When we step through the open sliding doors, I see Rachel sitting on a lounge chair. Easton’s standing in front of a grill, busy flipping a juicy steak. There are worried lines on his face, but he still looks unbelievably good looking.
My attraction to the man knows no end, and I pray to all that’s holy I’ll be able to hide it from everyone.
“Did you have fun?” Rachel asks, glancing between Lainey and me.
“So much fun!” Lainey replies while I nod.
I sit down beside Rachel, and unable to stop myself, I take her hand and hold it tightly. As her fingers curl around mine, my gaze darts over her features, and I notice how tired and pale she looks.
My heart clenches painfully in my chest, and the urge to grab onto her and not let go almost overpowers me.
Once again, I’m overcome with an intense sense of hopelessness and fear, and I try to breathe through the heavy emotions while Laineysays, “I got new dresses! They’re pretty like Nova’s. And I got sneakers and shoes, and the cutest handbag, and an adorable hat.”
“Why a hat?” Rachel asks with a soft chuckle.
Lainey shrugs. “I’m thinking of making it my new style.”
Rachel lets out a bark of laughter. “God help us. I’m still trying to recover from your scarf obsession. You haven’t worn most of them.”
“But they look pretty as decorations,” Lainey argues as she moves to stand beside Easton. “Nova and I already ate, but the food smells yummy.”
Easton brushes his hand over her hair in a fatherly manner. “You can have yours later.”
I wonder if he’ll ever get married and have children of his own. I think he’d make an amazing father.
I once read that he was dating a model, but it didn’t last long, and there’s been no other news of him being in a relationship.
The aroma of the steaks pulls me out of my thoughts, and even though I’m stuffed from everything Lainey and I ate today, I ask, “Can I make a salad? Or maybe a potato bake?”
“Don’t worry,” Rachel replies. “Frances already prepared green beans and mashed potatoes.”
I give her a questioning look. “Frances?”
“Oh, she’s our housekeeper. You’ll love her,” she informs me. “You’ll also see Josh and Randy around the property. They’re the groundskeepers. And you’ll probably meet the other guards, Noah, Ryan, and Eddie, at some point.”
Holy crap, that’s a lot of names to remember.
Rachel must read my mind because she says, “I’ll keep reminding you of their names until you remember them.”
I let out a relieved chuckle. “Thanks.”
“All the bags are in the living room,” Izak suddenly says from where he’s standing by the open sliding doors.
“Thank you,” Easton replies. “You can take the rest of the weekend off.”
“Just call if your plans change and you need me.” Izak offers us a polite smile before heading back inside the house.
Lainey comes to grab Rachel’s other hand and tugs at her. “Come, Mommy. I want to show you everything.”
Rachel climbs to her feet before asking, “Are you going to give me a fashion show?”
“Yes!” Lainey darts into the house, her excitement easing the constant tension hanging in the air.
From where I’m sitting, I’m able to glance into the living room while staying out on the veranda with Easton so he’s not alone.
Lainey babbles about everything we did while emptying one bag after another.
“Thank you for today, Nova,” Easton says.
