Page 110 of Talk Wicked to Me

“Yes. I know I overstepped in every way imaginable, and I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” Her voice cracked. “I’m glad you talked with Tasha. I’ve gone through years of therapy, and I think I have a pretty good grasp on things, but my life is changing fast, and who knows what the calls, or you going away, will bring. It would be good to have the number of someone you trust.” Everything he’d done hit her at once, bringing a rush of tears. “Sorry.” She swiped at them. “I’m just…I’m in awe of you and all you do for us, when you never ask for anything in return. I haven’t done one thing for you, and I’m sorry about that. Maybe you could mess up your life a little, so I can help fix it?”

He laughed softly and wrapped his arms around her middle, pulling her closer. “You’re wrong, darlin’. You let me welcome your son into this world, and you have allowed me to be part of your lives ever since. That is the biggest and the best gift of all.” He pressed his lips to hers, her salty tears slipping between them.

“But that’s not me doing anything.”

“Yes, it is. You trusted me. That’s everything.”

She remembered what he’d gone through in college, and she understood that while he was giving her what her heart needed, she was doing the same for him.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he said coyly. “The cookies and sex are great gifts, too, so keep ’em coming.”

“Pun intended?” She laughed.

“Hell yeah, and we will be taking that motorcycle ride.”

She put her arms around him and whispered, “Thank you.”

“For the ride we’re going to take?” He cocked a grin, grabbing her bottom with both hands. “I think I should be the one thanking you.”

As he lowered his lips to her, “For loving me,” tiptoed off her tongue as swift and silent as a flower petal carried on a summer breeze.

Chapter Thirty-One

EMERSON SAT ON the couch wearing her father’s sweatshirt despite the warm day. She was so nervous, she thought she might pass out as Baz connected his laptop to the television for the video calls. He seemed as nervous as she was. He’d asked where she’d feel the most comfortable, and that was a no-brainer. Her father’s recliner had always been her comfort spot. But then she’d had second thoughts. What if the calls made her too sad? Or if she learned something she might not want to know? She couldn’t imagine either would happen, but it could, and she didn’t want her father’s chair associated with anything negative, so she’d opted for the couch.

He finished hooking up the laptop and surveyed the coffee table, on which he’d put a new box of tissues, a notepad with the names of each person who was calling, two pens, a glass of ice water, and a dish towel. In case you spill, he’d said, to which she’d replied, You mean in case I cry a river?

“Okay, you should be all set.” He sat beside her on the couch and held her hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Excited. Nervous. Like I want to puke.”

“That sounds about right. You’re sure you want to do this?”

“Yes. But I appreciate you asking.”

“Do you remember how to go from one call to another?”

“Yes.”

“Good. You can talk for as long as you’d like with each person. Do you want to go over who’s calling again?”

She looked at the notepad where he’d written the names of each person who was calling, in the order in which the calls would come in. The Vasilious were last on the list. At least that was one call she wasn’t nervous about. They weren’t talkers, so it would be a quick check-in, and it would be nice to see their faces again. “No, I’m okay. And you’re not leaving, right?”

“Baby, the only way I’ll drive away from this house is if you tell me to, and we both know how that’ll end.”

She smiled. “With you telling me you won’t leave.”

“I think I can be a little more creative than that and give you incentives to want me to stay.” He waggled his brows and kissed her.

She was thankful for his humor.

“I’ll make sure the first call goes live and then I’ll give you privacy, but I’ll be right in the bedroom if you need me.”

Her heart was racing. “I’m nervous.”

“I’d be worried if you weren’t, but these people love you.” He embraced her, holding her tight. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He kissed her again and handed her the notepad and pen before pushing to his feet and stepping to the side.