The Client(52)

The wind kicked up, and I looked off into the distance, staring at the slowly building clouds. Bad weather was supposed to move in later, but the forecasters were saying it shouldn’t affect the fireworks.

The scent of ozone hung heavy in the air, and I could almost feel the promise of rain. I just hoped it held off so Carter could see the fireworks.

“Me too.” Paxton's voice was low.

I swung my gaze back to his, momentarily unsure of what he was referring to. By the time I figured it out, he was up and moving away. I watched as he stopped maybe five feet from where I was, pulling his phone out.

He lifted it to his ear.

Although I couldn’t hear the words, something about the tension creeping into his body told me who it was. When he glanced around and seemed to realize how many people were looking at him, he froze even more. That protective streak started to heat inside me and I got up, moving toward him.

He caught sight of me as well, stopping in mid-sentence.

I caught his arm and he frowned, clearly not understanding my intent. Still, he allowed me to lead him back to the relative privacy of the corner where we’d been. I nudged him down onto the lounge chair – farthest from the crowd – and then I moved to stand in the entryway of the small alcove, barring it and offering him whatever privacy I could.

A few people gave me appraising looks, but I ignored them, drinking my beer and playing deaf to the conversation going on behind me.

Not for the first time, I found myself thinking…She must be crazy.

Brinke had taken off. Even though I was trying not to listen, it was impossible not to pick up on that much. She was crazy. She had a guy like Paxton. How could she not appreciate him? And their daughter was amazing. I knew that from just one day.

If I had a family like this, I might not have minded the thought of settling down.





Chapter Thirteen





Leslie





“Thanks for asking me to come with you, Carter.” I rubbed my cheek against her hair. Her shampoo was strawberry-scented. “I had a lot of fun.”

“Me, too. New York isn’t too ter’ble, I guess.” Her voice was a sleepy mumble, a smile on her face as we pulled up in front of their building.

“Gee, thanks.” I rolled my eyes at Paxton. He sat watching us, his expression unreadable. The car stopped and I eased Carter upright, stealing a look at the time. After midnight, whoa. No wonder she was all but asleep on top of me. “Well, sweetheart, it’s about time for me to go. I’ll turn into a pumpkin soon.”

The driver opened the door, but before I could slide out, Carter found her second wind, grabbing my hand. “You can’t go yet!”

“Carter, honey…” Smoothing a hand down her hair, I smiled at her. It was impossible not to fall in love with her. “It’s late. I need to go, and you need to sleep.”

“But…” She squeezed my hand and watched me with big, imploring eyes. “Just a few more minutes. You…you didn’t get to see my bedroom!”

Paxton remained silent throughout the exchange, and I finally shot him a look. I didn't want to intrude, but I also wasn't sure I could say no to Carter either.

Our gazes locked and he hitched up a shoulder. “It’s up to you, Leslie.”

Great. I gave Carter a smile. “Sure, honey. I’d love to see your room.”

Although I was exhausted, saying no seemed impossible. I could face the angriest people on the stand and face down the most hard-ass judges, but one six-year-old child made me crumble. As we climbed out of the car, a thunderous crack tore through the sky overhead, bouncing off the buildings and echoing through the concrete canyons of New York City. Lightning followed closely after.

A split second later, the rain started. Although rain wasn't entirely accurate. It was a downpour.

We all rushed for the awning just a few feet away, making it under just in time to avoid being completely soaked as the skies opened up. A doorman rushed out to meet us halfway, an umbrella already open in his hand.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Gorham.” The doorman lowered the umbrella once we were all under the awning. “That blew up out of nowhere.”

Paxton shook his head, flicking some rain out of his eyes. He’d shoved Carter and me under the umbrella, racing to the awning ahead of us in the rain, so he got the brunt of it. With an easy smile, he shrugged at the doorman. “No problem, Pete. It’s just rain. We don't melt. At least, Carter and I don't.” He slanted a look in my direction.

I rolled my eyes. “I'm pretty sure I’m still intact.”

Carter giggled. “People don't melt, Daddy.”

“People don't,” he said. “Witches do. Haven't you seen The Wizard of Oz?”