by Cindy Kirk
Though she remained bent over the suitcase, Hadley felt Ami’s eyes on her. She lifted her head and braced for more questions. Questions she had no intention of answering.
“Wow. Sounds like your session was loads more interesting than mine.”
Hadley shot Ami a look of gratitude. “What did she tell you?”
Ami grinned and patted her flat stomach. “She said Sarah Rose is going to have a baby brother.”
“Brynn.” Her name spoken in a low warning tone from her father was enough to have the child stopping. “We do not explore Hadley’s private living quarters without permission.”
“I agree with your father.” Hadley shot David a reassuring smile, wanting him to understand she wouldn’t usurp his authority. “It isn’t good manners unless you have an invitation. Which I’m issuing to both of you now. Please, come in.”
Last night, she’d moved into Camille’s suite of rooms, which she’d been shocked to discover held more living space than her apartment.
Bright and early this morning, Brynn came knocking at her door. Hadley slipped an arm around Brynn and motioned for David to step inside. “I won’t be here long, so I didn’t bring everything from my apartment, but I’d love to show you what I’ve done.”
After a glance at her father for confirmation, Brynn stepped inside the small sitting area. The desk now held Hadley’s laptop, and the love seat and chair would work in a pinch if she had guests over.
“I love the colors in the bathroom.” Hadley spoke over her shoulder as Brynn followed her down the hall. “Camille had put out gray towels, but I wanted something that would pop.”
Walls the color of lemon sherbet were accented with white and gray. Though Brynn stepped into the small room, David only glanced inside.
“Cheerful and optimistic,” he murmured, then turned and found her staring at him.
“It’s super pretty.” Brynn fingered a buttercup yellow towel edged in white eyelet lace. “I can’t wait to see the bedroom.”
Hadley hesitated for only a second. She’d promised a tour before thinking it through. While she didn’t mind showing her bedroom to Brynn, showing it to David felt somehow…intimate.
Which was absolutely ridiculous.
Squaring her shoulders, Hadley pushed open the door to the room that would be her sanctuary for the next month.
“Oh.” Brynn’s mouth formed a perfect O as she stepped inside.
The comforter Hadley had brought with her was a luxurious peach satin. She’d wondered if it would clash with the décor, but it added just the right splash of color. There was gray here, too, in the form of a stylish rug with a Moroccan-inspired design.
Last night, Hadley had discovered just how soft and supple the pile was under bare feet. Light streamed in through the lace curtains at the single window, the shade allowing for privacy when pulled down.
Brynn stepped immediately to the bedside table. Hadley hadn’t been able to leave the lamp behind, not even for a month. It had been an impulse purchase at a tag sale in Egg Harbor. She’d fallen in love instantly with a tree branch-inspired base and crystal beads at the end of each tip.
“It’s beautiful.” Brynn touched one of the crystals, then turned in a circle, her eyes missing nothing. “I love your room.”
“Thank you.” The child’s approval sent a rush of pleasure coursing through Hadley’s veins.
Brynn picked up the book sitting next to the lamp. “I always have a book by my bed, too.”
Not trusting herself to speak, Hadley nodded.
“You’ve made it nice, Hadley.” David’s tone was easy, his words polite, but something in his eyes had blood coursing through her veins like warm honey.
His gaze dropped to her mouth.
Hadley couldn’t help thinking about Ami’s kissing comments.
Plenty of opportunity, Ami had said, when you’re under the same roof.
Well, no matter how tempting, Hadley didn’t plan to take advantage of those opportunities. For the next month, she planned to keep her lips to herself.
Chapter 8
David wondered if all nine-year-old girls were as busy as Brynn. Another Saturday. Another birthday party.
Hadley was equally busy. She’d baked nonstop all morning. It had been part of the agreement. There was no reason for her to do her special event baking at Ami’s certified kitchen when his house had an almost-new commercial oven practically begging to be used.
The delicious aroma of chocolate, yeast and sugar filled the air. David had to stop himself from wandering into the kitchen—again—to see what magic she was whipping up.
After opening his laptop, David pulled up the program containing the plans he’d been tweaking. He’d been making small adjustments to what should be the finished product ever since Hadley moved in several days earlier. He still wasn’t satisfied with the work flow in the ER design. Though he was certain the client wouldn’t have an issue, his perfectionistic tendencies had him holding on to the design. Only when the design satisfied all his expectations would he submit it.
David relished the opportunity to work in silence. Other than for Ruckus’s snoring, that was.
The shepherd lay on the plaid dog bed David had brought into his office. He had quickly discovered if he shut him out, the dog would scratch on the door and whine until David let him into the room.
After a visit to the vet for shots and a flea dip bath, Ruckus had settled in as the newest member of the Chapin family.
David was deep into the design when Ruckus emitted a low growl and then another. When the dog scrambled to his feet and began to bark, David saved his work and pushed to his feet.
That’s when he heard a knock on his office door.
Hadley had removed the apron she’d worn at breakfast, giving him a good view of the summer dress and miles of bare legs. She’d twisted her hair into an intricate knot and kept reaching up as if to push back a strand that wasn’t there.
She smiled. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Considering he had work still to do, his full-out delight at seeing her made no sense. “Not at all.”
Hadley shifted from one foot to the other. “Are you at a point where you can take a break? I have extra Cherry Garcia brownies.”
David wondered if he should mention the dusting of flour on her cheek. He decided not to say anything. It made her look approachable. “I have no idea what a Cherry Garcia brownie tastes like, but I’m up for taking a break and trying one.”
“You like cherries?”
“We live in Good Hope.” David had eaten—and loved—everything cherry for as far back as he could recall. Understandable, considering red tart cherries were the primary crop on the Door County peninsula. “Who doesn’t love cherries?”
“Well, these brownies have cherries, cream cheese and chocolate chips.”
“The trifecta of goodness.” He grinned. “How about I get the drinks, you get the brownies?”
“Milk for me, please.” She stared at the dog who stood at his side, tail swishing slowly from side to side. “I’m glad you gave him a home.”
“He’s one of the family now.” It amazed him just how easily Ruckus had fit into the family. David believed Hadley would fit in just as easily. “Do you want to sit on the porch. Or in the kitchen?”
“You pick.”
In a matter of minutes, tall glasses of ice-cold milk and a plate of warm brownies sat between them. He expected her to start talking the moment they were seated on the porch.
Instead, she gazed dreamily over the water. “It’s so beautiful here.”
“I hope you’ll consider this your home for the next month.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“I’m a kind guy.” He grinned, then turned serious. “Not to mention you’re doing me a huge favor.”
“It’s almost as if it was meant to be.” Her brows pulled together as if disturbed by the thought.
“That’s what I told my mom.”
&nbs
p; “What did she think of me moving in?”
“She was surprised I’d found someone so quickly.”
“I’m surprised, too.” Hadley’s lips curved. “I fully expected to be eating ramen noodles and sleeping on Cassie’s couch for the month of August.”
“Cassie?” David cocked his head. “Cassie Lohmeier?”
Hadley nodded. “We got to talking one day, and she said I could bunk at her place.”
David set down the glass of milk without drinking. “Both Ami and Fin have large homes. They—”
“They offered. I refused. Fin and Jeremy haven’t been married all that long. Ami and Beck, well, they don’t need another person underfoot. Things are going to be chaotic enough with her doing so much baking from home.”
“You’re always thinking of someone else.”
Hadley shrugged the words of praise aside. “Like I said, your offer was a godsend.”
“I like having you here.”
Pleasure skittered across her face. “You do?”
“The house smells like a home.” He popped a bite of brownie into his mouth. “And these are delicious.”
“I’ve figured you out, Mr. Chapin.”
The teasing gleam in her eyes had his lips curving. “Tell me.”
“To get a good reference when the month is over, I simply need to keep your stomach happy.”
“Keeping my daughter safe and happy is all I ask.”
“That’s easy.” Hadley bit into her brownie and chewed. “I love making Brynn happy.”
David’s gaze searched her face, and he watched her watching him. The moment his eyes touched hers, something inside him seemed to lock into place and he couldn’t look away.
She was beautiful, both inside and out. Like the flour on her cheek, the smear of chocolate on her lower lip only added to her appeal. Did she have any idea the power she had over him?
Without taking time to think, David leaned close. Even before his lips brushed hers, he knew the feel of her lips, the softness, the warmth, the gentleness.
He started to move back, then realized she was stroking the back of his neck, twining her fingers in his hair. Taking that as a sign she wasn’t in any more hurry than he was to have this end, he changed the angle of the kiss and kissed her with a slow thoroughness.
David wasn’t sure where this might have gone if the alarm on his phone hadn’t buzzed.
“What’s that?” she asked, her breath coming in soft puffs.
Dazed and breathing hard, David pulled back, fought to find his voice. “Time to pick up Brynn. I could—”
Two fingers closed his mouth before he could suggest calling Sabine’s parents to see if Brynn could stay longer.
“We need to stop. Take time to think. To consider all the ramifications.”
Something in her low, husky voice made David look at her, really look at her. A rosy blush stained her cheeks, and her eyes were still dark with desire. No, he decided, he wasn’t the only one who wanted, who needed. “Are you saying you don’t want this to happen again?”
“Oh, I very much want this to happen again.” Hadley gave a little laugh, then sobered. “We just need to be smart about it.”
Embarrassed, though not sure why, David pulled to his feet and gave a jerky nod. He hadn’t been with a woman since Whitney left. He hadn’t been with anyone but her since college.
He had no idea how any of this worked. Though David was normally a planner, he had no idea where his feelings for Hadley would lead him.
All he knew was she was the first woman who’d captured his interest in a long, long time.
“I like you, Hadley. I enjoy spending time with you. I won’t take advantage of you living here, but neither will I walk away from the chance to get to know you better.” He grinned. “If that includes more kissing, well, that has my vote.”
He strode away before he could do something foolish, like haul her up into his arms and kiss her until the only thought either of them had was how quickly they could get undressed.
“I’m happy you could all make it.” Lynn’s gaze shifted from David and Hadley to her granddaughter. “And my darling girl.”
Hadley watched Lynn envelop Brynn in a hug. “Callum and Connor are here,” Lynn said. “I set up the croquet game in the back.”
“I want to play.” Brynn glanced at her dad, a question in her eyes.
Lynn stroked her granddaughter’s hair. “You have time before we eat.” Then, turning toward David, she added in response to his unspoken question, “Max is watching the boys.”
Twins Callum and Connor were Brynn’s age. That’s where any similarities ended. Hadley had watched the boys fence with badminton rackets at one of Jeremy’s summer barbecues and climb to the top of the flagpole in their grandfather’s backyard.
While they were nice boys, they were definitely rough and tumble. Max, who’d become their father when he married Prim Bloom, was someone David could count on to keep them under control.
“You can play for a few minutes. Have fun,” he called after Brynn as she raced through the house. “Walk.”
His daughter slowed her steps ever so slightly, then disappeared from view.
Lynn cast a speculative glance in Hadley’s direction. “How do you like being my granddaughter’s nanny?”
“I enjoy it.” Hadley’s smile froze on her face. “I hope I’m not intruding today.”
“Absolutely not.” Though her eyes remained watchful, Lynn gave Hadley’s arm a squeeze. “I’m going to see how lunch is coming. Most everyone has arrived.”
Hadley guessed “most everyone” meant David’s siblings as well as the Bloom sisters and their husbands. Though she still wondered what Lynn thought of her son inviting the “nanny” to lunch, knowing her friends would be here had made accepting David’s invitation easier.
That and the fact she wanted to spend all the time she could with Brynn and David this next month. She’d likely never have another chance to get to know both of them on such an intimate level.
Intimate. Her thoughts kept going back to yesterday’s kiss, er, kisses.
Hadley cursed the heat traveling up her neck.
“Mom and Steve make a good couple.” David’s voice remained low and for her ears only.
Grateful for the diversion, Hadley followed the direction of his gaze. His mother stood beside the high school teacher with the wire-rimmed glasses and ready smile. His arm rested lightly around her back. When she looked closely, Hadley saw that Lynn was leaning slightly into him.
“I remember when he was dating Anita.” Hadley’s tone turned wry. “I know they’d been friends for years, but I never could see them together. Your mom and Steve are different. They fit.”
Hadley never imagined a driven bank executive and an easygoing math teacher would be a good match, but it was apparent they brought out the best in each other.
How lucky they are, Hadley thought wistfully.
She’d learned early on that not every couple was meant for the long haul. Or, in her case, even the short haul.
Shoving the thoughts aside, Hadley concentrated on her surroundings.
The two-story gray stone home, built in a Georgian style, had a warm and welcoming vibe. A sweet scent wafted from spires of violet spilling from a cut-crystal vase.
As if he could read her thoughts, David smiled. “Do you like the scent of lavender?”
Hadley nodded. “Very much.”
David’s eyes softened. “When Steve found out how much Mom likes the fragrance, he put in a standing order at the Enchanted Florist.”
“Is it serious between them?”
A look of startled surprise skittered across his face.
“C’mon,” she teased. “Don’t tell me you haven’t wondered.”
David rubbed his chin. “I’ve never asked about any man she dated. Not that there’s been many since dad died. No one ever stuck. Before Steve, my sibs and I used to joke that it was one, two, three dates, they’re out.”
“I guess it just takes finding the right one,” Hadley murmured.
His eyes twinkled. “I never pegged you as a romantic.”
“I have my moments.” Hadley shrugged. “Seriously, I can see them getting married.”
“I know Steve makes her happy.” David spoke slowly, as if pieces of conversation were coming together in his head. His brows drew together. “They both had good marriages. I remember Mom saying shortly after my father’s death that she’d never marry again.”
“How long ago was that?”
“He’s been gone ten years.”
The pain in his voice had her taking his arm, giving it a squeeze. She understood what it was like to lose a parent, knew well the grief that hit you at unexpected times and stole your breath. “It’s been over five for me. Like yours, my dad was a good guy. I still miss him.”
The sympathy on his face gave her the courage to continue. “I’m sure your mother will always miss your father and what they shared. But how she felt a decade ago may not be the same way she feels now.”
Hadley thought of all the decisions she’d made in the past ten years.
People changed.
Situations changed.
Resolutions made once weren’t necessarily ones she’d make now.
Her turmoil must have shown on her face, because David put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Is something bothering you?”
Hadley shook her head. “I stayed up too late, then was up early baking.”
He seemed to buy the explanation. It was the truth, as far as it went. She was tired, but not from getting up early. Last night she’d lain in bed, troubled by the growing closeness she felt toward him.
The guilt over lying to him had kept sleep at bay.
Wasn’t withholding certain facts lying by omission? Even though she had good reasons for not telling him. What was the right thing to do?
“Maybe you can take a nap later.” His smile reassured. “I’ll be around all afternoon, so you don’t need to worry about Brynn.”