Libby stood and turned as Adrian said, “What are you doing up, kiddo?”
“Bad dream.”
Libby moved toward the hall as Adrian knelt and held his arms open for his niece. Kate dove into them and he wrapped her in a tight hug. “I’m sorry, Katie.”
He glanced up and met Libby’s gaze. He was still wearing Kent’s make-up but Libby saw past it. There was deep sorrow in his eyes.
It made her heart ache. Libby gave him what she hoped was a compassionate smile and moved away to give them some privacy. She collected the mugs and headed to the kitchenette to clean up.
After a minute she heard Kate say, “It’s okay. I had a shower and Libby made me hot chocolate.”
“And I see you’ve got Sebastien Bear to protect you,” Adrian said.
Libby smiled. She finished drying the mugs and turned her attention to packing up her laptop.
“Do you want to stay up a bit longer?” Adrian asked Kate. “We could watch a movie.”
“Yes, please, Uncle Ade.”
Libby turned as they walked into the room.
“Libby, could you stay while I shower?” Adrian asked when he noticed she was packing up.
“Of course.”
Adrian turned to Kate. “Will you be all right for a few minutes while I take off Kent?”
Kate nodded and let go of his hand.
“Why don’t you get the quilt from your bed and drag it out here?” Adrian suggested.
Kate brightened but then peered toward her semi-dark bedroom in concern.
“Let me help,” Libby said. “This sounds like fun.” Hoping she wasn’t intruding, she walked over and took Kate’s hand, leading her into the bedroom. She glanced back at Adrian and he mouthed ‘thanks’ before heading for his room.
Libby flicked the switch, flooding the room with light, and together they stripped the quilt off the bed. Dragging it into the living area, they arranged it on the couch and then Kate hunted through her DVD collection until she found the cartoon she wanted.
“Do you think your uncle would like a drink?” Libby asked.
Kate paused, tongue between her teeth. “He’d probably like a hot chocolate and something to eat.” She headed for the kitchenette.
For the next ten minutes they prepared a small meal and a hot drink for Adrian. By the time Adrian reappeared it was ready and presented nicely on the coffee table.
“We made you something to eat,” Kate announced, slipping her hand into Adrian’s and leading him to the meal.
Adrian whistled softly. “That looks great. Thanks, kiddo.”
Libby went to the table and picked up her laptop bag. “I’d better be going.” George had warned her Adrian liked his privacy and she shouldn’t hang around longer than necessary. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
“Bye, Libby.” Kate didn’t let go of her uncle’s hand.
Adrian watched her, unspoken words in his eyes. He nodded his thanks.
Libby smiled and let herself out.
She walked the short distance down the corridor to her room and waited until she was inside before she let out a deep breath and let the tears fall.
Chapter 6
Libby woke early the next morning and prepared for her morning walk. Kate’s nightmare the night before kept swirling around in her head. The absolute devastation and distress on Kate’s face, the vulnerability and despair.
What a thing for anyone to go through.
Libby rubbed her eyes, tucked her cell phone into her rain jacket pocket and opened the door of her room. She gasped as she came face to face with Adrian, who had his hand raised to knock.
He didn’t look like he’d slept well. His short dark hair was mussed, his eyes were red and his T-shirt and jeans looked as if they’d been picked up off the floor.
He lowered his hand and took a step back. “I wasn’t sure you’d be up yet.”
Libby stopped, one hand on the door, and put her other hand over her rapidly beating heart. “I was heading out for a walk. Is there something wrong?”
He shifted his stance. “If you’ve got time, I wanted to talk to you about Kate’s nightmare. George is with her at the moment.”
Of course she had time. “Come in.”
Adrian entered and she followed him the short distance to the main room. It was a mess. She groaned inwardly. She’d been planning to clean it up when she returned from her walk. Her bedsheets were half on the floor and her pink flannelette pajamas had been dumped in the center of the bed. Libby cringed and moved past Adrian, quickly snatching up her pajamas and tossing them into her suitcase. She shut the lid with a snap and finally threw the sheets back on the bed.
Face aflame, she indicated the armchairs near the window. “Why don’t you have a seat? I can offer you an instant coffee or a tea.”
Adrian’s mouth twitched slightly upward. “Coffee would be great. Black, no sugar.” He sat down on the chair facing away from the window.
Libby filled the little hotel kettle and turned it on, before getting out the cups and the tiny long-life capsules full of what was supposed to be milk. Adrian didn’t speak, but she was acutely aware of his presence. Why did he have such an effect on her?
The bubble of the kettle boiling broke through her musing and she poured the two drinks. Carrying them over to the little coffee table, she set one in front of Adrian and sat on the chair opposite him.
Adrian reached forward to clasp the cup but didn’t drink. “Will you tell me about Kate’s nightmare?” He kept his gaze on the cup in front of him.
“Of course.” Libby took a sip of her tea. Briefly she spoke about what had happened and how she had reacted.
Adrian sighed and traced a finger around the rim of the cup. “They’re getting less frequent but I keep hoping she’ll stop having them.”
Libby understood. She’d only seen the one and she didn’t want Kate to go through it again. “It’s a lot for anyone to deal with, let alone a ten-year-old.”
“I wasn’t there for her.” There was guilt in his voice as he looked down at the coffee table. “When the accident happened I was on tour, and it took a day for me to get back.”
Libby was surprised he was being so open with her. “Do you mean Kate was alone? Didn’t she have any other family to turn to? Your parents?”
The scowl was as fleeting as it was vicious. “Her mother’s family were too caught up in their own grief to really pay any attention to Kate. They left her alone overnight in the hospital.” He still couldn’t believe it. “She’d just watched her parents die and no one stayed the night with her. When I arrived home she wouldn’t let me out of her sight for three days.” He looked up. “She was afraid I would leave her too.”
He hadn’t mentioned his own family. “That must have been difficult for you.” Libby flinched inwardly at her inadequate words. She tried to explain. “You needed time to grieve as well.”
Adrian met her gaze. “Kate needed me more.”
Libby lost her breath with the intensity of his gaze. How strong he must be, to have put his niece’s needs before his own grief. She reached out and grasped his hand. “Kate’s lucky to have you.”
Adrian jerked his hand away and folded his arms over his chest. “Others don’t think so.”
Libby sat back, sure her face must be the color of beetroot. Adrian obviously didn’t like to be touched. She took in his closed body language before deciding what the heck and asked, “Who doesn’t think so?”
Adrian shrugged, but then said, “Kate’s Aunt Susan wasn’t happy I was taking Kate on tour. She thought Kate would be better off in summer camp like her own children.”
Libby’s mouth dropped open. “But Kate’s parents died so recently. It would be cruel to send her away with a bunch of strangers. Doesn’t Susan know about Kate’s nightmares?”
Adrian unfolded his arms and took a sip of his coffee. “She does, but she didn’t think the tour life would be suitable. She believes I spend my nights partying and doesn’t think
my music is appropriate.”
Libby snorted. “She needs to come and see for herself. It’s obvious you’ve got Kate’s best interests at heart.” She stopped to take a breath, insulted on Adrian’s behalf. “She needs family around her, not a bunch of strangers.”
A hint of a smile crossed Adrian’s face.
“Honestly, you spend every possible moment with Kate and that’s more than a lot of parents do, especially if they have to work.” She knew all about it.
Adrian chuckled, low and smoky. “I’ll tell Susan to speak to you next time she calls.”
Libby didn’t comment, feeling flustered. She picked up her mug and took a sip, then changed the subject. “What have you and Kate got planned for the day?”
“We’re going to explore Melbourne and see what we can find.”
“Sounds like fun.”
Adrian checked his watch. “I’d better get going. Kate will be impatient to start.” He stood but seemed reluctant to leave.
Libby put her cup down and rose, motioning for Adrian to go first. She followed him the short distance to the entrance.
“What are your plans today?”
It took Libby a second to realize Adrian was talking to her. “Oh, I’ll be writing. I’m hoping to finish the story today.”
“Then do you send it to your publisher?”
Libby grinned. If only. “No, then the polishing starts.” At Adrian’s confusion she said, “It’s a first draft. I’ll need to re-read and edit it before it’s ready to go.”
“How long does that take?”
“Depends on how much work it needs, but generally a couple of months when I’m working full time.”
They stood in the doorway now. There was an awkward pause.
Libby cast around for something to say. “Have fun today.”
Adrian nodded, his mind seemingly elsewhere. “You too.” He turned and walked down the corridor.
Libby gazed after him and then realized she was staring, so hurriedly shut the door before he turned around.
She let out a deep breath and then straightened. She was being ridiculous, mooning after him like some starstruck teenager. There was no way he’d ever be interested in her anyway. No man ever was.
She sighed. Adrian had snatched his hand away pretty quickly when she’d tried to comfort him.
If her past relationship had taught her anything, it was that she wasn’t interesting enough to hold anyone’s attention – let alone a rock star who had women throwing themselves at him.
She refused to be one of those women.
Remembering she’d been about to go out for a walk, she checked she had everything she needed and left her room.
The fresh air would clear her mind.
She hoped.
***
Adrian walked down the corridor, refusing to glance back at Libby. He let out a sigh of relief when the door closed. What was wrong with him? Libby was his employee, she was there for Kate. He shouldn’t be feeling this way about her. Yes, she’d said all the right things, allaying his doubts about whether he was doing the right thing by Kate, but that didn’t mean anything. She was just kind – there was nothing more to it. She’d even reached out to comfort him when he needed it. He’d reacted with an instinct born from his childhood, drawing away rather than allowing himself the comfort he craved. It was a luxury he’d never been able to afford.
No, he didn’t need any complications and he sure as heck didn’t need to jeopardize Kate’s happiness by scaring off her nanny. The less he saw of Libby Myles, the better for all concerned.
He entered his suite and walked through to the living area, expecting to see George and Kate playing a game or watching television. Instead they were both tapping away at the keyboards of their respective laptops.
“Weren’t you going to play a game?” he asked.
Kate didn’t acknowledge him, but George stopped typing and said, “Kate wanted to get some words written before we head out today.”
Adrian pursed his lips. He wasn’t sure what to make of Kate’s sudden desire to write a book. It was a wonderful goal but Kate had no idea how much effort it required.
“So are we heading out today, Kate?” he asked.
She grunted. “Let me finish this scene.”
Adrian exchanged a look with George, who shrugged. Neither of them knew how long that would take.
Adrian filled the rucksack full of snacks and drinks, as well as a fold-up umbrella. It was an overcast and wet day in Melbourne.
Adrian’s cell rang and he crossed the room to pick it up. He checked the number and rolled his eyes. “It’s your aunt,” he told Kate as he answered it. “Hi, Susan. How are you?”
Susan was Kate’s aunt on her mother’s side and thankfully no relation to Adrian. When Penny had been alive, Susan had been decent company, often laughing with Penny, and they’d had some pleasant dinners together, but since her sister had died she’d become another woman. She was withdrawn, far more conservative and worried about people’s opinions. She thought Kate needed a mother in her life, not a rock star uncle, and had been devastated to learn Daniel and Penny had made him guardian of Kate.
“I’m fine, but it’s not me I’m worried about. You’ve been in Australia for almost a week now and I haven’t heard from you. You promised to call me each time you moved cities so I knew where you were.” Her voice was prim.
He had promised, despite the fact that Susan had a copy of the tour itinerary so she knew exactly where they were at any time. “The first few days were a little hectic and with the time difference, I didn’t want to wake you.” It wasn’t an apology, nor would she get one. She wasn’t his mother or Kate’s and he didn’t owe her anything.
“Well, I’m awake now and you have the day off. What are you doing?”
Adrian bit back his impatience and the urge to say, “Cruising for drugs and hookers.” He sighed. “We haven’t decided yet. Would you like to speak with Kate?”
Kate made frantic just-a-minute motions and pointed to her screen before continuing to type with her tongue stuck out between her teeth.
“Of course.”
“Ah, hang on a minute, she’s finishing something. Tell me, how are your kids?”
“They’re both having a wonderful time at summer camp. I’m sure Kate would have really enjoyed spending time with her cousins.”
Adrian strode away from the table toward the window and looked down at the city below. “I don’t believe she’s ready for camp.” They’d had this discussion before.
“Being away with children her own age could only be therapeutic, especially with no parents around to remind her of what she’s lost.” Susan was clearly parroting something she’d read in a self-help book.
“We’ll have to agree to disagree.” Kate tugged on his arm. “I’ll put Kate on.” He handed her the phone.
“Hi, Aunt Susan,” Kate chirped as she wandered away from the window and around the room.
Adrian smiled, amused at the way his niece never sat still when talking on the phone.
“I’m having a great time. We went to an island the other day and saw koalas and went to a chocolate factory.” There was a pause as Susan said something. “We bought tons but Uncle Ade only lets me have a bit at a time.”
Adrian and George exchanged looks.
“I’m writing a book.” Pause. “No, it’s not too hard. I’ve got Libby to help me.”
Adrian cursed under his breath. He should have mentioned Libby to Susan. She was going to hate the fact he’d hired another nanny, one she had not recommended herself.
“Libby’s my new nanny.”
Adrian held out a hand for the phone and said, “Let me speak to her.”
“Libby’s wonderful. She’s so much better than Emily was. Hang on, Uncle Ade wants to say something.” She handed over the phone.
“What is this about a new nanny? Why didn’t you tell me? What happened to Emily?”
Adrian held the phone away from his ea
r as he walked into his bedroom and shut the door behind him. Kate didn’t need to hear them arguing. “Emily quit.”
“Why? What did you do?”
“She didn’t have Kate’s best interest at heart,” he said.
“What do you mean? Emily came highly recommended by one of my friends. They couldn’t stop raving about her.”
There was something about Susan that always made him defensive and short-tempered. “She tried to come on to me, and suggested that we leave Kate alone in the hotel room. When I rejected her advances, she quit.” He kept his voice low, not wanting Kate to hear him yelling.
Susan was silent for a moment as she regrouped. “What about this new nanny? Who is she? What does she do? What do you know about her?” The rapid-fire questions were like facing a firing squad.
“Libby has been wonderful with Kate. They get on well and are having fun together.” He wasn’t going to mention Libby’s career – she deserved some privacy as well. “Both George and I spent time with Libby and Kate before we agreed she was suitable.” Mentioning George was his trump card. Susan had decided since George wore a suit and was his manager, he was more responsible than Adrian. She believed he wouldn’t let Adrian make any mistakes with women that would jeopardize his career.
Susan harrumphed. “What’s her surname? I’ll look her up.”
He’d had enough. “No.”
Susan gasped.
“I have hired Libby and she is suitable for Kate. I am Kate’s guardian, not you. You don’t get a say.” Even as he said it, he regretted it.
“My concern is always for my niece’s welfare.” Her tone was high and Adrian pictured her with ramrod straight spine and pinched lips. “You can’t stop me from caring. If I don’t believe she is being cared for properly, I will do something about it.”
Before Adrian asked what she meant, she’d hung up.
He swore and pressed the end call button. He hadn’t wanted to anger Susan but sometimes she irritated him to the point where he didn’t care what she thought of him.
He was doing the best he could for Kate, but Susan made him constantly doubt himself.
He sank down on the bed and breathed out. Susan’s parting words had sounded like a threat.
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