Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
She was the one who hadn’t cared what I thought when she started climbing into bed with my husband. She hadn’t cared that her and Dan’s actions had blown up both of our families, and they’d done it like it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. So, there was absolutely no reason I should care what she or Dan thought of me.
Or Walker. Or anything that went on in my life.
I met someone, someone I really liked, and from what I could tell, he was a really nice guy. And for the first time, in a very long time, I wanted to see where something with another man might go. I wasn’t letting her or anyone else take that from me.
With that in mind, I reached down for my phone and flipped it to silent before tossing it back in my purse. I knew there would be calls, but not from anyone I actually wanted to talk to. So, I put it out of my head and went to pick up the boys.
The rest of the afternoon went like it always did, rushing and waiting and then more rushing and waiting. Pickup lines weren’t my favorite, but my heart always smiled when I spotted the boys coming my way. It was a sign that the day was finally coming to an end.
On the way home, they shared stories about practice and things that happened at school, including that Thomas finished his essay and turned it in. “I think it was pretty good, but we won’t get our grades back until the end of the week.”
“That’s great, Thomas. I’m proud of you.”
By the time we got home, it was almost dark, and the kids were ready for dinner. Since it was late, I decided to keep it simple and made sloppy joes and fries. The boys dove right in, and as they ate, they talked more about their day and weekend plans.
They helped me clean the table before disappearing down the hall. I grabbed my things and started for my room. I could feel my phone buzzing for the third or fourth time, but I ignored it. Whoever it was could wait until I’d had my shower and changed.
Once I was done, I went to say good night to the boys and settled into bed. I grabbed my phone from my purse. I wasn’t surprised to see that I had several missed calls from both Liv and Dan, but what did surprise me was the fact that I had several messages from an unknown number.
I clicked on the message, and butterflies erupted in my stomach when I read:
Unknown Number:
Hey. It’s me.
Figured you should have my number, too.
I hope you and the boys have a good night.
I couldn’t help it. The smallest smile tugged at my lips. It was simple. No games, no drawn-out chatter. Just him. I let out a slow breath as I shifted against my pillows, letting go of the tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying.
I stared at the messages a bit longer, and with the house quiet and the weight of the day pushed to the side, I felt a small flicker of excitement that I hadn’t felt in years. I felt hope. I updated his contact and hesitated.
I wasn’t sure what to say, but eventually, I started to type.
Me:
Hey. Sorry, I’m a little late getting back to you.
It’s been a crazy night.
Walker:
No problem.
Been pretty busy here, too.
You good?
Me:
I am now.
I’m finally done for the day and in bed.
What about you?
Walker:
Same.
Me:
I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.
Walker:
Had to make sure you gave me the right number.
Me:
Like I would give you a fake number.
Walker:
Never know.
Me:
Well, I’m glad to hear from you.
Walker:
Does that mean you’re still up for having dinner with me?
Me:
Absolutely.
Walker:
Great.
When would be a good time?
Me:
Well, the boys are with me this weekend.
We can still have dinner, but I would need to be home at a decent hour.
Walker:
Okay, so what’s your curfew?
Me:
Curfew? Really? Lol
I leaned back on my pillow and smiled. I was doing it. I was actually talking to a man and even flirting a little. I liked him. I liked him a lot, and while that scared me a little, I wasn’t going to overthink it. Not this time.
Walker:
Something tells me those boys are protective of their mother.
I’d hate to get on their bad side by bringing you home late.
Me:
Smart man.
I would say 10 or 10:30. Would that work?
Walker:
Absolutely.
I’ll pick you up around 7.
Me:
Sounds good.
Wait. Will we be taking your motorcycle?
Walker:
That a problem?
Me:
I’ve never ridden before.
Walker:
I can teach you.
But we can take yours if you’d rather.
Me:
The motorcycle will be fine.
I was warning you.
Walker:
Appreciate the heads up, but you will be fine.
Wear jeans and good shoes.
Me:
What do you consider good shoes?
Walker:
No sandals.
Boots if you have them.
Me:
I think I can manage that.
Where are we going?
Walker:
I’m going to keep that a surprise.