“For you, maybe,” Jillian said darkly, dropping her fork on her plate and pushing back from the table even though her eggs were barely touched.
“Jill—” Rhys started, but his daughter was already heading for the stairs, every footstep louder than the last.The door to her room slammed hard enough to rattle a frame on the wall.
He’d risen when she stormed out and he stood there, furious, but also helpless.“This has to stop,” he gritted.
“Things are improving,” Cat said half-heartedly.
“Are they?”He looked toward the stairs.“I’m losing patience.”
“So let me handle it.You go work.We’ll sort this out.I promise.”
Rhys hesitated, nodded, and then grabbing his work bag, left.Cat stood in the entry, feeling the heavy silence all the way through her.
Returning to the kitchen she found Olivia still sitting at the breakfast table, her plate barely touched.“I hate the fighting,” Olivia said in a small voice.“It makes me sad.”
Cat went to her and gave her a hug.“I hate it too.”
“Mummy and Daddy used to fight like this before they… they divorced.”
“Well, Jillian and your daddy aren’t divorcing.Jillian’s growing up and she has some growing pains, but your dad loves her very much and everything will be okay.I promise.”
Twice, Cat thought, two promises made that morning and it wasn’t even eight yet.
Cat slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor trying to plan what she would say to Jillian, but nothing came to mind.Cat was tired and flattened and frustrated.Things with Jillian had started to improve, and it had lulled Cat into thinking things would be better for the rest of the holidays.Instead, Jillian was as angry as she’d been when Cat first arrived.
Outside the girls’ bedroom door, Cat knocked, once.Nothing.
“Jillian,” she said softly, knuckles against the wood as she knocked a second time.“We need to talk.”
Still nothing.
She tried again, firmer this time.“I’m not going away, sweetheart.”
The door flew open.Jillian’s eyes were pink, her lashes wet, her expression furious.“We don’t have to talk.We don’t have to do anything together.You are not my mum and never will be!”
“We already agreed I don’t want to be your mum.We’ve discussed how you have a mum and she loves you—”
“Yes, she does.So, leave Mum’s husband alone.”
Cat took a step backwards, stunned into silence.What?
For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke or moved.Cat’s thoughts scattered.
She couldn’t quite process what Jillian had said.“I am not chasing after your father.”
“Then why are you constantly flirting with my dad?Why is he always being so sweet with you?He acts like you are his girlfriend or something.”
Cat took a step back.“Your imagination is running away with you.There is nothing between us.I work for him.It wouldn’t be ethical—”
“Oh, please.I’m not five.Fathers fall for the nanny all the time.Just look atThe Daily Mail—”
“They’re a tabloid.They’re in the scandal business.”
Jillian’s face turned red and tears filled her eyes.“It doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
“I’m not in the scandal business, Jillian.I was hired to come take care of you, and that’s what I’m trying to do.You and Olivia are my only priority.I’m here for you.”
“So, you’re not interested in my dad?”
