‘Sorry, what?’
‘I was asking what you gave her?’
‘Cheese omelette, fresh fruit for dessert and low-sugar squash, rather than the cola she was campaigning for.’
Her forehead furrows. ‘Huh. How’d you win that battle?’
She seems more sober than earlier. Also, has some of her anger about their curtailed kiss dissipated? He can only hope. ‘Distraction. Asked about her favourite Disney song.’
‘Hmmm. That wouldn’t work for me. You know, despite your initial reservations, you’re a natural with her. Younger siblings growing up?’
‘No. Only child.’
‘Godfather duties then?’
It touches a nerve, but he won’t hide who he used to be. Who he is? ‘Never been close enough to anyone to qualify. Was always too busy travelling or playing tournaments, and to be honest I led far too shallow an existence to ever think about other people’s kids.’
At his admission, she chews her bottom lip. He barely manages to stop himself from leaning down to soothe it with his tongue. Not being able to touch her is starting to feel like torture.
‘If you haven’t been around kids, how do you know how to look after them?’
‘Beats me,’ he fibs, because he has an inkling. Glancing into the lounge, he sees Rosie has curled into a ball on the sofa, fast asleep. Her cheek’s resting on her joined hands, and she looks angelic. ‘Damn, she’s adorable.’ He doesn’t mean to say it out loud.
‘I may be biased, but yep, she is,’ Kirsten agrees. ‘Although her cuteness multiplies in direct correlation to going more than half an hour without asking for something, or bouncing around all over the place.’ Judging by what hard work parenting seems to be, he doesn’t think she’s joking. ‘Let her nap. I need to sober up before her bath and bedtime.’ Walking into his galley kitchen, she flicks the kettle on. ‘Got any coffee?’
‘Hmmm?’ Harley leans against the kitchen wall, winded at how right it feels that she’s making herself at home. Like shebelongs here. Like they both belong in his flat. Soothing a loneliness he hasn’t wanted to admit to.
No. He’s being… what was the word Albie used earlier? Fanciful.
No, you’re not,the young woman inside his head replies.You’re being honest. You want them both. To be part of a family. The one you finally deserve.
‘I don’t,’ he murmurs.
Kirsten looks outraged. ‘No coffee?’
Straightening, he nudges her aside. ‘I’ll find it, calm down. Black, two sugars, right? Take a seat. You must be exhausted from all the running around. Could probably use a spa weekend, or shoulder massage?’
‘You offering? If so, you’ll make someone a great house-husband one day.’ Smile dying at his grim expression, she sits at the compact kitchen table. ‘Erm, what shall we do about the developer’s plans?’
‘Not sure.’ He busies himself preparing their drinks, feeling bad for making her feel awkward. ‘I don’t think we should tie ourselves in knots until we know more. I’m sure the association will come up with a solution.’
‘Okay, I don’t think my brain can cope with more today anyway.’ She wraps her arms around her middle, looking troubled, and he wonders what transpired with Tori. ‘I’ve got a hangover starting,’ she admits. ‘Bedtime’s going to be fun. But thanks so much for looking after Rosie, I’m grateful.’
Instinctively, he wants to be a part of the bedtime routine, Kirsten sitting beside him with a goofy smile as he reads to Rosie. Jesus. What’s happening to him?
This place and these people have given you time to discover what’s important in life, she says boldly,away from the trappings of money, fame and ambition.
She’s probably right, but he’s not going to give her the satisfaction of agreeing.
As he brings their mugs over to the table, Kirsten prompts, ‘So, stop evading. You haven’t been around many kids, you’ve never been good with them, but since moving here you’ve developed a knack?’
He’s suddenly exhausted from trying to keep up the walls between them, and decides to let a chink of light through. ‘I’m not confident, and I second-guess myself with Rosie. I can be completely rubbish, and worry about upsetting her. Lately though, it’s easier. In my previous life, I basically repelled kids. Until…’
‘Until?’
‘Until I woke up after the piggyback heart surgery.’
Scooting forward, she wraps her palms around the coffee mug. ‘Oh? What happened?’
