Enticing Interlude (Tempest #2) by Michelle Mankin Page B

asleep.”
    “You had trouble sleeping?” He gave me a look that made me think he could read my mind. “Me, too. I wonder if it was for the same reason.”
    Doubtful.
    With great difficulty, I ignored Justin and concentrated on Carter as he showed off his new guitar. It was a scaled down version that fit him perfectly. He was so happy I didn’t have the heart to fuss at Justin for purchasing it. Surely since it was used it hadn’t been too expensive. “Where’s Lace?” I asked noticing that the door to her room was propped open and empty.
    “She and Bryan went shopping after they ate breakfast with Carter and me.”
    “What kind of shopping?”
    “Vintage clothing.” He let out a groan that seemed to come from experience. “Lace’s got a thing for sixties fashion. She has an inexhaustible amount of energy when it comes to searching through the bins in musty old second hand stores looking for treasure.”
    Yeah, I could see that being the case. I’d seen her design sketches. They were definitely inspired by that decade. “Ok, well.” I moved toward the front door, hoping he’d take the hint to follow me and leave. I needed to get started on my errands. I’d lost too much time sleeping late. It also felt a bit awkward being alone with him in the apartment.
    Justin didn’t get the hint, or he didn’t want to take it. He settled back down onto the couch and stretched his arms along the back cushions, that familiar leather bracelet dangling from his wrist. Lounging Justin was a sexy distraction I couldn’t afford, and it was distressing me to no end that he didn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave.
    “What are your plans for the day?” he asked me while Carter plucked away on the strings of his new-used guitar.
    “Well since I overslept,” I huffed at him as if that were his fault, which in my mind it kind of was, since it’d been thoughts of him that had kept me awake. “I probably don’t have time to get everything done. But,” I ticked off on my fingers, “I need to open a checking account, deposit my paycheck, and buy a couple more t-shirts to get embroidered for work. I need to get a cell phone and I really need to try to find a second job and a permanent place for Carter and me to live.”
    “You don’t have a cell phone?” Eyes glittering with sudden focus, Justin dropped his arms and leaned forward. I didn’t understand why he looked so irritated.
    “That’s not smart, Bridget.” He frowned. “Or safe. What if you got into trouble? How would you call for help?”
    “I know all that,” I replied, finding myself getting defensive. “That’s why, now that I have some money, I’m going to purchase one today. So if you’ll excuse me?” I gestured toward the door, abandoning the subtle method since that obviously wasn’t working.
    He still didn’t move. “We need to make that a priority on your list. Right after the bank.”
    “Ok. I will.” I crossed my arms over my chest, sighed, and tapped my foot impatiently.
    “Good.” He cocked a brow. “Why are you flopping all around like that?”
    “Because,” I drew the word out. “I need you to go so I can get dressed and get on with my day.”
    “Why would I do that since I’m going with you?”
    “What?” This was definitely news to me.
    “I’m going with you,” he repeated slowly as if he’d said it too fast for me to understand the first time.
    “Really?” My hands went to my hips. “I don’t recall inviting you. And for that matter, I don’t remember giving you permission to take my son out to breakfast either.” I was getting myself worked up now. I could even feel a muscle starting to twitch near my right eye.
    He grinned. “You’re cute when you’re mad.”
    “What?” I practically screeched at him. He was out of his mind, and obviously enjoying himself at my expense.
    “I said…”
    “I heard you,” I cut in with another eye roll, this one a little more difficult to execute because of the