“Just getting the lay of the land. He likes you.”

Words that made Dena happy—a foolish concept, but there was no escaping the truth.

“He’s a handsome single man who was flirting with you. If you ask me, you should definitely go for it.”

“Really, Mom? Like, throw myself at him?”

“There are worse things.”

“He’s Micah Ruiz.”

“Yes, he told me.”

Dena sighed. “He’s a famous rock star.”

Her mother pursed her lips. “Oh, that’s why he looked familiar. Is there money, or did he blow it on drugs and women? I’m only asking because I want you to find someone who will take care of you.”

Dena covered her face with her hands. “First, I can take care of myself. Second, I wouldn’t be interested in someone who acted like that. Third, I’m pregnant, and fourth, Micah is a guest, and he’s leaving. There will be no throwing or hinting or anything. He’s a nice man, and we talk occasionally, and that’s all.”

Her mother’s gaze turned speculative. “Your children could have real musical talent.”

“Mom!”

“I’m just saying. It could happen.”

Seventeen

“But we could sneak in Belle,” Harrison said, his tone hopeful.

Toby touched his son’s nose. “Belle’s too big to sneak into the theater. Plus, how would she get comfortable in one of the seats? Half of her would be hanging out.”

Harrison smiled at the image. “Okay, so not Belle, but you should call Reggie, Dad. I’m sure she’ll want to see the movie with us.”

“Maybe next time,” he told his son.

Toby was less sure Reggie would be enthralled by the latest animated holiday feature, but that wasn’t why he’d resisted issuing the invitation. His reasons were more complicated, and a little contradictory. He liked Reggie. He’d enjoyed their time at Holiday Spirits, and since that night, she’d been on his mind a lot, which was saying something because she’d been on his mind plenty before they’d gone for drinks.

He didn’t know if it was the season, their past, or Reggie herself, but he kept thinking of things he wanted to talk to her about or reasons he could call or places they could go together. All of which spelled a level of trouble he didn’t want to get into.

His not getting involved rule had always been easy to follow. It was rare for him to meet someone who made him want to rethink the whole “avoid women” plan. But Reggie was testing his limits, and he had no idea what to do about it.