Fumbling For Affection by Beth Gildersleeve

Author:Beth Gildersleeve [Beth Gildersleeve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beth Gildersleeve
Published: 2023-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

Maggie told him about her earlier blow-up with Jack. Listening to her and watching her hands move as she talked was tons better than Facetiming would have been. “Ever since he promoted me, he’s been hands-off, which has been great, but this week he’s acted like he didn’t even care about Brewster’s. Something feels off.” She shrugged.

“Have you thought any more about buying that business?”

“Yes, especially when Jack’s around. I’ll keep plugging away at saving for it. I hoped you enjoyed that sundae because that’s the last splurge I’ll have for a longtime.”

“I can pick up the tab for both of us, but”—he leaned forward and turned his head as if making sure no one would overhear—“I may have a solution.”

“If it involves donating more plasma, I’m already at the limit, but I could spare a kidney. Or is it a liver?”

“It’s a kidney and you don’t need to donate anything other than your eternal gratitude to me.”

“Sure, what’s your solution?” she asked, but from the look on her face, he didn’t think he’d be getting eternal thanks.

“Why don’t you ask your parents or Five for a loan? I’m sure they’d love to help you.” Maggie’s face screwed up, and she leaned back, studying him. Lucas forced himself not to squirm under her scrutiny. His idea was great, and he didn’t know what Ms. Independent’s problem was. Well, other than asking for help. “Come on, admit it. It’s a great idea. The only reason you don’t like it is because you didn’t think of it,” he taunted.

“I have thought of it.” Her admission caught him off-guard.

“But?”

“But I don’t have a great track record of being a success.” She pulled one of his napkins toward her and pleated it. Nervous tell? he wondered, remembering the other times she’d done it.

“Says who?”

“No one says it, but my siblings have all eclipsed me. Harper’s a successful journalist—”

“Who’s smearing her brother’s employer across the front page every chance she gets?”

“Penny runs a successful bookstore—”

“Co-manages with her aunt who’s owned the store for years,” he reminded her.

“And owns a car.”

“You could, too, but you’re saving for something big, which is something successful people do.”

“And Five’s a professional football player.”

“Well, that is the pinnacle of perfection. You can never compete with that.” Maggie crumpled up the paper napkin and tossed it at him, laughing when it bounced off his forehead.

“Some football player you are. You should have caught that.”

“I didn’t try,” he said as he smoothed out the napkin. “Try, Maggie. You won’t know unless you ask.”

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