Page 10 of Baby, It’s Hotter Inside

“Thanks. I like kids, so it’s easy. They don’t judge me for being goofy or too short. The girls think I have princess hair and they all like that I use funny voices when I read.” She smiles. “Kids get me.”

“And you get them. You want some of your own someday?”

She looks up at me. “Yes. I’ve wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. Used to make my mom a little nervous when I was in high school.”

I laugh and squeeze her hand again. And without even trying, I can imagine a future with her. With us. Kids, a house, my gallery. I let go of her hand and take a step back.

“Do you have any food allergies I should know about?”

“No, I’m not too picky.”

I nod.

“Can you help with carrying some of the sand and water to the new groups?” She motions to the groups that are walking up.

“Sure. I’ll see you at my place, say seven o’clock?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll text you the address.” And because I just can’t help it, I lean down and press a kiss to her forehead before I walk away.

chapter five

Ginger

“So what was all that about?”

I turn to find my best friend, Annie, watching Brock’s retreating form.

I can’t help the smile on my face. In fact, it’s making my cheeks hurt a little. “We were making plans for tonight.” Then I pause, noting Annie’s face. Her normally golden complexion is a little pale and her razor straight black hair is rumpled. “You still look terrible. You feeling better at all?”

“Still a little green, but so much better. That is the last time I eat at Mr. Fu’s Buffet.” She puts her hand on her stomach.

“Thank you for coming to help me even though this is not your thing.”

“Maybe I’ll make a sand Menorah.” She grins. “What is the point of being the only Chinese Jewish woman in town if I can’t do stuff like that?”

“Have I told you lately you’re my favorite?”

“No, you have not. But I want to talk about something else.” She points down the beach a ways where Brock—now shirtless—is hauling a five-gallon bucket of water. “So a date? With Brock Daniels, your nemesis? Isn’t that what you’ve always called him?”

I blow out a breath, and tilt my head back peering at the cloudless blue sky. “He apologized. I mean, not specifically for everything he did, but he admitted he was a real dick in high school. We actually talked about all of that and it turns out I wasn’t entirely blameless.”

Her thin black eyebrows arch.

“He’s been really sweet. Especially at the hospital with my dad.”

“Oh yeah, how’s he doing?”

I roll my eyes. “Aside from my mom oversharing about his erectile problems, he’s doing great. Can’t even tell he had an episode or whatever it was.”

“That’s good. Back to Brock.” We both tilt our heads to better see the curve of his ass as he bends over to help somebody. “You’re going to go out with him?”

“He’s cooking for me. Tonight.” I have to resist the urge to do a happy dance.

“Wow, that’s sweet and romantic.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Has he kissed you?”

I cannot help how wide my smile gets. I put my hands on my cheeks. “Amazing.” It’s all I can say. I sling my arm around my best friend and pull her to me. “I’m totally going to sleep with him. Enjoy that body and his toe-curling kisses while he’s in town. I deserve a fling with a super-hot guy.” It’s totally my plan, but I can’t deny that my words feel a little false.