Because other patrons were turning to look at us now, the blonde’s laughter so raucous, so loud that they couldn’t help but glance over. And Alexandria made the most of it, leaning in close to me, bending that blonde head towards mine to make it look like we were in love, a gorgeous couple dressed right, eating at the right place, powerful and wealthy.
“It’s so nice to be back together, isn’t it Pete?” she cooed, stroking my arm with those red nails.
Bile rose in my throat then, a nasty taste in my mouth because this woman was the opposite of sexy, someone who drained me of all energy. But I forced myself to keep up the farce, to smile and say smoothly, “Of course, it’s nice to spend time together again.”
And she tossed her hair back flirtatiously then, green eyes gleaming like a cat.
“I can’t wait to see you again,” she cooed. “Like soon, real soon.”
My blood curdled, this woman would hunt me for dinner if she could, eating my bank account as dessert. So I made excuses.
“We’ll see,” I rumbled. “My daughter needs a lot these days, I’m a single dad now.”
And Alexandria laughed lightly.
“Oh I know all about kids!” she jested. “They love me, they love Aunty Alex.”
I shook my head with disbelief. There was no way kids liked her, it’s more like they ran screaming when they saw the Wicked Witch of the West with her fanged smile and pointy hat. But I nodded, giving nothing away.
“Sure you do, sure you do,” I rumbled. “Check please.”
And the waiter, ever accommodating, immediately nodded and scurried off to do my bidding. I leaned back in my chair, picking up the cloth napkin and putting it on the table. God, this dinner had been horrendous, really painful, and I was looking forward to getting back and seeing Mandy. I mean, seeing Violet. Right, my daughter, not the babysitter.
But unbelievably, there was a touch on my knee under the table.
“Wanna play tonight?” cooed Alexandria, looking up at me flirtatiously through her lashes. “Wanna play, big boy?”
I shook my head, trying not to look disgusted because the waiter had just come back with our tab and overheard every word of her come-on. I waited until he left, and then covered her hand with my own, stopping its ascent up my knee.
“Not tonight, baby, not tonight,” I rumbled. “I have an early meeting tomorrow morning, this isn’t a good time.”
Alexandria just cooed again.
“Oh you, men always have to work,” she gushed. “Well, next time then. How about tomorrow?” she asked, eyes sparkling brightly, conniving.
And I shook my head imperceptibly.
“Sorry babe, got a packed week ahead. I’ll call you,” I said with finality. And with that, I stood, ushering the blonde out of the restaurant, heads turning as we made our way to the door. I have to admit that we were a sight to see, both of us tall, physically attractive, Alexandria wearing obviously expensive clothes and jewelry, her face made-up like a doll. But all I wanted was someone natural, a little less calculating, with no agenda. Someone innocent and sweet, with a good heart and gentle disposition. And I had a feeling that someone was at my house right now … waiting for me to come home.
CHAPTER THREE
Mandy
It was exhausting getting Violet to bed, I admit. I’ve been babysitting the little girl for years, but in my four months away she’d become a handful.
“No Mandy,” she commanded imperiously, small voice firm. “You.”
I sighed again.
“Violet honey, this is your bed, I don’t sleep here, remember? I stay with my mom and dad at another house.”
And the little girl’s eyes began welling, bottom lip trembling, blue eyes so sorrowful it tore at my heart.
“Mandy, you!” she begged again.
This time, I gave in. God knows the little tyke had had enough upheaval recently, so I rested my head for a minute on the pillow next to hers, relaxing.
“Shhh,” I said in a soothing voice. “Okay, I’ll stay here until you fall asleep.”
And the little girl cuddled up next to me, teddy clutched in her hands.
“Sing,” she said in a small voice. And obediently, I began to hum Twinkle Twinkle Little Star softly, repeating until her breathing stilled, calming, the little body no longer tense. Poor thing. I really loved her, she was practically my baby, I’d known her since birth, watching her grow.
But I couldn’t stay in the small child’s bed all night, so I made myself get up and stretch. Violet’s room was decorated beautifully with lavender walls and stickers of the moon and stars that glowed-in-the-dark, perfect for a growing girl. And the books on the shelf were age appropriate, her toys right for a five year-old. Had Pete chosen those out for his daughter? He must have been spending a lot of time, picking up the slack now that the old nanny was gone.