Truly Madly Deeply Boxed Set(12)

“That’s an understatement. What can I do for you?”

He rubbed a hand wearily over his face. For the first time, she really looked at him. Dark circles shadowed his eyes and razor stubble covered his face. He looked depleted, exhausted, and yet incredibly sexy. Heat curled in the pit of her stomach, followed by a rush of surprise.

She hadn’t reacted to a man in years. She’d thought sexual desire had died along with her marriage and unborn child. Apparently, Griff brought out more than just memories of her past. He made her feel desire and need. Those were sensations she’d buried long ago and didn’t dare resurrect. She wished he would get to the point of his visit.

“I need a favor,” he finally said. “And after your role in the custody hearing, I figure you owe me one.”

Both curiosity and need vanished, replaced by anger at his high-handed tone. “I owe you?” She shook her head, unable to believe his nerve. “Try asking me without laying on the guilt. I’ve already apologized not once but twice. I’ve been insulted. I’ve been told in no uncertain terms to stay away from you and my niece. And, if you’ll recall, I’ve been practically thrown out of your home. So if you think I haven’t paid for taking the damned case, think again.”

She paused for a steadying breath. Since losing custody, her own parents hadn’t been forgiving either, having retreated to sunny Florida to “heal.” She’d never been particularly close with either parent, which was why she’d tried so hard after her sister’s death to bring her family together. Thanks to her conscience, she’d been paying for that misguided attempt ever since.

Griff’s continuing hostility bothered her more than her own flesh and blood’s, and more than she cared to admit. She met his gaze. “Under the circumstances, I’ve treated you a hell of a lot better than you’ve treated me. Now. I’ll ask you again. What can I do for you?”

He gulped hard, causing his Adam’s apple to bob up and down. Chelsie wondered if he’d swallowed his pride.

His light eyes reflected some inner torment and drew her in deeper than was prudent.

“I need you,” he grudgingly admitted. “I mean, I need your help with Alix.” Griff steeled himself, waiting for Chelsie’s I-told-you-so reaction.

He hadn’t exactly handled this evening with finesse, so he figured she’d take advantage of having the upper hand. After all the grief he’d given her, he fully expected her to grab the opportunity.

“What’s wrong? Is Alix okay?”

He narrowed his gaze. “That’s it? No, ‘I told you so’?”

“Is that what you want? There are more important things at stake here than who’s right and who’s wrong. Is Alix okay?” she asked again, with what sounded like genuine concern.

“Yes. And no.” Chelsie had managed to put him in his place and make him feel petty without resorting to feminine tactics. No tears, no theatrics, just honesty. Though impressed, he warned himself to proceed with caution. He’d been duped before.

“Which is it?” she asked.

“A little of both.” He launched into a detailed description of his nights during the time Alix had been in his care, a summary that included a lot of floor walking and little sleep. “Except for the day you stopped by. That afternoon and evening, she was the child I remembered. The one my brother and your sister raised. I’m desperate enough to chance that it wasn’t a coincidence. So I’d like you to spend time with her. Visit on a regular basis.”

Her dark eyes widened at his request. He reminded himself that he’d had more than a few days to adjust to this idea. She’d had one second. If her offer to help had been sincere, he’d have no problem. If, on the other hand, her offer had been phony, a passing thought to soothe a guilty conscience, he’d best find out before any harm was done to Alix.

“Evenings at the house, suppers,” he explained. “Just help create a stable environment. Once she’s sleeping better, you’d be off the hook.”

She shook her head, causing her ponytail to swish with the force of the movement. “I can’t.”

“You mean you won’t.” He refused to admit she’d disappointed him again. He’d known all along that Chelsie had nothing to gain by helping him. Despite her claims to care about Alix’s welfare, her initial interest in his niece had been for the sole purpose of helping her parents and reaping any professional rewards that entailed. After all, her parents had influential friends who could be persuaded to hire a new attorney.