Page 14 of Tell Me Lies
“You weren’t kidding about the drooling thing,” Logan says, looking at Clyde. “That drool hit the floor when it was hanging from his jowls. He’s like the kid fromBig Daddy.”
“I know.” I look at my dog, who would undoubtedly sell his soul for a piece of pizza crust. “He’s gross. But he’s a good boy.”
At the wordsgood boy, Clyde wags his tail, and he glances at me before going back to begging Logan. Eventually, Logan gives up and tosses him the crust before patting his head.
“What kind of dog is he anyway?” he asks. “And how old is he?”
“He’s a bullmastiff. And he’s two,” I say, smiling sweetly at Clyde. “He’s the best boy. And I promise, he’s a gentle giant.”
Once Clyde sees there’s no more pizza left for him to beg for, he walks over to where Amelia is playing on the floor and lies down next to her, putting his head near her lap.
“Oh, buddy!” Amelia coos, giving his huge head a pat. “You’re such a good boy.”
“I meant what I said,” Logan says, looking at me from the other side of the couch. “Bring him here. And when you stay, he can stay too.”
Logan Sterns has this way of making me blush, even when he hardly says anything. I could chalk it up to the fact that I haven’t been on a date or had sex in three years, but I know it’s really because he’s got this hot-boy thing about him. Even when he’s being goofy, he’s sexy.
And as much as I hate to admit it, Holly might be right. He might be just what I need to get inspired to start writing again. He embodies so many of the male characters I’ve written aboutbefore. Because what can I say? I’ve always loved a funny dude. Oddly enough though, my ex-fiancé, Gavin, wasn’t funny at all.
“I don’t want to completely take advantage of you …” From my words, my cheeks heat, to the point where I feel a burning sensation on my flesh. “I … ugh … I meant, you know, take advantage of your home. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.” I swallow roughly. “Besides, he humps everything. So … yeah.”Now, I just sound like a fumbling idiot.
“Wow, we have a lot more in common than our size,” he coos, and I think my body might actually melt into the couch. He’s clearly amused as his lip twitches. “And, Miss Maci, I somehow don’t think you could ever take advantage of me,” he muses. “Bring him. Or I’ll send someone to go pick him up myself.”
“We’ll see,” my voice barely squeaks. “I should clean up and head home.”
“I don’t have to be at the arena until tomorrow afternoon. You should stay and hang out for a while. There’s a new Disney movie that Amy’s been wanting to watch.” He grins, nodding toward the floor, where Amelia is now cuddled up with Clyde. “Looks like they are already ready for a movie night.”
I know he doesn’t have any romantic intentions with me. He’s simply being nice and trying to get to know the woman who is going to be watching his child for the next six weeks. But still, it feels wrong. Like … watching a movie together is too far.
“I really should head home,” I say reluctantly as I stand and gather up the plates and napkins. “What time would you like me here tomorrow?”
I swear there’s a look of disappointment on his face, but before I can read into it too much, he stands and grabs Amelia’s empty plate from beside her. “Noon will be fine, thanks.” He heads toward the kitchen and sets the plates in the sink before turning it on and rinsing them off.
I watch in awe as he flips open the dishwasher and puts the plates inside. I was with Gavin for three years, and I don’t think he knew we even had a dishwasher. But Gavin was a boy. Logan Sterns is a man. I suppose he has to be because he’s a father.
Walking toward Amelia, I bend down and give her a small hug. “See you tomorrow, girlfriend.”
“Do you have to go?” she says, making me feel terrible for leaving. “I wanted to watch a movie with Clyde. And my dad could watch the movie with you.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I have some things I need to take care of at home. But I’ll be back tomorrow, okay? Maybe we can even take this big fella for a walk.” I take in Clyde, who is sprawled out, living his best life, as she sits beside him. “Come on, boy. Time to go home.”
Amelia puts her face to his and kisses his giant head. “Bye, Clyde,” she whispers sadly.
He doesn’t get up right away, instead ignoring me.
Dipping my head down, I make my voice a little deeper. “Time to go—now.”
I clap my hands together, and slowly, he rolls over and stands up before reluctantly making his way toward the door.
Following behind him, I grab his leash and hook it on his collar. “See you tomorrow,” I say to Logan.
“See you later, Boston,” he drawls playfully, and I wonder how he knows I’m from there when I’ve never told him. “Thanks for bringing your horse over.”
“Anytime.” I giggle and head out the door.
Part of me didn’t want to leave. The part that genuinely enjoyed hanging out with Amelia and didn’t hate spending time with her dad tonight. But I know that’s inappropriate. So, instead, when I get home, I will try to use the inspiration from the hot dad and write some words.
Ilook down at Amelia’s angelic face as I hold her snugly against me. Before Maddie left last week, she told me if Amelia’s fighting a nap, I should read one of her favorite books while sitting with her in the rocker, and she’ll fall asleep. This might only be my second full week with her alone, yet I feel like each day, I get a bit more comfortable.