’m okay. I thought about bailing, but decided to say fuck it,do the movie, and ride on the asshole’s coattails, right?”

“That’s my girl.”

I glance at Nikki. “Listen. Is it okay with you if I stayhere tonight? Abby popped by and we thought we’d make a girls’ night sinceDamien and the kids are gone. You know, a movie. Wine. Pizza. The wholeshebang.”

“TGI Thursday?”

“Pretty much. And aren’t you heading down to San Diego atthe crack of dawn tomorrow anyway?”

“I am. And a girls’ night sounds like just the balm you needto soothe your bad day.”

“Totally,” I say, feeling like a horrible, lying bitch. ButI’m just not ready to face him. We finish the call, and I turn to Nikki, girdedfor her reaction.

“Abby? Seriously? Why—”

“I don’t know. I guess it felt more legit if it was girlthing and not just a you and me thing.”

“Jamie, why are you—”

I hold up my hand. “Don’t,” I say. “Please. Just a movie andpopcorn and sleep.” And because Nikki’s my best friend on Earth, she gives meone final, long look. But she doesn’t say a thing.

Chapter Six

“Hey, babe,” Ryan calls, making me jump as I come in throughthe back door that leads into the kitchen.

“Jeez, Ryan! You almost scared me to death. What are youdoing here?”

I kick off my sandy shoes. I walked back home via thebeach—one of the perks of having bought a house that’s conveniently locatedright next to my bestie.

He crosses to me, then extends a hand. “Ryan Hunter. I livehere. I believe we’ve met before.”