Page 56 of The Wrong Guy
“Hi,” I reply, a faint smile breaking through the weight of my worry.
It’s all he needs to know what happened. “They didn’t agree to delay the divorce, did they? And you’re going to rewrite the contract with Chrissy as boss.”
“Yeah. I’m starting now so I can get it done as quickly as possible for you, though. Well, for you and Cold Springs.” He knows what I mean. If the contract’s under negotiation, all work stops, and his guys are going to be impacted most of all. “Were you able to get a lot of hours over the weekend for them?”
“As many as I could.”
It feels like there’s this big thing floating between us now. I’m the one stopping his work, but I have to. It’s my job to. Somehow, our responsibilities to the town are at odds with each other, putting us on opposing sides, even though we both want what’s best for everyone—building Township.
“That’s good,” I say, knowing it’s not good enough. “How’s Alan’s wife?”
“Due any day now. Need to make sure they keep their insurance updated while we’re on a work stoppage, I guess.”
I can hear the scratchiness as he rubs his hand over his unshaven face. I hate that I’m causing him more stress. Well, not me exactly. Technically, I guess it’s Jed’s fault. But right now, in this moment, it sure feels like it’s mine.
“Glad she’s doing well. Let me know if I can help.”
Is that what we’ve become in one phone conversation? Polite, meaningless pleasantries. If this can set us this far off course, maybe ...
No. I stop the thought before it fully forms. Jesse and I are getting our chance now. And I won’t let Jed’s wandering dick fuck that up. Not for me, and not for Jesse.
I quickly add on, “I really missed you this weekend. I was working, but what I really wanted was to be with you. Wrapped in your arms, pinned underneath you, or just cuddled up next to you.”
Sounding much more like himself, he growls, “Missed you too. Was too tired to even jack off to thoughts of you, but I sure as shit had ’em as I fell asleep.” He chuckles, deep and sexy, and things start to feel right again. “Had some real good dreams about you, though. Wet ones.”
“Such a charmer,” I tease. But he knows I’m charmed by his raunchy flirting. Always have been, always will be.
Too soon, we say goodbye as I promise to get the contract done as quickly as I can. “I know you will, Birdie. In the meantime, think I’ll see if Mom needs any help at the bakery or go give Etta a run for her money on a table or two.”
After we hang up, I sit in silence, staring at my phone. Jesse is a good man. Things are falling apart for him, at least temporarily, but he’s worried about his crews and Alan’s wife, and he’s going to spend the spare time taking care of his family. How could he ever have thought I would think he was anything less than awesome?
Before I get back to work, I call Mom, too, apologizing for having to cancel our Monday night dinner. “I have to get this done. Sorry, Mom.”
“Honey, I understand when work takes priority. I was a mayor’s wife for more years than you probably remember. But I’m guessing this means the meeting today didn’t go well?” She sounds sorry even though it’s not her fault.
My sigh is full of the weight of the world. “Definitely not. Chrissy tried to attack Jed, like, literally on the table, lunging for him. I probably should’ve called Officer Milson. But before I could do that, I was yelling at Uncle Jed to shut the fuck up.”
“You did not,” she whispers in shock.
I nod, though she can’t see me, and say, “I did.”
I’m expecting her to be disappointed in me for losing control and letting my professionalism slip. But Mom gleefully says, “Ooh, I bet that felt good. I’ve been wanting to tell that man off for most of my life at this point.” We both laugh, a common bond through our hatred of the man who almost ruined our family. “Are there video cameras in that conference room?” she asks through her giggles.
“I wish! I’d watch it on repeat just to see Jed’s face go slack in shock. I could almost hear his thoughts—” Mimicking Uncle Jed’s drawl, I say, “Whuut? Nobody speaks to me like that, young lady.”
“Stop it! I’m crying over here!” Mom exclaims, still laughing hard. “Oh my goodness, I’m going to miss you for dinner, but that was worth it just to hear that story. You can bet I’m gonna be telling it at yoga class tomorrow.”
“Mom, isn’t yoga supposed to be all Zen positive vibes? Not taking pleasure in someone else’s pain?” I don’t really care. I’m just giving her a hard time.
“Laughter yoga is a thing, dear. It’s good for the soul,” she informs me. “And I can’t think of a better person for this to happen to than Jed.”
We say our goodbyes, and though I’ll miss our dinner, the phone call was the little pep talk I needed.
Chapter 20
JESSE
It’s been less than a week since I’ve held Wren in my arms. The long weekend of three days, plus the three days to get us midweek, and those have been filled with texts and phone calls. They’ve taken some of the edge off. But I want to hold her, kiss her, fuck her. No, I need to.