“I don’t know about patience. It’s easier, I guess.”

“Easier to go through the motions than to hurt their feelings?”

Cassidy smiled. “Is it arrogant of me to assume by ending it, that it’s hurting feelings?”

“No. I imagine you know which ones are more invested in it than you are. Ashly? The model? She was straight, wasn’t she?”

Cassidy laughed. “She likes to play both sides, yes.” She held up her hand. “And for the record, I did not sleep with her.”

“I saw her naked in your pool,” she blurted out.

“Doesn’t mean I slept with her. She wanted to, don’t get me wrong.”

“But?”

“I wasn’t in the mood to pretend, I guess.”

“You invited her out for the weekend with that intention, though.”

“Yes, I did.” Cassidy took a scoop of water with her hand and splashed Laura. “Why all the questions?”

“I’ve never met anyone as attractive, as nice, as successful,” she said, motioning to the house, “who is perpetually single.”

“You’re attractive, you’re nice…you’re single.”

Laura laughed and threw two handfuls of water at her. “Left out successful, huh?”

“Well, your yard business isn’t up and going yet.”

Laura sighed. “My mother says I’m too picky and that I’m looking for perfection. She also says that person doesn’t exist.”

Cassidy nodded. “My mother tells me the same thing. Maybe they’re right.”

“I see no need to lower my standards. I’m fine being alone. You, on the other hand…” she said with a smile.

“I’m alone this weekend.”

“So you are. Are you enjoying it?”

“Yes. I was thinking earlier how great I slept last night. And…I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Me too. It’s been a rather lazy weekend. I haven’t even had to cook!”

“You can help me with the rice dish.”

“I will. I can’t wait to try that chicken.”

“We can eat earlier than normal, if you want.”

Laura grinned. “You don’t have to offer twice.”

Chapter Thirty-One

“It’s huge.”

“I know it’s huge. But if I ever live here permanently, I want a stocked pantry. And I also want to be able to walk around in there and find whatever I need.”

“It’s as big as my bedroom.”

“Oh, it is not.”

Laura arched an eyebrow. “You haven’t seen my bedroom.”

“Are you offering?”

Laura smiled into her eyes, then patted Cassidy’s stomach as she walked past her, causing Cassidy to catch her breath. She dropped her gaze to Laura’s hips, then quickly averted her eyes as Laura turned around.

“How many mushrooms for the rice?”

“A good handful. Slice, then quarter.”