‘That will change.’ Nate shrugs.
‘Look at you, wanting everyone to settle down now you have.’ I tease.
‘It’s working out for you, if your glowing cheeks are anything to go on.’ He winks again.
Oh, it’s working out in some ways alright. But what will happen after December? I’m only two weeks into this fake agreement and already I don’t want it to end.
My phone chimes with an incoming text from my coat pocket.
Nate slips his hand in and grabs it, glances at the screen as he passes it over. ‘Oh, it’s lover-boy.Phoebe loved you.’
‘You met his daughter?’ Mam shrieks. ‘It’s official! I need to buy another hat!’
If only.
But the thought still sends a hot thrilling flush through me.
ChapterTwenty-Two
CILLIAN
Friday 8th December
Beth grabs my arm as I’m about to breeze out the door with today’s case files. I like to start my mornings with a stroll along Grafton Street to Steamy Fix. Though its name makes it sound like a brothel, it’s a coffee shop that just so happens to serve the best espresso in Dublin.
Popping to Steamy Fix also gives me an excuse to walk by the HeartSync office, something which I’ve been doing unwittingly for almost a year with no idea of the beauty of the woman working behind the high brick walls.
‘How’s the love life, boss?’ Beth wiggles her eyebrows.
‘I already told you, Beth, it’s a business arrangement.’ I flash her my sternest stare; one that would have the rest of my staff scurrying. Beth sniggers and thrusts her phone under my nose. Her Instagram account is open on the HeartSync page. A picture of me with my arms wrapped around Ava lights the screen. Her head is tilted back to rest on my chest and she’s gazing up at me with gold-flecked fuck-me eyes. The attraction between us sizzles from the screen.
‘Well, I’m glad to see you’re so invested in this “business agreement”.’ Beth snatches the phone away from me. ‘You know I think there might actually be hope for you yet.’
‘There isn't. Trust me.’ Even though, there’s a part of me that would like to believe it. Especially given what a hit Ava was with my daughter last night. But even if I wanted it to be more than what it is, it’s too risky. It’s not just me who could get hurt. I have Phoebe to consider too.
I attempt to make my escape through the open doorway, but Beth blocks the way.
‘Are you taking Ava to the Christmas party tomorrow?’ She demands, planting a hand on her hip.
‘Tomorrow?’ I trawl my fingers through my hair wondering how I could have forgotten the most expensive night of my year.
Every year at Christmas I hire out Huxley Castle for the staff and their partners. Huxley is the finest five-star castle in the country. Owned by a rock star and his wife, it’s utterly lavish, and has really limited availability since the couple moved back into it, but that only adds to its popularity. Patrons get to literally live like a rock star, for a night at least.
I suspect this annual trip is one of the reasons I have such a low turnover of staff, despite being a grumpy bastard.
‘Don’t tell me you forgot?’ Beth’s hand swats the air in an exasperated gesture. ‘It’s been booked for months.’
‘Which is preciselywhyI forgot about it.’ Hopefully Matilda won’t mind taking Phoebe. I can’t ask my mother. Her and dad always tag along, making use of the fact I don’t have enough staff to fill it.
‘Does being away from my daughter for two nights in the same week make me a bad dad?’ Beth is the only person I’d dream of voicing my parenting concerns aloud to.
‘No. It makes you a busy dad. Trust me, Phoebe is lucky to have you. Matilda already agreed to mind her on Saturday.’ Beth is a godsend. ‘I’ve arranged everything, from your childcare right down to the menu, and the optional Santa Run.’
‘A Santa Run? You’ve got to be kidding me?’
‘It’s taking place on Velvet Strand at midday on the Sunday. Like I said, it’s optional.’ She arches a wry eyebrow. ‘But it’s run by Savannah Kingsley; you know the celebrity blogger “Single Sav.” It’s a fundraiser for the Single Parents Society.’
I exhale a weary sigh. I know Savannah. She’s the mother of the twin girls in Phoebe’s class, the same ones she sauntered into school arms linked with the other day. Single Parents Society is the one charity I always try and support, and Beth knows it. I’m lucky I don’t struggle to support my daughter financially, but I’m painfully aware that for many single parents the fight is real.
