She shrugs. “I enjoyed it, but I loved being at home with the kids when they were little. I know I’m fortunate because not every mom gets to do that.”
“It must be difficult being away from the twins during the day.” I lean back as the waitress sets my Cobb salad down in front of me.
“It is.” Her eyes fill up. “I’m loving the program, but I didn’t think it would be so hard leaving them alone every day. It's why I send the nanny home when I return even though I should be studying. I feel guilty enough leaving them all day. I can’t justify missing out on dinnertime and bath time to study.”
“I can relate. I loved when my kids were little and they relied on me for everything, but it’s not wrong to take something for yourself. You can still be a good mom and a good student. It’s still early days, and it’s all new. In time, you’ll find a balance that works.”
“I know, and it won’t be forever.” She shoots me a strange look before picking up her silverware and eating her Caesar salad.
“Are you okay?” I ask when we leave the restaurant thirty minutes later, stopping outside the window to button our coats. “You hardly touched your food.”
“I’m fine. Just tired, and that always affects my appetite. The little munchkins kept me up last night.”
Movement across the road catches my attention, and I stare at the guy climbing out of a black Jeep Cherokee. All the blood drains from my face as I watch him close the door and lean back against it, raising one knee and casually resting his foot against the SUV. My legs threaten to go out from under me as I stare at him.
A massive grin creeps over his mouth as he eyeballs me, uncaring he is making his attention obvious. I haven’t forgotten his face or the sheer terror I felt when he accosted me that day in the boutique. Whipping my head around, I summon Fabrizio with my fingers. Noticing the frightened look on my face, he runs toward me, immediately herding me into the corner of the building and protecting me with his body. “What is it?”
“That man over there by the Jeep,” I say, jerking my head in his direction. “That’s the guy from the boutique.”
“You’re sure?” he asks, looking over his shoulder.
“Positive. It’s him.”
“Stay here. Better yet, go back inside,” he instructs, pulling out his cell as he moves to step off the curb. “I’ll call for backup,” he adds, cursing under his breath when the man pushes off his Jeep and starts walking away.
“Is everything okay?” Chelsea inquires, concern evident in her tone and in the look on her face.
“I don’t know.” I’m trembling as I loop my arm through hers, pulling her toward the door. “Let’s get another coffee.”
I have just opened the door when a man with a deep voice calls out, “Chelsea!”
Chelsea spins around. “Lucas!” Her eyes pop wide as she stares at the tall, handsome man pushing a twin stroller toward us. She glances anxiously at me as I watch Fabrizio turn the corner on the opposite side of the street, out of sight. Nerves prick at my skin, and nausea swims in my gut.
“Darling. There you are!” Lucas halts the stroller a few feet away from the entrance to the restaurant, and I step back onto the sidewalk to stop blocking the door. The twins are fast asleep, looking all cute and snug under matching blue blankets. A wicked glint appears in his eyes when he swoops his wife into his arms and leans her back as he kisses her passionately.
Thrusting her hands into his chest, she forces him to break their lip-lock. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes narrowed as she stares at him. “What are you doing here?” she blurts.
“The nanny is sick, so I sent her home. The twins were restless, and I thought a walk would help to settle them. Plus, I need you to mind them this afternoon. I have an important conference call I need to take.”
She stares at him strangely for a few beats. “Oh, okay.” Chelsea seems a little off as she crouches down, her gaze frantically scanning both her babies, checking they are okay. I can only imagine how worrying it must be entrusting them to others every day, even if her husband appears to be taking good care of them.
“Lucas Davenport,” he says, thrusting out his gloved hand. “You must be Serena. Chelsea has told me all about you." His handshake is firm, his expression friendly. Although his brown eyes lack the warmth and depth of Alesso’s gaze, there is no denying he’s an attractive man.
“Nice to meet you. Chelsea has told me about you too.”
“Has she now?” His lips tip up as he drills a look at his wife. His wide smile is disarming when he returns his focus to me.
Shoving my hands in the pockets of my coat, I dig my nails into the cashmere, needing it to ground me. There is no sign of Fabrizio or the creep, and I’m antsy.
“All good, I hope.” He flashes me a blinding-white smile.
“Of course. Your wife adores you.”
“Let’s not get too carried away.” Chelsea straightens up. “It will only go to his head,” she adds. “Will you be okay if I leave?” She looks conflicted.
“Of course. Go be with your family.” I force a smile on my face. “I’ll take lots of notes in financial management and bring you a copy tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” Rounding the stroller, she grabs me into a fierce hug. “Go back inside and wait for your bodyguard like he said. Don’t move until he comes back for you,” she whispers in my ear. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
