Tuesday wasn’t totally sure of the words, but she needed to say them the best she could at that moment. “Please don’t make this into a big deal. That’s what I’m saying. I am trying to take this step by step. It’s new, even though we’ve been heading here for a while now. I am so freaked out that the only way I can get through at this point is to pretend it’s not anything.”

Natalie came around the table and hugged her. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. I know you’re trying to help.”

Thank goodness for this. Tuesday hugged Natalie back and then let go. “We got shit to do. So let’s quit this foolishness and weeping. You and I are beyond that nonsense.”

“Okay. Fine. But I think we should seal this with doughnuts.”

“You think we should seal everything with doughnuts.”

Natalie straightened. “That’s because doughnuts are perfect for every occasion.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

TUESDAY ENTERED THE ROOM, drawing his attention. She moved like music. A long stride and yet she made it look like dancing instead of ground-eating purpose.

She wore pert cat-eye glasses and when her gaze found his, the big brown eyes behind them warmed as their connection sizzled.

He hadn’t even thought of heading to her before he was doing it.

“Hello,” she murmured once he’d reached her.

He kissed her, again before even thinking about it. She curled her fingers around his forearm to hold him closer for a bit longer.

“That’s better. Hello to you, too.”

“You do know how to make a girl feel welcome.” Her smile sobered. “How’s Maddie?”

“We spoke to the doctor about an hour ago. If all continues the way it is now, they’ll discharge her in the morning. She’s managed to get Vaughan to promise a whole bunch of stuff once she’s home—like a pro.” He looked over her shoulder to where Mary smiled up at his father. “I hear you guys came with lunch. Thanks for that.”

Tuesday waved a hand and the bracelets on her wrists jingled. “Wasn’t me. That was all Mary. I just came along for the ride.”

He leaned in very close. “Well, remember you and I have just that very thing on the menu later.”

Her fingers tightened on his arm. “I never forget a promise, Ezra Hurley.”

Damn she spun him around. Something deep inside him had roused, slowly filling him. It was so good. Hot and sticky.

“Tuesday, it’s so good to see you, honey.” His mother came over and pulled Tuesday into a hug. He hid his annoyance at having to let her go. His mother winked at him once she broke the hug with Tuesday.

Sharon Hurley was sneakier than any secret agent the country had ever produced. She had a master plan in that head of hers—Ezra knew it. And the thing was, his mother knew he knew.

“Nice to see you, too, Ms. Hurley.”

“I know I told you to call me Sharon.” His mother looked up to Ezra. “Maddie is tired and needs to rest. Kelly has invited us all over to her house to eat all the stuff Mary brought so I’ll see you there.” Sharon’s mouth flattened just a tiny bit. Ezra knew his mother didn’t like Vaughan’s ex. Never did really.

But he also knew his mother respected the job Kelly had done raising Maddie and Kensey. Yes, Vaughan was involved. Ezra’s baby brother was a damned good father and he loved his daughters with all he was. He saw them frequently, as often as he could.

And yet, when he toured, it was Kelly who was there every single day. Kelly who gave up a lucrative career in modeling to stay near and raise the girls near their father. Kelly who dealt with the daily slog that parenting could be.

So his mother would be civil because she, too, loved those little girls and it was in everyone’s best interests to pull together.

And, Ezra hoped, because his mom knew her opinion of Kelly wasn’t fair. It was set back when Vaughan had first left and didn’t tell the whole truth of the situation. Over time it was clear to anyone who bothered to really look that it had been Kelly who’d stepped up from the start and done what needed doing.

After one last hug, his mom headed toward Natalie, and Tuesday turned his way again. “I know this is a family thing. I’m going to head into Portland for a while. Do some stuff. I’ll see everyone at the arena later.”

He shook his head, not pleased at all with the idea of her going off anywhere. “No, I want you there. Natalie will want you there. If Nat does then Paddy will. My mother—you’ve met her so you can imagine how often she gets her way—will think I did something to upset you and drive you off. She’ll harass me forever about it. Have a heart. Do it for me, Tuesday. Do it for Maddie.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re diabolical. Maddie’s not even going to be there.” A smile hinted at the corners of her mouth and he gave in to his.

“But it’s for her. And you know, it’s neighborly, too. You haven’t even met her mom yet.”

“I’m sure she’s superexcited to meet some random friend of her ex-husband’s brother’s girlfriend. She probably has it on her bucket list.”

“You should know I find a dry sense of humor one of the sexiest qualities.” He stepped closer. “It’s already four-thirty. We stay for a while, then the band has to leave for sound check anyway. Plus, you’re driving home with me. Paddy drove in with me so he can ride home with your blonde roommate there.” He tipped his chin in Natalie’s direction. “Did you actually even throw this idea past her? I doubt it or she’d be pouting all pretty like.”