Page 112 of Unlikely to Stay

“Hey,” she said, her voice equally as soft.

“I’m sorry you haven’t seen or heard much from me lately,” he said with a sigh.“My mind has been elsewhere, but I know that’s not an excuse.”

“It’s okay.I get it.”

“Doesn’t make it right.”

“When are you coming back?”she asked.”Areyou coming back?”

“I’m coming back.”

CC couldn’t keep the smile off her face.“You’re coming back.”

“You echoing me like the damn parrot now?”

“Maybe.”

“Good thing you’re a lot cuter than he is.It makes the echoing easier to handle.”

“You never said when you’re coming back, Snaps.Don’t leave me or the elder population of Parker hanging.I think I saw Burt and Kelda picketing outside the clinic yesterday.Something about ice on balls?I didn’t ask.”

A laugh came over the line.God, even his laugh was sexy.“I’ll be back this weekend and the clinic will be open on Monday.Tell Burt and Kelda to put away their signs.”

CC wanted to ask if that meant he was staying for good or if he was only staying until his contract expired next month, but she didn’t want to push it.He was coming back.That was all that mattered for now.“So I’ll see you Saturday?”

“What about Friday night?”

CC smiled.“That sounds even better.”

“Can I bring dinner to make up for the fact I ended our movie date?”

“Sounds good.”

“Okay.Hey, Freckles.”

“Yeah?”

“You know I love you, right?”

CC felt herself nodding.“I do.And I love you, too.”

“Even though I’ve been an ass?”

“An ass who’s been taking care of his mom.I get it.”

“What did I do to deserve you?”

“I’m not sure.I guess you’re just lucky.”

He chuckled.“You’re damn right I am.”

CC suddenly remembered he would be back at the perfect time.“Guess what?”she said.

“What?”

“You’ll be here for the Big Fourth of July bash!”

“Really?Fourth of July is a big deal in Parker, Oklahoma?”