Something Borrowed

by Louisa George

  ‘Are you sure you’re okay with her like that?’ Chloe stared up at Evie, so high, laughing and giggling as she gripped Vaughn’s hair. ‘She might fall and hurt herself.’

  ‘Chloe, she’s a child not porcelain. She’s fine. I have hold of her feet, look.’ He picked up the two booted feet and showed his tight grip on them. ‘I have lots of friends with kids, okay? I have kids in my restaurants; sometimes I even like them.’

  Which was surprising. Jason had found Evie too much of a bind and Jenna’s grief too much of an emotional drain. When will she be back to normal? He’d moaned.

  And yet, he was the one having the baby.

  Chloe’s good mood threatened to spiral downwards. ‘So, what do we need for pancakes?’

  Biting his lip, he grinned. ‘You really don’t know how to cook, do you?’

  ‘I have other talents.’

  ‘Indeed, you do.’ His eyes sparkled.

  She shook her head in warning and glanced up at Evie, who was waving at everyone they passed, totally oblivious to this conversation. ‘I was talking about spreadsheets.’

  ‘I was talking about sheets too.’ He pushed the corner shop door open with his foot. ‘Duck, Evie!’

  ‘Quack! Quack!’ The little one giggled as she dipped her head.

  ‘Now we need flour, baking powder, sugar, milk and eggs. And whatever delicious fillings you want. Chocolate chips, strawberries,’—another wicked smile—‘ham and cheese?’

  Chloe unlinked her arm from his. This felt too nice, too homely, too close to a dream she’d held for too long and then had battered and dashed—by chilling, life-altering, devastating words that had come from that very mouth. ‘Anything. Whatever. You’re the award-winning chef, make something up.’

  So he did, and it was a very special concoction that he agreed with Evie, consisting of bananas, chocolate spread and peanut butter. And, surprisingly, it worked. Seemed that magic happened whenever Vaughn was in the kitchen.

  Completely full of Vaughn’s cooking again, Chloe finished wiping the last of the dishes and then turned to find Evie standing at her heels holding a ball. ‘Do you want to go out and play, Evie?’

  ‘Park please.’ Her curls bobbed around her face as she smiled, and there was no way Chloe could ever say no to her. ‘Okay, sweetie, I’ll just get your coat. We’ll say thank you for the pancakes to Vaughn and bye-bye.’ Then she could finally get some space to think about what her next steps were going to be. ‘Come on, boots back on.’

  Evie ran back to Vaughn, who was sitting on the old sofa admiring the bright pink nail varnish Evie had painted—very badly—on his fingernails. On any other guy, Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot! might have looked unmanly, but he rocked it. Those large, strong hands and that muscular body, all tinged with a Sunday happy brightness, made Chloe’s heart ache. He wasn’t afraid to be silly, or to simply allow a little girl some pleasure. He knew life wasn’t all about him, and he clearly wanted to make Evie happy.

  The little mite tapped his knee. ‘Thank you for pancakes, Van. And for varnish. Come to the park? Play ball?’

  Chloe watched and laughed. ‘Van? Van the man? No. Van has lots of things he needs to do today. Don’t you?’

  Thankfully, he nodded as he stood, gauging Chloe’s reaction and meeting her eyes. ‘Yes. I do.’

  Evie tugged on his trouser leg and offered him her ball. ‘Play ball?’

  ‘No, honey, I need to go.’ He went to get his jacket. ‘How do I put my coat on and not smudge my nails? Geez, I have all the important questions today.’

  ‘Normally we wait for it to dry.’ Chloe laughed. ‘You’ll have to take it off before work tomorrow anyway. Get some nail varnish remover from the chemist on Kensington High Street. Aren’t there rules about nail varnish and cooking, and health and safety?’

  ‘More broken rules.’ He cupped Chloe’s chin in his pink fingernails. ‘Chloe Cassidy, you’ll be the ruin of me.’ A tiny foot lifted and stamped. Then the other one. A lip trembled. ‘Van come too.’

  ‘No. He’s just told you, he has to go.’ Chloe knew her eyes were registering a strict no, do not give in. But her heart was tapping away at the thought of him leaving. This close, he was in kissing distance again, and all she could think of was tasting him. Feeling his arms around her, drawing her to him as he nuzzled her throat.

  Vaughn looked from Chloe to Evie and back again. There was a mirrored heat in his eyes, and yet an understanding that this was not his time. ‘Hey, look, I can walk to the park with you if you like. It’s on the way to my house.’

  Chloe breathed. ‘Okay, that’s sorted then. Evie, Vaughn will come and play a little while, but then he has to go. Okay? No tears when he says goodbye.’

  ‘Hmm. ’Kay.’ The little girl gave him a huge smile and slipped her hand into his. No little fist in Auntie Chloe’s. Yep, there was one more female who was totally smitten with him.

  Holland Park was busy with tourists and locals alike, out in force in the May sunshine. The park borders were filled with an intense array of citrus-coloured flowers. Insects buzzed from bloom to bloom as cyclists, joggers and parents pushing pushchairs busied past. Somewhere someone was strumming a guitar—and… oh no… She double-checked it wasn’t TheBigCarlhuna. No. Thank goodness. Although what a pretty picture the three of them would make, strolling through the park, doing normal Sunday things; that would show him.

  Chloe breathed deeply again, acknowledging that just maybe she needed to let go of her animosity towards men who couldn’t face her and break bad news.

  Summer was only a fingertip stretch away, and the air was warm. There was a hopeful feel to the place, and she let it warm her, a thaw to the chill that had wafted around inside her, wondering whether to settle or just annoy the hell out of her for a little while.

  The second they opened the playground gate, Evie ran towards the climbing frame, and for the first time that morning, there was no buffer between Chloe and Vaughn. For a few seconds, she wondered what to say or do but, making sure Evie couldn’t see, Vaughn drew her into a hug and pecked a hurried kiss on Chloe’s cheek, his words a whisper. ‘God, I keep thinking back to last night… and this morning. I can’t get the sight of you naked on my kitchen counter out of my head.’

  Heat curled inside her, unbidden and unwanted, really. She didn’t want to react to him the way she did, so instinctive, so raw. But she couldn’t switch it off, and she couldn’t control it. She couldn’t hide her smile either, as memories tripped through her head of how much they’d shared yesterday. Being with him, laughing and joking with him seemed the most natural thing in the world. ‘All those rules broken, though, Vaughn. Working at your place will never be the same again.’

  ‘I don’t suppose you’d fancy changing to working at night? We’d get way more privacy then.’

  ‘And no work done.’ Chloe edged away as Evie came charging towards them. ‘Do you want me to push you on the swings?’

  ‘Don’t you think I’m too big for that?’ He grinned. ‘I don’t think I’ll fit.’

  ‘Ha ha. Evie, love, you don’t want the swings? Back on the climbing frame? Okay, off you go.’ Evie dealt with, Chloe turned back to Vaughn. ‘Is everything a joke to you?’

  ‘You know it isn’t. I told you more about my life yesterday than I’ve ever told anyone.’ His jaw clenched a little, and she was wondered whether he regretted letting her know more about his past. ‘But you can’t dwell on the bad things. Life’s for the living, right?’

  But not for loving. Not for loving anyone but Bella.

  He’d trusted Chloe enough to share those things with her. He was giving her more and more of himself, but she only had questions. Taking a leaf out of his book and lightening up would be a good idea. ‘Yes. Sorry. What with babysitting and everything, this isn’t exactly how I thought today would turn out.’

  ‘Hey, we all have commitments, family, work, things we have to do. This is fun. It’s just a different part of life. Besides, today started well. Very, very w
ell indeed.’ His eyes brightened as he wound an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. He smelt of her mango-mandarin shower gel and something musky that was quintessentially him, with the chemical hint of nail varnish. ‘It can end well too. Come over to mine later?’

  ‘Do you have strawberries?’

  His eyes glinted greedily. ‘I can get some. I had fun last night, and I want you in my bed, Chloe. Or in yours. Whatever. Geography isn’t important.’

  ‘I don’t know where you live. And I have a few things I need to do.’

  Taking her by the shoulders, he looked at her, frowning. ‘Are you okay? I keep getting these vibes that you’re not. If you don’t want me around, just let me know, okay? I don’t want to play guessing games. I think we’re better than that.’

  She chose her words carefully, hiding the affection she felt for him. ‘I’m just a little surprised that we’re even having this kind of conversation, Vaughn. I wasn’t expecting last night to pan out the way it did. Honestly. And I’m tired. Very tired.’

  ‘I know. And it’s all my fault. But all for a good cause.’ He whispered into her hair, ‘You just need to get more sleep.’

  ‘I need a man who’ll let me.’ Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but her defences were down, and it was too hard to keep him at arm’s length, so this time she did reach for him, because how could she not?

  The memories of their lovemaking were still so fresh and clear and made her heart feel as if it was swelling out of her chest. She reached to his mouth, running her thumb over it. Smiling. Smiling at the way he made her feel. And in his eyes, she could see the same tug, the same heat, and she wanted a rerun of last night over and over and over.

  Making sure Evie wasn’t watching, Chloe pressed her mouth against his, snatching a tender quick kiss, ignoring the voices in her head warning, warning.

  When he pulled away, Vaughn glanced at his watch. ‘Shit, is that the time? Actually, I do need to get home. I’ve got a million things to do and kick off is at six-thirty.’

  ‘Oh, yes.’ Reality chipped away at her mood. ‘Sunday football. With Jason.’

  ‘Sure. It’s a good way to keep fit.’

  ‘I know. I used to go every week and watch.’

  His face darkened. ‘I didn’t expect this to happen, Chloe. I won’t go if that makes it any better.’

  ‘Because of last night? Oh no, you should go. I wouldn’t ever want to come between you and your cousin.’

  Vaughn led her to an empty bench, and they sat watching the kids playing. ‘He really hurt you, didn’t he?’

  It felt easy to talk to him about this, especially after the way he’d opened up to her. ‘Yes, he did. You never imagine what betrayal can do to your confidence or your trust. It just eats away at you, and you’re forever asking yourself if it’s something you did or didn’t do that made them stray. Was it me? Or is it just the way he is? Could he be faithful to someone else?’ She thought then about mentioning the dating website but decided not to. It wasn’t her problem anymore. ‘But what is it about me that bored him? Because that’s what he said it was. He was bored with us, with our life. With me, basically.’

  Vaughn put his hand on her lap. ‘Really? How could anyone ever get bored with you? I never know from one minute to the next if I’m going to get battered with flowers or a strange sense of calm wizardry in my office or making out like a goddess on my kitchen surfaces. You keep me on my toes. That is a rare talent you have.’ He took hold of her hand. ‘Did you really never suspect he was playing around?’

  Chloe kept an eye on Evie, who was sitting in the sandpit, happily playing diggers alongside a boy who looked about four years old. It was all so simple at that age. ‘No. I didn’t. I’m far too trusting, clearly. He always said he loved me. I had no reason to think otherwise. But looking back, there were signs, obviously. I just didn’t want to see them. He started to pick at me… little jeers here and there. Digs, you know… You’re no fun anymore. You always put work first. Why is your family always here? And I guess I should have tried harder, but I was trying to keep my business afloat. My sister’s husband had just died, and she had a baby. There was a lot going on, and I probably neglected him.’

  ‘That is no excuse to treat you so badly.’

  She couldn’t imagine Vaughn doing anything like that. He was a man of honour. Unfortunately, to her detriment. ‘Anyway, I don’t want to talk about him. He’s sure to bring my mood down. He’s such a prat, honestly. I could kill him sometimes. And, oh God, I’m so sorry, he is your cousin.’

  Clearly not remotely offended, Vaughn shrugged. ‘He can be a jerk sometimes. To be honest, we all can, it’s not just Jason’s prerogative.’

  ‘Well, I haven’t seen any jerk symptoms appearing in you.’

  ‘Give it time.’

  ‘I just can’t imagine it.’ She looked up into his eyes and felt the connection that had been growing between them tighten even further. ‘Of course, you must go and play football with him. You’ve known each other all your lives. And I really wouldn’t want to get in the way of that. Just don’t mention me, okay?’

  He squeezed her hand. ‘Are you embarrassed about what happened last night?’

  ‘Of course not.’

  ‘Do you regret it? Or—?’

  ‘I just want to keep it private. I’m not sure I want to broadcast that we’re… just having some fun.’ She’d cut him off, afraid he’d ask her if she was getting in too deep, or if he was going to warn her about getting hurt when they decided to call it quits. All this misty-eyed nonsense would dissipate the minute she went back to her apartment and faced the reality of her spreadsheets. He was a good distraction, and if she wanted more, it was probably only because she was feeling tired, which always made her long for sofa cuddles and shared baths and lazy days. Like today. ‘It was a good end to a great day. And yes, it would be very nice to do it again sometime.’

  Looking a little relieved, he glanced around at the parents with their little ones and then lowered his voice. ‘So, Chloe Cassidy, are you saying you want to use me for sex?’

  ‘Would it be bad of me if I said yes?’ She couldn’t help laughing, but deep down she knew she should have put an end to it all. But what harm were they doing? They knew what they were getting into, and getting back on the horse was a good thing. It gave her something else to think about other than all the things she had to do for the business and for her family. It gave her just a little secret something for herself. And there was nothing wrong with that.

  He took both her hands in his, suddenly serious—or as serious as a man could get with hot pink nails. ‘It’s good to know we want the same things. Tell me if that ever changes.’

  Heart pumping hard, she looked away to check on Evie and to stop herself from looking into those dark grey eyes and telling him the truth. ‘It won’t.’

  CHAPTER 18

  ‘’NOTHER STORY… please, Auntie Coee.’ A very sleepy Evie handed Chloe a fourth bedtime story book and lay back down against Chloe’s chest, her chubby little thumb stuck firmly in her mouth. She’d been played out, fed to bursting by an award-winning chef and bathed in strawberry bath bubbles. Now she was snuggled up under her Peppa Pig duvet using Chloe as a pillow. Her wide eyes were starting to glaze, and she was becoming a dead weight on Chloe’s chest. It was well past her niece’s bedtime, but Chloe couldn’t resist this extra time; there was something so very special and trusting about a small child falling asleep in your arms. It was a huge responsibility and yet a promise to hold their hearts safe.

  She wondered briefly whether her father had ever felt like that. Then she tried not to think about him at all, or the loss of that trust that had dogged her life lately. She wanted to love openheartedly; she wanted to feel the intense, fierce affection for a man that she wasn’t afraid to feel for her niece or her sister or mother.

  Before she’d opened the book, Jenna appeared at the door. Her cheeks were unusually pink, and her blue eyes were a brighter aquamarine than usual
. She tiptoed in and whispered, ‘Hey, how’s my little girl?’

  ‘Just going… going… gone.’ Chloe pressed a kiss to Evie’s sweaty forehead as she watched the little girl’s lips slacken, the thumb slipping forwards as her body finally relaxed in to the sleep she’d been fighting for the last hour. Wriggling slowly and carefully, Chloe managed to extricate herself without waking up the sleeping babe, and waited in the corridor while her sister finished tucking her daughter in. ‘Fancy a quick wine before I head off? I want to hear all about your day.’

  ‘Hell, yes.’ Jenna led the way back downstairs to the lounge. ‘God knows, I need one.’

  Chloe poured two glasses of chardonnay while Jenna began to tidy up the debris of the last two hours’ playtime; building bricks, dolls, drawing paper, Play-Doh. ‘Geez, one small child sure makes a lot of mess. Right, Jenna. Stop clearing up, and sit down. I can finish this. You look knackered.’

  ‘I am. Thanks, honey. I owe you a big one for doing this.’

  ‘She’s my gorgeous niece; I love looking after her. Now, put your feet up and spill. How was your day?’

  Jenna slumped onto the sofa, stretched out her legs and took a huge gulp of wine. ‘I’m exhausted, to be honest, but it was totally fine. Lovely, actually. You were right. It was nice to be out doing something different.’

  ‘And how was this mysterious Nick?’

  Jenna’s eyes sort of misted and Chloe’s stomach jumped a little. It had been a long time since she’d seen her sister looking so animated about anything, let alone a man. Maybe she’d finally let her precious husband go? Probably not, but maybe she was starting to move on. ‘He’s okay, actually. Not at all like I remember. He’s got this confidence about him, kind of assured, you know. I guess that comes from giving orders to people. Although I wouldn’t let him give any to me. I told him straight up—I’m here to help, but I don’t do salutes, and I won’t jump when you say jump.’ Jenna gripped the stem of her wine glass and seemed a little distracted at the memory; her cheeks were still pink even though the room was cool. ‘I hope I wasn’t snappy. I tried to turn it into a joke.’