“Close your eyes!” he bellowed.
She went high enough to break off a few branches, and her mischievous laugh trailed her as she came hurtling toward him again. He pushed her over and over, grinning. The little daredevil kept wanting more velocity.
He glanced at the house again. Laine sat on a patio chair, her arms wrapped around her knees, her expression soft with longing. The breeze stirred her hair and for a moment, he forgot about Cameron. Forgot they were on borrowed time.
Forgot he’d have to leave them soon.
“Again!” Emmy demanded.
He looked back at her and growled like a monster as he spun her once more. She descended into another fit of giggles.
“One minute, sweet pea. I want to talk to your mom.”
“Adults always want totalk.” She scrunched up her face, rolling her eyes to the clouds.
Before he could say anything about her sass, her expression turned angelic. “Will you come back and play with me?”
“’Course, kiddo.” He gave her one last push and headed across the grass.
They’d been in London two days now. He’d helped Laine sift through boxes of baby items and other things she couldn’t part with, including every belonging of Emmy’s and lots of pictures.
He’d been a little taken aback when she loaded digital copies of the photos onto a drive, and left it on a note for Cameron.
“He’s dangerous,” she’d said, “but I don’t believe he doesn’t love Emmy. He has a right to these precious memories of her.”
And damn if he didn’t respect that.
Laine smiled widely as he approached. “There’s still daylight—don’t you want to launch her off the roof before we leave?” Despite her words, her eyes shone with appreciation.
He barked out a laugh. “Sorry. I think she’s got the need for speed.”
Laine stood, pulling her beige wool cardigan around her shoulders. Her light-wash jeans hugged her perfect ass. Seeing her in her element, styled in her clothes and makeup, took him back in time.
The air with which she carried herself now was more like that of the Laine he’d known. She was still carrying extra stress, but she’d been smiling more. She seemed more relaxed now that they were in London.
“Never apologize. I love seeing you two growing a friendship. She needs this—” Her voice broke. “I know part of Emmy will love her father no matter what, but she always held back around him. Tried to be the daughter she thought he wanted.”
She shook her head, tears in her eyes. “Anyway. I’m just happy to see her being a kid and not afraid to be silly around you. You’re good to her.” She nudged his shoulder with hers. “And I know you’ll keep her safe. But don’t be afraid to say no to her, either.”
“Nah, she’s fine,” Roarke said, glancing over. She stood on the tire, swaying back and forth.
He’d never considered himself a pushover. Hell, maybe he was in denial. But from where he stood, Emmy was an awesome kid who just wanted to be loved.
“How’d you make out with packing?” he asked.
“Good. I’m tired though. I hope I got everything.”
“If you forgot anything, we’ll come back on the way to the airport tomorrow.”
She nodded, looking at the house. “It’s upsetting, leaving. This is the home she grew up in. I know we’ll never see it again.”Her lips moved into a small smile, but he could see she was fighting to hold back tears.
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against his side. “No, but you can create more memories when you get home. Everything will be okay—I fucking promise you.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I know,” she said wistfully.
Tires on gravel sounded behind them. A long driveway stretched from the road and stopped at the back of the house, where a garage sat off the backyard. Roarke tensed and quickly withdrew his weapon. He held it at his side. “Go to Emmy,” he commanded.
Laine took a step away from him then paused. An older woman got out of the vehicle after parking in front of the garage. Her stance relaxed and she sighed. “It’s just Maria.”
