I had enjoyed talking to Simon. Our eyes met several times during the barbecue and we chatted more than once, but that was it. He was cordial and polite. I had left feeling oddly disappointed. When Holly told me he had decided to move here, I was secretly thrilled. When he showed up at the last barbecue, my interest piqued again, and I was happy to see him. Once again, we talked, but he didn’t take it any further. I assumed his past made him wary, and I hoped we’d meet again.
The grocery store was the last place I’d thought I would meet him.
His teasing at the store made me smile. Seeing him caused a swell of happiness I couldn’t totally explain. Knowing he was as invested in getting to know me as I was in him made me smile. I hadn’t imagined the interest in his eyes. When he asked me to lunch, it was hard not to squeal, but I kept my cool.
He was everything I thought he would be. Charming, funny, sweet. Hearing what he had to say about his ex-wife made me sad. I couldn’t imagine not falling in love with the sexy, confident man across from me. Only wanting him for his money. Walking away from my child. I couldn’t fathom it. His voice was different as he spoke about her. Cold. Removed. Almost loathing.
But when he spoke of Mia, of their life together, he changed. Became the man filled with life I had seen. His eyes were tender, his voice loving as he talked about her.
“She’s intelligent beyond her years, Amy. I mean, all parents think so, but she is. She was so bored in grade one, they moved her into grade two. When they assessed her here, they wanted to put her in grade four, but I asked to let her stay in three. I don’t want her ostracized because of being younger or made fun of. We do a lot of learning stuff together so she doesn’t get bored. Maybe when she is a bit older, I’ll let them push her ahead. But right now, I want her to be a kid, you know?” He smiled ruefully. “She’s already growing too fast.”
I thought he was smart with his decision, and I told him so. He seemed pleased.
When he accidentally kissed me in my apartment, I couldn’t resist kissing him back. I wasn’t prepared for his reaction or the depth and passion of his actions. I had never been kissed like that in my life. Carnal, deep, and commanding. The feel of his hard torso pressed against me, the evidence of his desire growing and swelling. His taste and his scent. The low groans of approval in his throat as he tugged me closer. I wanted to run my hands under his shirt. Feel his skin, have him kiss me even deeper, touch me, and let him know how wet he made me with just his kiss.
He was right to stop, but I knew we both teetered on the edge of not caring and giving in. His request for a date was pleasing, and I was looking forward to Friday night. To dinner with him. More of his laughter and teasing. More of his touches.
And, I hoped, more of his kisses.
CHAPTER FOUR
SIMON
Walking into Evan and Holly’s house was like walking into a real home. You could sense the love that saturated the air. Pictures of them and their family were everywhere. Mementos of their travels. Little shoes and jackets hung up on pegs by the door. A wedding picture of them smiling widely at each other showed their happiness.
Dinner was cooking, the aroma mouthwatering. Evan was laughing and talking to one or more of the kids. I heard the sound of my daughter’s amusement and knew she was wherever Uncle E was. They were very close.
I followed the sounds to the kitchen, chuckling at the sight that met my eyes. Holly and the girls were making cookies, the dough in misshapen balls on cookie sheets. The girls were wearing aprons but were still covered in flour and sugar. Evan was sitting at the table, encouraging the baking, teasing and egging them on.
I leaned on the doorframe, waiting until someone noticed me. Mia was the first, her little face brightening as she saw me.
“Daddy!” she exclaimed, launching off the chair. I bent, holding out my arms, not caring about the flour and sugar, but thrilled at the sweetness that was all her. She covered my face with kisses and told me about her shopping trip.
“I got the best shoes, Daddy! They sparkle!”
Her joy could not be contained.
“My new favorite shirt has a unicorn on it.” Her eyes widened. “We found pink jeans! And hair ties to match!”
I laughed at her enthusiasm. “So you had a good day with Auntie Holly, Angela, and Hannah?”
“The best!”
I set her down on her feet. “Good.”
“Did you do the grocery shopping?”
I tapped her nose. “Yes. And I got us maple cookies. But compared to what’s going on here, they are a poor substitute.”
Holly laughed and came over, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “We had a great day, and the girls wanted to bake. Chocolate chip cookies seemed in order.”
“And I encouraged it,” Evan said from across the room, bouncing Brandon on his knee. I crossed the room and sat at the table, snagging a fresh cookie and sitting back, enjoying watching the girls.
Holly glanced my way. “You’re staying for dinner?” she asked, but it sounded more like a command.
“Well, I went grocery shopping, so we have food. But since it won’t taste anywhere near as good as yours, the answer is yes.”
“Great. You can look at all the stuff we bought.”
“Can’t wait.”
After dinner, the kids ran outside, and we followed, settling in chairs as we watched them play.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Holly mused. “The girls get along so well.”
“They do,” I agreed, sipping my coffee and having another fresh-made cookie.
“So, ah, do you have plans Friday night?” I asked casually.
“No,” Evan replied, laying his arm across the back of the swing he and Holly shared. “Why?”
“Any chance you could look after Mia? Maybe let her spend the night?”
Holly grinned. “Anytime. She is always welcome.”
Evan narrowed his eyes. “Where will you be? Some late work thing?”
I chuckled. “No. I have a date.”
Holly leaned forward. “With Amy?”
“Yes. We bumped into each other at the store and ended up having a quick lunch. I asked her out.”
Holly grinned, looking delighted. “Sure, we’ll keep Mia. Right, Evan?”
“Of course.”
Angela called for her mom, and Holly stood. “Don’t be gossiping without me.”
“We don’t gossip, woman,” Evan said.
“Whatever,” she muttered and hurried away to help Angela.
He turned to me. “Amy, eh?”
I leaned back, sipping my coffee. “Yes, Amy.”
“Holly noticed you talking to her at the last two barbecues. They’re great friends. Well, we both are, I suppose, but they’re pretty tight.” He leaned close, resting his arms on his thighs. “Amy’s really lovely. Kind and thoughtful. Sweet.” He grinned. “A bit of a free spirit.”
I chuckled. “She calls herself unconventional. I like it. She’s a breath of fresh air. So calm and natural.”
“Total opposite to Kelsey.”
I nodded. We both muttered, “Thank God,” at the same time and laughed.