Page 38 of This Broken Heart

The idea is a little daunting.

Matt and I were together my entire adult life—I’ve never been in this position.

I’m not sure if I’m capable of being a no strings attached kind of person. But I also don’t think I’m ready for another long-term relationship.

Maybe a quick and easy rebound would do me good. My lips curve into a smile, imagining the look on Matt’s face if he saw me in the grocery store with Josh on my arm.

If it was just Josh and me, I think maybe I’d throw caution to the wind and say, fuck it. Let’s have fun.

But there are two little people involved and I cannot stand the idea of them getting hurt in the process.

It’s pretty obvious that both kids, but especially Trace, are missing having a mommy in their lives.

All Trace would need is the slightest hint, the barest suggestion that Josh and I are together, and he’d run with it.

By the time we pull up to the house, a mere quarter of a mile down the road, the decision seems pretty clear.

Josh and I need to put the kids first.

That means no hashing it out.

No second kisses.

We need to erase this night from our minds and act like it never happened.

24.

Josh

I shouldn’t have grabbed Erin’s hand.

I for damn sure shouldn’t have kissed her.

A small part of me is mortified.

The bigger part of me, and the southern parts of me, can’t stop thinking about the way she felt in my arms.

In a word, delectable.

I half-expected her to bring it up. She’s so outspoken. But last night, she helped me put the kids to bed without a word about it. It’s like it never happened.

Except that it did. I can still feel those soft curves on my palms.

I wake up in the early hours of the morning, staring at the ceiling.

Maven made her way to my bed and is snuggled up in my arms. I run my fingers through her soft hair, turning thoughts over in my mind.

I’m not sure I can go backwards from here.

I might need to fire her.

Or apologize.

Or throw her over my shoulder and carry her to the bedroom like a cave man.

Maybe all three, in reverse order.

I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Maven, and pull on a pair of jeans. Tugging a sweater over my head, I pad out into the kitchen.