“Oh.” Angela poured herself a cup of coffee before returning to the table. “Carol, if you don’t mind, I’d like Drake to attend my aunt’s dinner with me.”
I eyed Angela with open irritation that began the second I saw all the missed calls the previous morning. “Do I look like a child to you, Angela, that you need to ask my mother for permission to take me out?” I didn’t keep the scorn out of my voice.
She turned apologetic eyes on me. “I’m sorry, love, I should have mentioned it earlier, but it slipped my mind. Anyway, it isn’t that big a deal. My aunt’s place just around the corner.”
“It’s all right, darling. Go with Angela for an hour or so.” My mother gave me a small smile. What was she not saying?
My gaze shifted between both women. It was time my wife understood I was no longer interested in playing husband. “Not happening.” I left my post at the window.
“What do you mean? I’m sure your dad won’t mind.” Angela pouted. As usual, the obvious seemed to fly over her head. She always wanted everything her way and often used my father as her scapegoat when she didn’t.
Not this time.
I scowled at her, every vein tensed in controlled anger. “Then maybe take him along with you.” I mocked. Pressing my fingers into the hardwood of the table, I leaned forward, glaring at her. “Game over, Angela.” Her face crumpled, and that, mixed with my mother’s smiling eyes, had my spirits soaring. It bolstered my enthusiasm to be free of the chains I’d shackled myself to for too long. ‘I’m heading back to the city, mom.” She nodded. I caught Angela’s bewildered gaze as I walked out.
Sianna
EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER
“Sianna?”
I looked up from my notebook in time to catch my boss’s apologetic smile. One he mostly used when some way-out demand was in the pipeline. Over time I’d gotten used to its appearance. “Yes?”
His blue gaze locked with mine, he appeared to contemplate his words before speaking, “please don’t take this the wrong way, but I need your help.”
Seated on one of the brown leather chairs in front of his table, I frowned. He’d never started his request with an apology before. Mild unease knotted my insides. Did I do something wrong? Was I being fired? Possible scenarios raced through my over-indulgent mind before I lifted my chin with an acceptable smile. “What is it, Trent?”
Moving to his high-back swivel chair, he lowered his tall frame then folded his arms on the glass table. “How good are you with children?”
“Huh? C-children,” I sputtered. Ok. I’d worked directly with the man for the last five months, and this was the first time he’d mentioned anything this personal. Trent was, without a doubt, swoon-worthy. While plenty of admiration came his way from female employees and patrons alike, I never bothered to find out if someone had any success. I kept my work relationships strictly professional. Pushing aside my baffled thoughts, I refocused my attention when he began speaking again.
“My apologies. That didn’t come out quite how I intended.” He grinned. “Let me start again. You know I have two kids, right?” he asked. I nodded, aware he’d lost his wife to childbirth. “Well, my nanny sort of bailed on me at the last minute, and I’m at a loss...” he trailed off when he noticed my wary countenance.
The first stirrings of anxiety started at the base of my spine. “Trent, are you asking me to help with your kids?”
“Please, Sianna. I wouldn’t normally do this, but the deal in London is almost at closure point, and you’re the only person I feel comfortable asking.” He was in the process of extending his franchise to London. So I knew the urgency behind this trip.
