Talking about her cat had relaxed Hadley. She’d let down her guard as professional caretaker, and Liam found himself charmed by her fond smile and soft eyes. No wonder she had such a magical effect on Maggie. She manifested a serenity that made him long to nestle her body against his and...
Desire flowed through him, brought on by a year of celibacy and Hadley’s beauty. But was that all there was to it? Over the last year, he hadn’t been a hermit. Promoting the ranch meant he’d attended several horse shows, toured numerous farms. Every public appearance provided opportunities to test his resolve, but not one of the women he’d met had tempted him like Hadley.
Liam cleared his throat, but the tightness remained. “Why don’t you bring him down after dinner so he and I can meet properly and then let him have the run of the house?”
“Are you sure?”
He’d made the suggestion impulsively, distracted by the direction his thoughts had taken, but it was too late to change his mind now. “Absolutely.”
The exchange seemed to banish the last of her uneasiness. Unfortunately, his discomfort had only just begun. Maggie had gone still in his arms, and Liam realized she was on the verge of sleep. Knowing her reflux required her to remain upright for half an hour, he shifted her onto his shoulder and followed Hadley to the kitchen table where he ate most of his meals since his grandfather had died.
“Is something the matter?” Hadley asked. She’d carried both their plates to the table.
“No, why?”
“You’re frowning.” She sat down across from him. “Do you want me to take Maggie?”
“No, she’s fine.” In less than a week he’d mastered the ability to hold the baby and do other things at the same time. He picked up his fork. “I was just thinking that I haven’t used the dining room much since my grandfather died. Every meal he ate in this house was in there. I find it too big and lonely to use by myself.”
“You could eat there with Maggie.”
“We could eat there with Maggie.”
Her eyes widened briefly before she gave a reluctant nod. “Of course, I would be there to take care of Maggie.”
Liam didn’t think they were on the same page. He’d been thinking of her in terms of companionship. She’d obviously assumed he’d want her as Maggie’s caretaker. Or was she deliberately reminding him of their different roles in the household?
“I promised I’d bring Maggie down to the barn tomorrow for a visit. I’d like you to come with us.” Now that the DNA results had come back indicating that Maggie was Kyle’s daughter, he was eager to introduce her to everyone.
“Of course.” Hadley didn’t sound overly enthusiastic. “She’s a Wade, which means she’s going to be spending a lot of time there.”
“Or she may take after...my mother. She left the ranch to pursue a career in real estate and rarely visits.” He had no idea what had prompted him to share this about his mother.
“Not everyone is cut out for this life, I suppose.”
Or for motherhood. She’d left her sons in the care of their grandfather and hadn’t returned more than a handful of times during their childhood. Liam knew it had bothered Grandfather that his only child didn’t want anything to do with her family’s legacy. As for how Kyle felt, Liam and his brother rarely discussed her.
“You mentioned that you’re finishing up your degree. What are your plans for after graduation?”
Hadley smiled. “I’ve submitted my résumé to several school districts in Houston. That’s where my parents live.”
“You’re not planning on staying in Royal then?”
“I like it here. My best friend and her husband run an accounting firm in town. I’m just not sure there are enough job opportunities in the area for someone just starting out in my field. And I’m an only child. My parents hate that I live so far away.”
“What sort of a job are you looking for?” Liam found himself wanting to talk her into remaining in the area.
“School counseling. My undergraduate degree is in teaching, but after a couple years, I decided it wasn’t my cup of tea and went back for my master’s.”
“You’re certainly good with children,” Liam said. “Any school would be lucky to have you.”
While they spoke, Hadley had finished eating. She took charge of Maggie, settling her into the nearby infant seat while Liam finished his dinner. He made short work of Candace’s excellent cooking and set both of their plates in the sink.
“Can I interest you in a piece of caramel apple pie? Candace makes the best around.”