Twelve
“Does your ex-husband live nearby?”
“He’s in Seattle.”Annie handed him a mug of tea.“Would you like some lemon or milk?”
He shook his head and murmured a thanks.“That’s a long trip for a pair of two-year-olds.”
He flashed her a smile, his brows low over his eyes.
The tension in her chest eased as Annie took a seat.Miles got it.How could Roy not?
“It’s tough,” she admitted.
Annie wasn’t going to pull him into her drama.She was not going to be the bitter ex-wife, dumping her problems on people who were only asking polite questions.
His eye lingered on hers.“How often does he make the trip?”
His smoldering gaze threatened to pull her in, though.
She stared back at him, trying to decide how much to say.“About once a month.”
One side of his mouth tipped up.“A dedicated father.”
She broke first, a small laugh escaping her.“I take the twins over early on a Saturday, and he brings them back on a Sunday.It’s not been easy on them.”
“One night a month?It must not be easy on him either.”
Oh.Of course Miles would sympathize with Roy.He was a father, too.He’d see his side of things; he’d think about how much Roy must miss the kids.
Annie sucked in a breath to explain herself, but Miles went on before she could form a word.
“The poor guy must lose so much sleep – the one night a month they’re with him.”
Annie laughed again.“You almost had me there.”
Miles took a sip of tea, a smile dancing on his lips.“Sorry, I – I hear about these kinds of dads and it blows my mind.I would die if I had to be away from Bella even half the time.”
“Thank goodness you’ll never let her go to college,” Annie said.
His smile was unchanged.“Exactly.She’s not the type.I’ve always discouraged her from growing up or following her dreams, especially if it takes her away from me.”
“That’s healthy.”
“Isn’t it?”He grinned.
This wouldn’t do.If she stayed any longer, that gorgeous smile beaming at her, those broad shoulders shaking as he laughed, she’d melt into a puddle.
Or worse, she’d confide in him even more.
“Would you want some cookies with your tea?”
“Sure.”
In the kitchen, her face nearly touching the cabinet, Annie forced herself to take a deep breath.Do not make a fool of yourself,she silently whispered as she grabbed two packs of Lorna Doones.
“Are these okay?”
His eyes widened.“I love a Lorna.Or a pack of Lornas—let’s be honest.”
