The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3) by Mary Smith Page A

quickly.
    “What’s wrong? Did something get messed up?”
    “Nothing…um…nothing’s wrong.” She hurries to put the box into the bag. “This will need to go back though.”
    I grab the bag and pull the box out to inspect it myself.
    “Please, don’t.” Her face is bright red.
    It hits me then. It has to be the lingerie, and she’s embarrassed, I think. “Well, I’ll take it back tomorrow.”
    “No,” she shouts, causing me to jump. “Sorry, I’ll just handle it later.” She takes the bag from my hand.
    “Okay.” I hate to tell her she’ll need my credit card, but maybe I’ll get lucky and she’ll wear it. One day. In front of me.
    Don’t get hard.
    “I’m going to tuck Arabella in.” She touches my shoulder as she passes me.
    Yes, it seems like a small touch. Simplistic, actually. To me, it’s the world. First, she held my hand, and now she’s touched my shoulder.
    I follow her to Arabella’s room and kiss her goodnight as Maxima gets ready to read their chapter from the latest book. I take the bags down to my car and load them in the trunk. I lock up the house and jog up the stairs back to the bedroom. I head straight into the bathroom. A warm shower is what I need to relax before bed.
    I dry off, brush my teeth, and slide into my shorts. When I go to the bedroom, I pull the blankets back and sit on the side of the bed. I pick up my phone and go through the things I’ve missed from the day: A few texts from my parents stating they’ll be here tomorrow evening. An email from Cora. She’s been stationed in Germany for almost a year and is hoping she’ll be able to take a job at the Pentagon.
    I smile at the phone. “Just like Dad.”
    Cora always wanted to be in the Army like our parents. It’s been hard, but she has moved up the ranks quickly, and I am so proud of her.
    There were a couple of texts from Keaton about working out this week. I text him back, letting him know my parents will be in town, and I will let him know when I’m available. It’s really the first time I’ve heard from him since he blew up at me.
    “I’m going to get ready for bed.”
    I look up to see Maxima walk over to the dresser and grab some clothing.
    “When I finish, may we talk?” she asks, standing in front of me.
    “Of course.” I’m suddenly a little nervous, but I try not to show it or think about it.
    I go back to my phone and browse through my email. One catches my eye…from my attorney. He wants to set up an appointment this week. Now, I really should worry. I told him know about Maxima, but nothing else. I’m hoping I can tell Maxima the truth without her leaving us.
    God, I’ve fucked up everything.
    I type out a quick reply, asking when’s the best time for me and put my phone on the nightstand. I rub my temples and figure I need to tell Maxima this week. I’m not a liar, and I will fix this.
    “Remington.”
    I look up. She’s in a gray t-shirt and long pants and is still breathtaking. Her makeup is all gone, and she’s even more beautiful. Her shiny black hair pinned up in a bun.
    “Are you okay, Remington?”
    “Yes. The lawyer wants to meet.”
    “Do I need to be there?” She leans against the dresser.
    “I don’t know, but I’ll let you know for sure.”
    “Okay.” Maxima begins to tug at the bottom of her shirt.
    “What did you want to talk about?” I hold my breath, waiting for whatever is about to come.
    “This.” She points to the bed. “I’m going to be real honest, and you might laugh at me, but I have to tell you.”
    “I’m not going to laugh. What is it?” This conversation is about to turn real serious, real fast.
    “I need to have a light on to sleep. I don’t like the dark.” Her voice is barely above a whisper.
    “That’s no big deal.” Lots of people don’t like the dark. She shouldn’t think I’d laugh at her about something that is serious to her. “Anything else?”
    “I’ve…I…I’ve never slept with someone else in a bed