“What did you do?” I ask.
“Well, I wanted to keep it in more than anything. It took a while, but then I shared it with someone.”
My neck elongates. “And?”
“It all became easier. Life became easier.”
My entire body eases from the reality of what I alreadyknew but needed confirmation on. “I was afraid you might say that.”
“Then what’s stopping you?”
“A further complication that it could cause,” I reply.
Her eyes still appraise me, and she reaches out to my shoulder in comfort. “But will it really?”
“Haven’t figured that out yet,” I admit.
“Deep down you know. A moment will present itself.”
“Maybe so.”
I know so.
“Here, let me do it.”I take over the mouse for the laptop from Stuart as we stand behind the receptionist desk. “Just click here then pull up the reservation screen.” My actions follow my words as we attempt to tackle the new software.
“I don’t think that helps,” he points out.
I grumble and begin to jab the mouse button repeatedly to no avail.
“Go easy, will ya?” Holden says as he approaches the desk.
My eyes dart up to find Holden with a smile walking next to Nash who has an unreadable expression.
I grumble slightly. “Sorry. I’m just…” Nope. Not going to admit that I’m tired. “Forgot to grab my cup of coffee,” I lie.
Nash clears his throat. “I can grab you one if you want.”
“I don’t need you to save the day,” I mutter with annoyance, but then everyone darts their attention to me because they heard.
“Well… that’s our cue to leave you two. Come on, Stuart, I think a new box of wine bottles arrived,” Holden suggests, and in my side view, I can see Stuart give an odd look and nod in agreement.
It takes a few seconds, but then Nash and I stare at one another, and we’re both unsure who should say something first.
It’s me. “I forgot that you suddenly have an interest in the hotel.” At least my normal voice is back.
“Yeah, thought I would have a meeting with Holden first thing after a run.”
I swallow. “I would say that I noticed you gone this morning, but I’m used to having no house guests, so it was a normal morning,” I fib. I actually assumed it was avoidance.
“Right, I forgot to ask about the childcare situation with Bo when you’re at work.” Nash runs his hand along the back of his neck.
My cheeks rise as I laugh silently to myself. “You did mention that your baby skills were a two out of ten, so I’m not surprised.” It causes him to ease. “My neighbor’s eighteen-year-old daughter mostly watches him since she’s taking night classes at the community college.”
“Okay. Uhm, just let me know if you need me to watch him.”
I’m now entertained. “Are you sure? Because you sound unsure.”
He licks his lips that I remember as powerful. “It’s why I’m here, isn’t it? I want to help. I’ll just need to pick up a few baby-whisperer abilities. That’s all.”
