“I—” Stevie took a quick sip of her water to loosen her suddenly tight throat. “Cole is a sweet, kind, very special man. Of course I love him.”
“I asked if you’re in love with him. But never mind.” Jenny shook her head, her expression genuinely apologetic now. “You’re right, Stevie, I’m stepping way over the line here. Let’s just change the subject, okay? It’s almost time for us all to get back to work, anyway.”
Stevie nodded gratefully.
“For what it’s worth, I think Cole knows how lucky he is,” Tess said, speaking quickly to defuse the tension before they moved on. “He hardly took his eyes off you when we gathered at our house. I bet he’s missing you while he’s away.”
She hoped he did miss her a little, Stevie thought as she sat on the couch later that evening, the dozing cat curled in her lap. Funny how quiet and empty the house seemed now without him in it, especially considering he wasn’t one to make much noise when he was there. It was just that she’d become accustomed to his quiet presence. His warmth beside her in her bed at night. And she missed him.
Dusty mewed and looked up at her. Stevie scratched the cat’s ears in the way she’d seen Cole do numerous times, and the cat purred with pleasure.
“You miss him, too, don’t you?” she asked the tabby, who arched her neck for better access.
“I do love him, of course. We’ve had such a special friendship. It meant a great deal to me, even before we took this step.”
Dusty sneezed.
“And would it really be such a bad thing if I do fall in love with my husband? Seems to me that would be something to be desired. And hardly a risk for heartbreak since we’re already married and we plan to stay together.”
No heartbreak from a breakup, anyway, she couldn’t help adding silently, looking away from the unconcerned cat. But how would it feel to realize she was head over heels in love with a man who was merely fond of her? How much would it hurt to know that while she was sitting here missing him so much, he’d hardly given her a thought?
Her phone rang and she jumped, startling the cat who leapt down to the floor. Seeing Cole’s number on her screen, she cleared her throat before answering. “How’s Chicago?”
“Let’s just say I’m looking forward to being home.”
“Good. Dusty and I miss you,” she said lightly.
“I miss you guys, too. How are things there?”
It was hardly a yearning declaration, but she’d take it. “Everything’s fine. I had a few complications come up with Pepper Rose’s kitchen redesign, but I think we’ve taken care of them.”
“Nothing major?”
“Not in this case. Just a frustrating back order situation. It’ll work out
.”
“Good. How’s Peanut?”
“Growing. I had to change my mind about an outfit this morning because I couldn’t button the shirt. By the way, I’d almost forgotten that I have a doctor’s appointment next week. Would you like to go with me?”
“Absolutely.” He sounded pleased that she’d asked.
“Okay, then. I’ll introduce you to my doctor. You’ll like her.”
“I’m sure I will. Didn’t you mention you were having lunch with Tess and Jenny today?”
“Yes, I did. They send their regards.”
“So you had a good visit?”
“Yes, it was very nice.”
He seemed to sense something beneath her words, proving once again that Cole was just a little too perceptive when it came to her. “Is anything wrong?”
“I’m just a little tired, I guess. Long day.”
“I’ll let you rest. But if you fall asleep on the couch, you’ll have to depend on Dusty to wake you to go to bed.”