Page 94 of Tell Me Something

“Because I have my pride, and this has always been the party I go to. I shouldn’t have to change my plans,” she sniffed.

I sighed, wishing there was something more I could do. “I understand, but if it means you’ll end up putting on a brave face and returning home to cry your eyes out, I say skip it. Go to a party where you’ll actually have a good time.”

“Maybe you’re right. Hey, how’s California? I’ve been blubbering, and here you are spending your first holiday without your family. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, and thank you for asking. I’m doing fine. The day itself was rough, but I’m in a better place now.”

“Good. I’ll let you go, Haylee. Thank you for talking me down. Anyhow, I’ll call you once you’re back. I’d love to do dinner or something.”

“Dinner sounds great.”

We finished our call, and I walked over to where Josh was seasoning the steaks.

“She okay?” he inquired.

I put my arms around him. “Yeah, I think she will be.”

WE WATCHED THE SUN SET, enjoying our dinner on the beach. Josh took my hand and stared into my eyes.

I could practically feel my heart in my throat.

“If I’m being honest, I didn’t like that you and Catherine were becoming friends. Aside from the fashion, I wasn’t sure that you two would have much in common. But now I appreciate you’re good for her. You don’t sugarcoat it, but you’re still very kind with your words. Maybe your logical female mind can help counter her illogical one. Not that she’s always like this. She hasn’t been thinking clearly since the divorce, and I’m not equipped to be as sympathetic as you seem to be. Anyhow, I wanted you to know that I appreciate you coming to my rescue, and I understand now why you two are friends.”

“It’s always easier to be logical when you’re not the one emotionally invested. I do feel somewhat guilty however.”

“For what?”

“She’d give anything to be here with you, and here I am, happy, and there she is, miserable.”

He shook his head. “She wouldn’t be happy; she only thinks she would be. And more importantly, I wouldn’t be happy, and you wouldn’t be happy. I get that you feel somewhat guilty. Hell, even I did for a moment, but it is what it is.”

Why he didn’t get that he could avoid the whole guilt thing was beyond me. He could stop going out with Catherine on dates to start. It nagged at me, but the reminder that this was only temporary kept me from opening my mouth. “What do you want to do tomorrow on our last day?” I needed to change the subject.

He appeared relieved. “Lie around naked, enjoy the sun, take a walk on the beach, go for a naked swim, lay around some more naked.”

“That’s a lot of naked time,” I laughed.

“Oh, I think it’s just right. Matter of fact, I think we should start with naked dessert eating and naked dish washing tonight.”

Pulling my sundress over my head, I revealed that was all it took to be naked.

“I’m loving this whole sundress no panties look.” And just like that, he was chasing me into the kitchen and making good use of our naked time together.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

G oing from the tropical climate back to the cold weather was quite the drastic change. On New Year’s Eve the city of New York was magical with a buzz for the night’s festivities, but it was also crazy town. For example, the way people stood freezing outside in Times Square for the entire day—I had no interest in that but woke early to go for a very cold and crisp run. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that the sidewalks were icy by taking a spill.

With my knees and hands scraped from trying to catch my fall, I ran gingerly back to the building. When I hobbled out of the elevator, I met Josh’s concerned look.

“Where were you?”

“I was running, but I fell as it’s icy outside.” I held up my hands to expose the evidence of my tumble.

He walked over and took my palms, inspecting them. “I don’t want you running outside anymore. It’s winter, and there can be ice on the ground or falling from the buildings. Not to mention on New Year’s Eve all the whackos filter into the city.”

“Well, as much as I think you being worried about me is nice, try to be reasonable about such things. I need to run. I’ll simply be more careful next time.”

“You can use my treadmill.”