Henry leaned closer and kissed her.A hurried press of lips, but he was aware of the ticking time clock that was his nosy family.Smiling, he drew back and maintained the clasp of their fingers.“Let’s go.”
Chapter 17
Uponenteringthekitchen,they found Jacey, Megan, London, and Gerard seated at the table, enjoying pikelets with jam and cream.A large, bright yellow teapot sat in the middle of the table, along with a milk jug and a sugar bowl.Everyone turned as one, and Maia’s steps faltered.Henry tugged her to an empty seat.
“You’ve met my stepdad, and you know Gerard and London,” Henry said.“Maia, this is Megan, dad’s wife.”He dropped into the seat beside Maia.“My stepmum.”
The blonde woman snorted.“London mentioned a new arrival, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.Congratulations on your rugby contract.Your family must be proud of you.”
Maia’s answering smile suddenly didn’t fit her mouth.“I…um…don’t have any family left.My parents died years ago, and my sole remaining relative—an aunt—died last year.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Megan said.“I was a rugby commentator, so I’m interested in your rugby career.”
“How did you and Henry meet?”Jacey asked.
“Dad,” Henry rumbled.“We met years ago.Maia went to school in Middlemarch.”
“Oh,” Megan said.“That’s nice.”
There was a long pause that turned a little uncomfortable, puzzling Maia.What had created this weird vibe?She cast about for something to say, but Gerard spoke first.
“Have you decided on a puppy name?You know Levi will take charge the moment he gets home from school.He’ll want to play with him or her.”
“Her,” Henry said.“She’s nervy and not up to rough play yet.That’s why Maia is staying with me.Someone attacked her, using this puppy as bait.For now, we decided it is best if Maia doesn’t stay alone.”
“You poor thing,” Megan said.
“Oh, Maia.That’s scary,” London said.
“Thanks for having me,” Maia said.“Since the attack, I’ve jumped at every noise, which isn’t conducive to recovery.”
“Would you like a cup of tea?”Gerard asked.
“Yes, please.”Maia caught silent communication between Gerard and Henry and thought Henry seemed grateful for the interruption.Then she intercepted Jacey and Megan’s sly grins and understood.They were ready to tease Henry, and Gerard had stepped in to divert them.Given the older couple’s gleefulness, this was only a temporary cease-fire.
“You didn’t mention the puppy’s name,” London said.
“Because she doesn’t have one yet,” Maia said.“We’re waiting to see if she shows her personality.”
“You need a name that means white,” Jacey said.“Something like Bianca or Alba.”
“That’s not a bad idea, but Bianca might be difficult to shout quickly if she’s naughty.”London studied the pup, curled into a tight ball in a makeshift bed in a box.“Alba is easy to say.What do you think?”
“I like it,” Maia said.
“Alba it is then,” Henry said.
Maia accepted a cup of tea and a pikelet.After the kerfuffle with Samuel and at home, she and Henry had missed lunch.Emily’s cheese scone seemed a long time ago and hunger gnawed at her.London shunted the cream and jam toward her and refilled her own cup.
“Henry said your team sidelined you until you recover.I’m sorry to hear that, even though it’s the best thing,” London said.“You can’t fool around with head injuries.”
Maia slathered raspberry jam on her pikelet.“I need to recover fast.I’d hate to lose my contract.”
“When I first met Gerard and Henry, my sister’s ex was stalking her,” London said.“I know exactly how you feel, but you’re safe here.Nobody will get past our security.”
“Thanks,” Maia said simply.Losing her fitness was another worry.Every time she moved too fast, her head thumped.She could hardly train when she felt like that.
Megan seemed to read her mind.“I’ve been attending Isabella’s yoga class.We do gentle stretching, which might help with your fitness.The next class is a few days away on Thursday.”
