Chapter 1
HALEY
December first came with a panic-induced shopping spree.
I hadn’t told my husband about this trip, or anyone else, because I was ashamed. Not only had I abandoned Macon for a larger town, and expansive selection, but I was doing it to show up my two best friends.
My boots clicked loudly across the floor of Target as I hastily headed for the exit.
I glanced around briefly to ensure that no one was watching how many bags I carried, or how many different decorations peeked above the rim of each one.
This was ridiculous, but as I hurried to my car, I couldn’t shake my utter embarrassment over this decision. I knew it was underhanded.
I was billions ahead of Rae and Nora when it came to financial stability, and while I never once flaunted it, nor did I ever try to make anyone feel inferior, I was determined to win.
My phone buzzed with a text, and once I settled inside with the car running, I checked to see that Liam had messaged me.
Hubby: Where are you? You said you were going to the store but that was like two hours ago.
I could feel my face warm. If anyone was going to discover what had been done here today, it was him.
Me: Well, I sort of meant an out-of-town store.
Liam’s texting dots bounced around before a call came over Bluetooth.
With a heaving sigh, I answered while pulling out of the parking lot.
“Where you are you?” Liam’s voice still held that protective edge that I loved so much.
I flipped my blinker and decided to spill the beans.
“I’m at Target.”
There was a long pause and then a small laugh. “You didn’t…”
“I’m going to need your discretion, Mr. Croft.”
Liam laughed louder this time, and I wondered if he was in our room, or if the baby was awake. “And I need to fuck you, so I guess we can come to some sort of agreement.”
A flush found its way to my face again as I imagined what he’d done to me last night. The man was insatiable.
“Just be ready when I get home, the girls can’t see any of what I got today.”
I hung up, ignoring his echoing laugh.