‘It’s part of who I am, don’t tell me to stop.’
‘Know what’s part of who I am?’ he tosses at her. ‘Cheating. I was unfaithful to my wife, and not just once. It’s why she skinned me in the divorce. That, and because I wasn’t well enough to put up a fight. Point is, once a cheater, always a cheater. Right?’ It was what everyone believes, so he might as well say it.
Kirsten folds her arms. ‘Not necessarily. People often cheat because they’re unhappy. Not that it’s an excuse. Would you ever cheat on me?’
‘Course not.’ It’s instinctive, and he feels the truth down to the soles of his feet. It staggers him. He can’t be contemplating a serious relationship with a single mum. The responsibility is unbearable. What if they give him their hearts, and he breaks them?
What if you don’t, and are happy?She counters.
No.He retorts.It’s too much.
‘Anyway, we’ve gone off topic, and should get back to Rosie.’ He shuts Kirsten down, pointing to a cupboard. ‘Wine glasses are in there.’
‘Fine.’ Hurt widening her eyes, she flings open the door. Going up on tiptoes, she complains, ‘I can’t— Oh!’ Her voice hitches as he reaches past her, hard chest pressing against her back.
He can feel every warm curve and hear how her breath quickens. In a weak moment, he buries his face in her brilliant red hair and inhales. Needing to be close to her, feeling bad for his brusqueness.
Twisting around in his arms, she gazes up with heavy lidded eyes. He clinks the wine glasses on the counter, staring back as his large hands settle around her narrow waist and squeeze. She slides her palms up his chest, grasping his collar to pull him close.
‘Are you going to kiss me again?’ she pleads breathily.
Yeah,the voice urges,just kiss her, already.
Rather than encouraging him, the exasperated tone breaks the spell. Easing away, he reluctantly unfurls Kirsten’s grip. ‘I’ve told you, it’s not a good idea.’
‘Why?’ she demands. Her gaze is tempered by another emotion now, not just hurt. Anger? Stubbornness? ‘We’re attracted to each other, and there’s ridiculous chemistry. I mean, you just smelled my hair.’
‘I didn’t.’ His face heats.
‘You did.’ She nodded. ‘We get on well, and you enjoy talking to me. I know you do.’
He blows out a breath. ‘It’s not about that.’
‘What, then?’
Opening his mouth, he hesitates, before snapping it shut. Unable to articulate his doubts and fears.
‘Okay. I’ll go again. Despite the fact you sometimes say inadvisable things around my daughter, she adores you. And there’s no one I’ve ever trusted her with more.’
This shocks him. ‘Really?’
‘Really. She needs a male role model. But don’t worry, she’s not about to start calling you dad or anything.’
What surprises him aren’t her words, but his reaction. He doesn’t mind the idea. Has never wanted to be a father and had far from the best example set by his own, but there’s something about caring for a child that takes you out of your own head. Plus, Rosie is a good kid.
Kirsten steps closer with a gleam in her eye, and he wonders if she’s trying to channel Clover’s single-mindedness. ‘I know it’s not just me who feels this. You like me too.’
‘You’re amazing. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend?—’
‘No.’ Rising on tiptoes, she hooks her fingers into his belt to anchor herself, causing his breath to falter. ‘We’re more than that.’ The air between them heats, and he aches for her to crush those wondrous breasts against his chest.
‘So, why can’t we be together?’ she murmurs, lips a centimetre from his.
He’s hot, distracted. Can’t think how to answer. ‘Um. Because it’s not a good idea to date a neighbour, and I’m not looking for a serious relationship.’
‘You could always move somewhere else.’ Her tone’s playful. ‘Besides, maybe I’m just after a fling.’
‘You are?’ He inhales her scent. The floral one that always teases him.
