Page 66 of The Perfect Distraction
Is he thinking about coming over for another goodnight kiss? “Nine is fine.” Dr. Seuss strikes again!
“Good,” he said, glancing at her kitchen window.
Deciding that she wanted him to see her this time, she pulled open the curtain and flicked on the kitchen light. “I’m right here,” she said softly.
His eyes went straight to her, and he smiled, his white teeth sparkling in the darkness.
She smiled back and gave him a little wave.
“I wish I could come over, but I don’t have a good excuse since we’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
“Is it?”
She sensed that he was asking about more than just tonight. “I understand that Joey comes first, and that’s how it should be.”
“Sometimes, I want to be selfish.”
“Me too.”
“It’s only been a few days since I saw you, but it feels like a lot longer.”
He hadn’t taken his eyes off her, and she saw the intensity in his gaze. “I agree.”
“One more week, and then I get you all to myself.”
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”
“Yeah?”
“Um-hmm.”
“Have you been taking cold showers too?”
She laughed. “Let’s just say I’ve been sleeping without any covers on.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one.”
Before she could respond, she saw Joey come around the corner.
“Dad? Why are you still on the phone?”
“I was just saying goodbye.”
“For ten minutes?”
“Goodnight, Beth.”
“Goodnight, Miss Beth!” Joey shouted.
“Goodnight, you two,” she said loud enough for them both to hear.
They disconnected, but Colton lagged behind Joey and gave her one last wave before they disappeared into the house.
Smiling, Beth went back to the sunroom to shut down her laptop, but when she looked at the screen, she saw that a new email had just arrived, and her heart plummeted when she saw who had sent it.
Taking a deep breath, she fell into the chair and clicked open the email.
