Page 11 of Head Over Heels

He nodded. “You know where to find me in case you need help with how something works.”

She flashed him her most winning smile. “I’ve been living on my own a long time. I promise you, your door is the last place I’ll show up.”

“Didn’t your mama ever tell you not to make promises you can’t keep?”

She put a hand on a cocked hip and wiggled her fingers. “Good-bye, honey.”

He laughed, not remotely insulted. “Try not to make too much noise, I’ve got to get some sleep.”

She huffed. “It’s the middle of the day, you deadbeat.”

He opened the door and said over his shoulder, “Late night.”

“Those hookers wear you out?” Okay, she had to stay away because she couldn’t seem to control her mouth.

He spun around and held out his arms. “Like I have to pay for sex. I mean, come on.”

Then he turned and jogged down the stairs and across the front yard before she could get in the last word.

“I’m fairly certain he doesn’t have to pay for sex,” Penelope said, somehow standing next to Sophie.

When had she shown up? And why hadn’t Sophie realized she was there? She put her arms over her chest. “You just shut up.”

Penelope rose to her tiptoes trying to get a gander at his disappearing form. “Good God, that man is hot.”

“He’s obnoxious.”

“And hot.”

Sophie turned and glared at Penelope. “You’re married, and everyone knows Evan is the most gorgeous man ever, so stop that.”

“I’m married.” Penelope grinned. “But I’m not dead.”

“Well, I don’t want to talk about him.” She shook her head. “What was Maddie thinking?”

“I don’t understand why you don’t like him.”

“Because I don’t.” She took off back toward the kitchen, determined to put Ryder out of her mind and not think about him again for the rest of her natural born life.