“Thanks,” I said, meaning it. “But most guys aren’t too thrilled when they find out about the twins.”
“Pssh,” she tsked. “You ask me, the twins are filters. Any real man who’s worth a minute of your time would be thrilled to get to know them. Like, well…I don’t think you need me to say it.”
Finn was still listening to Sophie. But now, they were seated on a couch together on the far side of the room. She’d convinced him to take his phone out and was in the process of showing him one thing or another – no doubt whatever animal she was into that week.
Despite the years, despite not knowing each other, they were getting along like…father and daughter.
“Isn’t that weird?” Gia asked, nodding toward the pair.
“Not really. Sophia talks the ear off any adult who’ll listen.”
“No, not that. I’m talking about how they have the same green eyes. I’ve never been to Ireland, but that’s the exact color I’d imagine the grass there to be – that perfect emerald.”
“Green eyes aren’t that rare.”
“Sure, but their eyes aren’t just green – they’re the same green.”
She was right, of course. Sophia had his gorgeous, green eyes, the pair of brilliant orbs so much like his it was almost unsettling to look at.
“I mean, my last name is Jameson. I’m clearly Irish somewhere in my history.” I was getting antsy, wanting to change the subject away. “Anyway, Finn’s deal? What’s he doing in town?”
“Filling in at Duncan’s clinic. Heard he worked with his father or something and was ready to move on, do bigger and better things.”
Relief settled over me. “So, he’s gone as soon as Dr. Peters comes back.”
Another smile formed on Gia’s lips. “Why, you want to know if he’s going to be around for a while?”
God, she was really hammering home the idea of me and Finn together. It was almost as if she could sense that there was something between us.
I gave her a look and a roll of my eyes, and she laughed.
“Fine, fine – just want to see you happy is all. And Finn might not be leaving so soon after Dr. Peters gets back.”
“What? Why not?”
“Him and Duncan and Gavin were talking about starting some kind of foundation for families laid off from the soda plant – maybe even expanding it to more people in need than that. I talked to Gavin about it. He said that if Finn wants, the head of the foundation position might be his for the taking.”
“Wait, what? As in, he might be living here for good?”
“Sure, why not? This would be a great city for a guy like him to settle down in. And I’m telling you, a guy like Finn’s not going to stay single for long. Hell, you heard some of the girls talking – he might be snatched up before the night’s over.”
I said nothing, watching as Sophia hopped off the couch and went to get something, her lips still moving in true chatterbox form. But before she could get far, she stumbled and fell forward. I gasped, jumping up out of my seat as she tumbled into the rug, bumping her shoulder.
As fast as I moved to get to her, Finn was faster. He sprang out of his seat and rushed to Sophie, scooping her off the ground and holding her in his arms. Her face turned tomato-red, the eyes of everyone in the room on her and Finn. She wailed loudly just in case someone in the room didn’t know she was injured.
“Oh my God,” I said, rushing to the two of them. “Is she okay?”
Finn gave her a quick once over, checking Sophia for any signs of injury. But as far as I could tell, she looked fine. That didn’t mean my heart wasn’t racing at the sight of my little girl hurt.
“She’s fine,” he said, carrying her to the couch so I could sit next to her.
“You okay, Soph?” I asked, still scanning her up and down with worried eyes.
Her cheeks were red and wet with tears, but it looked like the worst was over. Her wails became sniffles, then she smiled when Finn gently tickled her.
“One of those kid injuries,” he said. “They scare the hell out of you for a minute and then they’re all good.”
Sophia was mellowing by the second. A few other adults had come over to check on her. She nodded as they asked if she was okay, but the explosion of tears was done.
“You’re a tough little one, aren’t you, Sophia?” Finn asked her. His encouragement got her to straighten where she sat, nodding her head. He put his hand on her back and gave her a squeeze. “Look at you – you’re doing your ma proud, being so brave.”
“Right,” I said. “Why don’t you thank Dr. O’Conner for being so nice and helping you?”
She sat still for a long moment. Then Sophia turned to Finn, threw her little arms around his neck, and planted a big, wet kiss on his cheek.
I’d been wanting to keep Finn away from my children, to not let him know what was really going on with them. But the sight of her giving her dad a kiss melted my damn heart. A few of the adults around us sounded some awws at the sight. And on top of that, it brought a tear to my eye, which was my cue to leave.
“Thanks, Dr. Finn!” Sophia said.
“Now,” I said, taking her hand. “Why don’t you let Dr. Finn have some fun with the adults?”
“It’s not problem,” Finn countered. “We’re becoming fast friends.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” I was mortified when the words slipped out.
“What?” Finn asked, confused.
“Nothing. Sorry.”
I took Sophie’s hand and led her quickly away.
Chapter 9
FINN
The first time Kenna and I had kissed all those years ago, the kiss had been so intense, so intoxicating, that all the other women I’d kissed in my life seemed to vanish into a dreamy haze. It had been the most important kiss of my life.
But when Sophia had planted her lips on my cheek, giving me a goofy kiss of her own…there’d been something special about that, too. Hell, there’d been something special about the whole time we’d spent together.
It was strange, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was like Sophia and I knew each other already, like we had some kind of connection. I could’ve hung out all day with that kid, listening to her babble on and on in that adorable way even though half of it made no sense.
But Kenna – she had different ideas. I wasn’t a parent, sure, but I’m sure it had to be quite a fright to see your little girl take a spill like that, even if she was fine after it was all said and done.
I was out on the back deck of Duncan and Annie’s house, sipping a glass of damn decent red wine and watching the snow gently drift down. A few heaters had been placed here and there, so it was actually pretty toasty and pleasant to be outside. It gave me a chance to be with my thoughts, to sort out all the odd, confusing feelings roiling in my mind.
The wine helped. Hell, I would’ve preferred some whiskey, but I decided to pace myself. The idea of making a quick exit, saying my goodbyes and slipping out occurred to me, but the greater urge than that was to stay. As if I had unfinished business.
“I know you Irish are supposed to be soulful but standing out by your lonesome in the snow drinking wine is another level.”
I turned, watching as Gavin approached, and chuckled. “So, we’re dealing in stereotypes, are we? How about you Colorado folks, eh? Don’t you all, uh…Wait, what stereotypes are there of Colorado folks?”
Gavin laughed. “Not many.”
He stepped to my side, and several moments passed as we watched the snow fall, the clouds so thick and milky white that the towering Rockies in the distance were barely visible.
“Supposed to be a blizzard tonight, yeah?” I asked.
“Hope that question doesn’t mean you’re trying to think of reasons to slip out early. Because Duncan’s got enough spare bedrooms for everyone to have a place to crash. And I bet the kids wouldn’t mind having a big slumber party.”
The kids. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. W
hat the hell was the story? I’d worked with tons of kids in Da’s clinic, but I’d never felt the kind of connection that I did with Sam and Sophia.
But how the hell was I supposed to explain that to Gavin?
“You’re thinking about Kenna, aren’t you?” he asked with a grin.
He wasn’t wrong. But damn, I wasn’t comfortable in the slightest with my innermost thoughts being so easily readable. I’d always taken pride in my ability to keep things close to the chest.
“That obvious?”
“Don’t mean to bust your balls,” he said. “Just noticed the way you two have been glancing at each another.”
“Wait, the way I’ve been glancing at her? I haven’t been glancing or doing anything else of the sort.”
“I know because it’s the way I looked at Gia before we were finally together. It’s this look of…wanting someone but not knowing what that is – if that makes sense.”
I had to say something – straight-up lying at that point wouldn’t have done me any favors. “It’s…she’s a good-looking lass, o’ course,” I said. “And sure, maybe takin’ her out for a drink or two wouldn’t be the least appealing idea in the world. But it’s not a good idea.”
He scrunched up his brow in confusion. “Oh yeah? And why’s that?”
“Because I’ve got enough on my plate with work and this foundation the three of us have been planning. And look at her! She’s got kids. Not that I have any problem with wee ones, of course – more that I’m sure she’s plenty busy with her own business.”
He said nothing, a slight smirk on his face as if he knew I was talking out of my ass.
I went on, already in for a penny. “I mean, maybe she and I could have something casual, you know? A bit o’ fun on the side, yeah? Honestly, that’s all I’d have time for these days. But how the hell am I supposed to bring that up to a woman, you know?”
Gavin gave me another knowing look, again not speaking, which prompted me to continue to spew BS out of my mouth. “I mean, aren’t American women more, ah, enlightened when it comes to matters like that? They don’t need to be dating someone to have a laugh with ‘em, right? Maybe I could mention it to her, see what she thinks.”
“Or,” Gavin finally said, “you could ask her out because you’re into her and she obviously feels the same way about you.”
I was starting to feel like a right ass. How much more could I say without just going ahead and telling him there was more to me and Kenna than anyone suspected? No way I’d let that particular cat out of the bag.
“Ah, it’s all nonsense. I don’t have time for anything like that.” I tossed back the rest of my wine. “Got enough on my plate to think about dating or any such stuff.”
Gavin chuckled, as if he were having a hell of a time listening to my litany of rationalizations. But I was right about one thing – I needed to put a cork in it before I blabbed my business to the entire party.
“Let’s get back in there,” I said. “Don’t want to look like we’re up to no good, yeah?”
“Yeah,” he repeated, a hint of a smile still curling the corner of his mouth. “Let’s do it.” He clapped his hand on my shoulder, and I wished the floor would open and swallow me whole.
We headed back into the party, and a few of the kids had made their way upstairs. None of the adults seemed to mind, and a few of them were squatting down and chatting with the group of kids.
Kenna stood with Sam in her arms, the adorable little boy’s arms wrapped around her like she was his lifeline, his big eyes scanning the people around him. Kenna was in the middle of a conversation with one of the other women, both of them too far away for me to hear what they were talking about – not that it was any of my business.
She glanced over at me as she spoke, her eyes lingering on mine as she continued talking. There was so much heat in that moment, so much unsaid passion, that it was enough for my cock to take notice in my jeans. Before I could scold myself for getting a half-hard-on in the middle of the party, Kenna turned her attention back to her friend.
I needed to get back in the mix, do more socializing and less lurking. But first, I needed to use the little boy’s room. After stopping for a refill of wine, I headed upstairs to one of the more private bathrooms. I shut the door and stepped to the sink, setting down my wine and taking a long look at my reflection in the mirror.
“Get a grip on yourself, man. All you gotta do is get through this party. Have a couple more drinks, have a little fun, and for pity’s sake, don’t tell anyone about you and Kenna.”
After another sip of wine, I was ready to head back downstairs. Before I could start moving, the rapid thump-thump-thump of a pair of feet sounded, getting louder and louder with each step. Someone was coming to the bathroom.
The door flung open and there she was – there they were. Kenna stood frozen at the door, Sam in her arms, a massive stain on his shirt.
“Dr. Finn!” he said, a happy smile spreading across his face at the sight of me.
“Shoot,” Kenna said, her face red. “Didn’t know you were in here.”
“It’s fine,” I said. “I was just finishing up.” I grabbed my wine and prepared to leave, but Sam called out.
“Don’t go!” he said, reaching some smudged fingers toward me.
“What happened to you, slugger?” I asked, avoiding his fingers.
“Someone got into the chocolate ice cream,” Kenna said, blasting past me and setting Sam on the sink, trying to pull off his stained sweater. “And by got into, I mean he opened it, rubbed his hands in it, then wiped them off on his face and shirt.”
Sam giggled as if he’d had a plan and it’d gone perfectly.
“Is that right, sport?” I asked, kneeling a bit to get at eye level with him. “You making a mess?”
“No.” His word came out with total confidence, as if he didn’t have chocolate stains all over him.
“Come on,” Kenna commanded. “Up!” She raised her arms, and he did the same. She then pulled off his sweater, revealing a T-shirt with cartoon zoo animals on it.
“Cool shirt,” I said, reaching over and tapping the monkey. “Looks like Seamus.”
His eyes lit up. “Is he here?”
I laughed. “Nah, he’s the office monkey. But if you’re good, he’ll be there the next time you come in for an appointment.”
“Now,” Kenna said, joining in. “Good means not putting your hands all over the ice cream that people were going to eat.” She grabbed a nearby towel and wet it, dabbing the chocolate off his hands. “And that wasn’t just any chocolate ice cream.” Kenna glanced over her shoulder as she cleaned, speaking to me. “It was this small-batch truffle stuff that one of the guests had shipped in from Switzerland or something.”
“Ah. Rich folk ice cream.”
“Something like that.”
She cleaned him off before helping off the sink. Again, I noticed how damn much he looked like me, down to the cleft chin.
“Now,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “What’re you going to do when we go downstairs?”
Sam’s mouth formed into a flat line, the rest of his features dropping in disappointment. He wasn’t looking forward to what was next.
“Say sorry,” he said in a defeated voice, like his fun was over.
“That’s right. If you want any hope of getting dessert later.”
“It’ll be fine, champ,” I said. “Few things in life an apology can’t smooth over.”
It wasn’t my business, of course, but there it was again – that strange connection between the twins and me. Kenna glanced over her shoulder, a conflicted expression on her face, as if she wasn’t sure whether to let me speak to him like that or to tell to mind my own damn P’s and Q’s.
“He’s right,” she said finally. “Now, head back down and find Ms. Abby and Mr. James.”
“Okay!” Before she or I could say anything else, Sam slipped through the open door and rushed down the hall as fast as his sausage-y leg
s could take him.
“You want me to catch him?” I asked.
She stuck her head out of the bathroom for a moment, making sure he went down the stairs slowly. They weren’t too steep, and since Annie and Duncan’s children managed to navigate them, Kenna didn’t seem worried that he would tumble.
“Nah. The kid likes to do things on his own. I swear, they’re both as stubborn and independent as they come.”
Sounds a hell of a lot like me, to be quite honest, I thought, watching her as she turned to me, leaning against the sink. Her hazel eyes flashed, as if realizing she was in a room alone with me. My cock certainly noticed, twitching to life and getting harder with each pulse of my heartbeat. We locked eyes, and neither of us seemed to know what to say to one another.
But I knew what I wanted. I stepped closer to her, reaching over and shutting the bathroom door as I did so.
“What hell are you doing, Finn?”
I blew past her question, closing the distance between us inch by inch. “I tried to put you outta my head after the appointment the other day, but seeing you here…Kenna, I can’t stop thinking about you.”
He eyes flashed again, this time in surprise by what I was saying. “Finn, you have to stop.”
“Stop what?” I asked. “Stop giving you what we both want?”
She snorted and shook her head. “God, I almost forgot about how cocky you are.”
I decided to be even bolder, putting my hands on her hips and squeezing her ripe curves. Her body had been killer before, but motherhood had only made her more attractive. Kenna’s hips were round and full, her breasts straining the fabric of her dress.
“Finn,” she said, her voice sharp. “We can’t do this.”
“Here’s the deal – you tell me to fuck off, and mean it, and that’s what I’ll do.”
She chewed her lip indecisively, the sight hot as fuck. “And if I don’t?”
“Then you’re gonna find out how badly I want you.” I stepped closer, the head of my cock grazing her leg. I gave her a few moments.
She said nothing. So, I kissed her.
The Irish Doctor’s Secret Babies: A Secret Baby Romance Page 8
