The six younger generation Wolffs teased each other unmercifully, with the spouses interjecting occasionally. The affection and respect between Victor and his sons was unmistakable. A family bond that appeared to be unbreakable.
Larkin’s father, however, was oddly withdrawn, and although he and his sons and daughter exchanged polite comments, to Winnie’s critical eyes, it seemed as if there was some sort of odd, disturbing distance between father and children. Devlyn and Annalise and Larkin were tight—that much was clear. But something was different on that side of the table. Something intangible, but very real.
The long, drawn-out meal was enjoyable, but not exactly relaxing. Winnie was very conscious that she was under observation. Curiosity seemed a more likely impetus than any criticism, but she was still relieved when at nine o’clock the family began to scatter. Those with kids went to rescue babysitters. Devlyn headed upstairs to the office to discuss business with the two elder Wolffs. Gillian mentioned a phone call to her mother, who lived nearby, and Ariel was still suffering jet lag after returning home from a movie shoot in Australia, so she and Jacob said their good-nights, as well.
When the room emptied, Winnie glanced sideways at Larkin. They had both stood during the exodus. Now she shifted from one leg to the other, feeling the pinch of new shoes on feet that weren’t accustomed to heels. In a matter of moments, given the size of the room, an unexpected sense of intimacy enclosed them.
Larkin’s eyes danced. “Well, did you survive?”
She grimaced. “Your clan is delightful, but overwhelming. As an only child, I found myself envying you all that familial closeness. I know about the tragedy you all dealt with, but in an odd way, I have a feeling that your isolation growing up gave you bonds you might not have had otherwise.”
“That’s certainly true.”
Something grim flickered in his eyes. Was it the memory of loss, or a more current pain? “Is your father okay?”
Had she not been watching so closely, she might have missed Larkin’s tiny grimace. It was gone in less than a second, and his expression was closed when he shrugged. “Getting older. But yes.”
“Do you get along? You and Devlyn and Annalise seem guarded when you talk to him.” Larkin’s features turned to stone and she knew she had overstepped her bounds. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business,” she said hurriedly.
He stared at her for long seconds. “I’m not sure we’ve reached the point of exchanging confidences like that—have we?”
She knew immediately what he meant. Back in Tennessee when he’d pushed her to explain why she had opened her home to domestic refugees, she had balked. “Fair enough.”
He brushed a thumb across her cheekbone, his touch sending little prickles of sensation down her spine. “I’m perfectly willing to answer your questions.”
“But only if I reciprocate?”
He nodded. “You can trust me to keep your secrets, Winnie. We Wolffs are good at that…too good at times.”
“I hardly know you.”
“Doesn’t feel that way.” Larkin spoke the God’s honest truth. His hand actually trembled as he touched her hair. Nothing diminished the ache he felt when he was close to her. Not even the presence of his loud, boisterous family. Beneath the thin fabric of her crimson dress her nipples beaded unmistakably.
He sucked in a sharp breath as his sex hardened. Pulling her close, he whispered in her ear. “I don’t like it when you’re quiet. I need to know what you’re thinking.”