When We Kiss

“Oh…” Emberly wipes her eyes, exhaling a sigh. “I think you’re onto something with the hot cop. Chad’s like… some kind of sexy, muscle-bound, all-American action hero. He’s like Thor with brown hair… Why are all of my favorite actors blond?”

I arch an eyebrow at her. “Sounds like you should be dating hi

m.”

Her chin drops, and she reaches for a ginger snap. “You know that’s not my type.”

“Yeah.” I feel bad for saying it. I know Emberly’s type. Jackson Cane, the one guy she’s always loved, who left for college and never came back. I heard he’s some hotshot lawyer in the city now. Asshole. “Sorry, Em.”

“Forget about that.” She blinks a few times, then smiles up at me. “You, on the other hand… You’re different somehow. I think this good guy might be good for you.”

“That’s too many goods for my taste.”

She pats the watch on her wrist. “Gotta go. Are you sure you’re okay with keeping her tonight? If you’re not feeling up to it—”

We’re crossing the living room, headed for the door. “Of course I’m up to it. We’re going to have fun tonight, aren’t we Coo-coo?”

“Oh…” The little girl nods her head knowingly. “That’s how I’m a clock. Because you call me Coo-coo.”

Emberly stops to kiss the top of her daughter’s head. “I won’t be late in the morning. You be sweet and mind Aunt Tabby.” She comes to me next and gives me a hug. “Not too much sugar.”

Coco starts to whine, but I’m right there with the save. “Would I do that?” My voice goes high, and when I hug my friend, I give Coco a wink over her shoulder.

The little girl laughs, and her mother only shakes her head. “I felt that. Y’all have fun. Thanks for letting me borrow the car.”

“No problem. You left me your bike?”

“I parked it right around the corner. Remember to put the chain on.”

“You drive safe. You don’t have much practice.”

My best friend prefers riding her bicycle all over the county. I don’t blame her, except I don’t wear the right shoes for biking.

“I’m an excellent driver!” Emberly cries.

“That’s what Rain Man says.”

She’s out the door, and I prance over to give my goddaughter a kiss. “Okay, sugar puss. Let me check my emails and we can decide what we want to do this afternoon.”

Last night was a little crazy, with me not getting home until after midnight. In the past, I wouldn’t have gotten home until three, but I’ve turned a new leaf this year. I’m being more responsible.

Take last night for instance, not sleeping with Chad. That’s what I should have told Emberly. Why didn’t I think of that?

Not sleeping with Chad is part of my professional makeover. I’m not falling for some good guy. I’m being a responsible businesswoman, keeping my eye on the goal.

The tightness in my chest when his dimpled smile flashes through my mind is just residual hangover feelings, nothing more.

I do not want to pet the snake in his pants.

I want to get this website finished, cash that big check, and hop a flight to Tahiti.

Okay, I might want to pet the snake one time.

Stop it, Tabby!

Ten

Chad