Half an hour and there hadn’t been a peep out of Kate’s room. Time for some action.
Libby knocked on Kate’s door again before opening it a crack. Kate was lying face down on her bed, Sebastien Bear clutched under one arm. It must be bad for Sebastien to be out. “Kate, can we talk?”
“No.” The word was muffled against Kate’s pillow.
“I’d really like to know what I’ve done wrong.”
That got her attention. Kate peered suspiciously out from under her armpit. “What makes you think it’s you?”
“You gave your uncle a hug before he left, so it didn’t seem like you were angry at him.” Libby reviewed the night before. Kate hadn’t invited her to play games with them and it was Adrian who’d invited her to join them at dinner. “Didn’t you want me to join you at the restaurant?”
Kate clammed up and turned away.
Libby sighed. She walked over to the bed and crouched down next to it. “Kate, I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“You don’t want to help me!” There was so much hurt in Kate’s voice.
Libby flinched. “Of course I do. You’re my friend, aren’t you?”
Kate sat up suddenly, her face screwed up in anger. “You’re not here because of me. You’re just like Emily. You’re here because you like Uncle Adrian.”
Libby’s jaw dropped open at the accusation. “That’s not true.”
“I saw how you looked at him at the restaurant!”
Adrian’s smile. Libby hadn’t thought anyone had noticed her reaction. How could she explain it to Kate?
“You’re blushing! I knew it was true. You don’t like me and I hate you!”
“Wait!” Libby held up a hand to stop Kate flinging herself down on the bed again. “Can we talk about this, girl to girl? I’ll make us a couple of drinks and tell you the truth.”
Kate squinted at her as if working out if Libby was trying to trick her.
“Please,” Libby said, not sure what she would do if Kate refused to listen.
“Fine.” Kate tucked Sebastien Bear under her arm and jumped off the bed, careful not to touch Libby. She stormed past and went to sit at the dining room table.
Libby took her time making the double choc, whipped cream, marshmallow delights before taking the seat next to Kate. Kate scooted her chair further away and wrapped both hands around the mug, staring down into it.
Libby sipped her drink and began. “I asked to be your nanny for a number of reasons. The very first reason was because I like you. You are a smart, funny, cheerful girl and it’s a pleasure to spend time with you.”
Kate pouted into her mug.
“The second reason was because I really enjoy teaching you how to write a novel. Your ideas are creative and interesting.”
Kate cautiously peered up at her.
“The last reason was because it was a job that would give me time to do my own writing. The tour schedule means I can care for you and work on my novel too, which is a double bonus.”
“But what about Uncle Adrian?” Kate squinted at her with suspicion.
Libby gave her a small smile. “He was probably the main reason not to take the job.”
Kate’s mouth dropped open. “But you like him.”
She had to be careful here. “Your uncle is a very interesting man – he’s smart, kind, and seems to be doing a pretty good job of looking after you.”
“Emily thought he was cute.”
“I think he’s cute as well,” Libby confessed. “My heart does tend to flutter when he smiles.” She tapped her chest a couple of times and Kate’s lips turned up slightly at the edges. “But that’s what makes it hard. It’s no fun when you think someone is cute and they don’t feel the same way about you. So I try to ignore it, but obviously I’m not doing a very good job if your eagle eyes picked it up.” Libby smiled. “But you know what? My first priority is you, so the rest of it doesn’t matter at all.”
Kate had gone back to pouting into her mug. “I liked a boy once,” she said finally. “We were in the same class and I used to sit behind him so I could look at him.” Her face went red.
“I did that at school too,” Libby admitted.
Kate gave her a brilliant smile.
“So what happened?” Libby asked.
Kate shrugged. “He turned out to be a jerk.” She pursed her lips.
“They do sometimes.”
“But Uncle Adrian’s not a jerk.” Kate’s tone dared Libby to tell her otherwise.
“No, he’s not.” Which made it harder.
Kate turned around in her chair to face Libby properly. “So what will you do?”
That was the question. “I’ll continue to look after you, if you still want me to. Sometimes when you first meet someone and you think they’re cute, that’s all you see. Then, when you get to know them, you see past the cuteness and they become friends.”
Kate considered it. “So you actually do like me?”
Libby heard the plea behind her nonchalant tone and the I-don’t-care-if-you-don’t shrug. “Absolutely. I was really looking forward to the adventures we were going to have tonight.”
Kate grinned and then frowned. “I have to pack.”
“I know.” Libby grimaced. “We should probably do it as quickly as possible so we can get to the fun stuff. What do you think?”
Kate sighed. “All right.” She stood and walked toward her room, then stopped and turned. “I’m sorry I was mad at you.”
“I’m sorry you thought I didn’t like you.”
Kate faltered. “I don’t really hate you.” She looked down at her feet.
“People often say things they don’t mean when they’ve been hurt.” Libby stood and held out her hand. “Friends?”
Kate clutched her hand and shook it vigorously. “Friends.” She walked back to her room.
Libby closed her eyes briefly. She had to be careful. Despite Kate’s happy nature, she was fragile. Libby didn’t want to do anything that might hurt the young girl.
Quickly she pulled out her phone and sent George a text so Adrian wouldn’t worry: Kate’s cheered up, everything fine. Libby.
She had to squash any feelings she had toward Adrian.
For everyone’s sake.
***
Later, after Kate had gone to bed, Libby sat staring at her manuscript, not seeing any of the words in front of her. Adrian was bound to ask what had been wrong with Kate. The issue was she didn’t know what to tell him.
Frustrated, she pushed the problem from her mind. She wanted to finish reviewing her novel so she could spend the next three days editing. She picked up her pen and began to work.
Some time later – it could have been minutes, it could have been an hour – and she was still staring at the same page.
Damn it.
Standing up, she put the kettle on and stretched. Perhaps she’d simply say Kate thought Libby was going to be like Emily and leave it at that. If Adrian wanted further explanation, he could go to Kate, and Libby would avoid the embarrassment of admitting that a ten-year-old could see she was attracted to him.
But would it be worse, not knowing what Kate might say to Adrian?
The kettle clicked off, signaling it had boiled and Libby poured her cup of tea. She added milk and then picked up the mug, cradling it in her hands as she leaned back against the kitchen bench. She blew softly into the tea to cool it down.
She should be honest. Kate thought Libby was only caring for her because she had a crush on Adrian. Simple and to the point. Libby didn’t have to say Kate had been right.
Libby took a sip of the tea. Adrian wouldn’t ask for further details – she was sure of it.
Settling back down at the table, she put her mug within reach and picked up her pen. She had work to do.
***
A couple of hours later the door of the suite opened and closed. Libby put down her pen and rose to put the kettle on. Usually Adrian went straight to the bathroom to tak
e off Kent’s make-up and then came through for a hot drink and some food. Turning to the fridge she nearly stepped into Kent. Jerking back she put a hand to her thumping chest. “Geez.”
Kent stepped away. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. How was Kate after I left?”
Libby took a deep breath to still her racing heart. Kent always filled the space around her and it made her uncomfortable. “We had a chat and sorted things out. She was happy when she went to bed.”
He looked relieved. “What was wrong with her?”
“She was mad at me.”
Kent raised an eyebrow in question.
Libby hesitated. “She thought I was like Emily, only looking after her because I fancied you.” The blush crept insidiously across her face.
Kent’s other eyebrow rose to match the first one – an expression that was more Adrian than Kent – and Libby hurried on. “I explained I had offered because I liked spending time with her and we sorted it out.”
He stared at her for a long moment, and then his expression changed to the cocky, confident look of Kent. “You didn’t say if Kate was right.”
Libby’s jaw dropped open. Adrian never would have asked that question. She paused for a second too long before forcing out a laugh. “Go and get rid of Kent and I’ll make you a cup of tea.” She turned, busying herself with the tea bag and mug, aware he was still standing there.
After what seemed like an eternity, he turned and left the room. Libby let out a quiet groan and placed her hands over her face. She’d messed that up.
She should have denied it immediately.
She was a fool.
The only thing to do was to have her things packed and leave as soon as Adrian came out of the bathroom. She had the next three days free and by the time she saw them again, Adrian would have forgotten all about it.
She hoped.
***
Adrian stared at Kent in the mirror. What the heck had possessed him to ask that question? It was utterly ridiculous, but Libby had looked so cute blushing and avoiding his eyes that he wanted to see more of it.
He was a fool. No good could come of it at all.
But could she actually like him?
He shook his head. It didn’t matter. He wasn’t going to do anything about it. Especially if it upset Kate. He reached for the make-up remover. It was late and Libby was bound to want to leave.
But perhaps in the morning he’d ask Kate what had made her think Libby fancied him.
He groaned and turned on the shower. Stooping to ask his ten-year-old niece such a question was pathetic. He should forget it had happened at all. He still had to see Libby when he got out of the shower.
Ten minutes later he was refreshed and ready.
In the main room the table was set with a steaming cup of tea and a plate of leftovers. Libby stood with her bag over her shoulder, ready to leave.
What should he say? He had a ridiculous urge to ask her to stay and chat while he ate dinner. The idea of eating by himself suddenly seemed lonely.
“I’ve packed up everything except what’s in the fridge,” Libby said, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Kate is packed, and we left out what she’s going to wear tomorrow. We’re leaving for the airport at nine, aren’t we?”
“That’s right,” Adrian replied, noting the bags next to the table.
Libby was already walking toward the door. “I’ll see you then.”
Before Adrian could ask her to stay, she was gone.
He sighed and took his seat at the table.
It really was for the best.
***
The next morning Adrian was woken by Kate’s excited chatter as she bounded into his bedroom.
“Come on, sleepyhead. It’s time to get up.”
Adrian moaned, only half in jest, and rolled over, pulling the quilt over his head. It had taken him hours to get to sleep the night before. His head was full of Libby and the way she’d reacted to his question.
Kate laughed and jumped on the bed to shake him. “It’s already 8.30 and I’ve had breakfast and written like a gazillion words.”
That woke him up. He never slept this late. He’d forgotten to set his alarm before going to bed the night before. And he still had to pack.
“I made you breakfast.” Kate smiled down at him, obviously pleased with herself.
He sat up and picked up his T-shirt from next to the bed, pulling it on quickly. “Sounds great. Let’s go.” He threw back the quilt as Kate bounced off the bed and raced back into the main room.
The table was set with a huge bowl of cereal and a coffee. It reminded him of the meal Libby had left out the night before and the conversation they’d had before she left.
“Thanks, kiddo.” He took his seat. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yep. Just packed up my backpack and put everything by the door.”
Kate’s suitcases and the cooler sat in the hallway. “You’re way ahead of me.” He crunched into his cereal. “Glad to see you’re in a better mood today.”
Kate flung herself into a chair and looked at him, clearly deciding what she should say. “Me and Libby had a chat and sorted it all out.”
“So you weren’t mad at me?”
“Nope.”
Should he push it further? He’d like to think Kate could talk to him about anything. “Do you want to tell me about it?”
Kate pursed her lips together and then looked down at her hands. “No. It’s kind of a secret.”
“Really?” Why would Kate say that? Unless what Libby told him wasn’t true. Or unless Kate had been right and she didn’t want to spill Libby’s secret.
This was ridiculous.
He finished his cereal and Kate carried the bowl to the sink to wash. Adrian stood, drinking the last of his coffee. “I’ll just have a shower.”
“Uncle Ade?”
There was something in her voice that made Adrian stop mid-stride and turn to his niece. “Yes?”
“Do you like Libby?” Her eyes were wide. She was trying, but not succeeding, to sound casual.
What was she up to? “Of course,” he answered. “She’s a very nice person and takes good care of you.”
“Do you think she’s cute?”
Whoa. He wasn’t expecting that. His thoughts flashed back to the night before and he smiled at the memory. Kate studied him with a grin on her face. Heck. “Ah, she’s attractive, I guess.” Lame, Adrian, very lame.
Kate grinned. “Okay, thanks.” She turned back to the dishes.
Not so fast. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no reason.” She shrugged. “You should get ready or else George is gonna be madder than a cut snake.”
Unfortunately she was right. Making a note to grill her more at a later date, he headed to the bathroom. Kate giggled behind him.
She was up to something.
Chapter 9
The drive to the airport was uncomfortable. Libby couldn’t avoid Adrian, so she just gave him a brief smile and made sure Kate sat next to him. Luckily Kate was her usual chatty self, excited about going on the plane.
After they checked in, Libby spotted a bookstore and took the opportunity to excuse herself to go and browse. She’d made a real mess of it last night. She should have denied what Kate had said immediately, giving Adrian no chance to think she might like him more than she should.
Libby rolled her shoulders and focused on the books.
All four of her novels were on the shelf and a burst of pride swept through her. She had achieved this. Her hard work and persistence had made this happen.
“Excuse me, you’re Libby Myles, aren’t you?” The bookseller stood next to her.
Libby blinked in surprise. She was never recognized. She smiled. “Yes.”
“I recognized you from the TV show last week. Would you mind signing a few copies of your latest book? Customers love signed copies.”
Libby grinned. The thrill of being asked to sign one of her books hadn’t dulled, despite all
the book signings she’d done. “Sure.” She followed the woman across to the counter where a stack of her books waited. The woman handed her a pen and Libby started signing.
“Libby, we’re going to grab a coffee.”
At Adrian’s voice Libby looked up. “Be right there.”
The bookseller smiled at Adrian. “I’m sorry. It must be a pain for you, knowing someone famous like Libby. I couldn’t let the opportunity slide when I recognized her.”
Libby whipped her gaze up to Adrian, who was smiling broadly.
“It sure is, ma’am, but we deal with it the best we can.”
Libby almost choked holding in the laughter. She finished signing the books and returned the pen.
“Thank you so much,” the woman gushed.
“Anytime,” Libby said and followed Adrian, Kate and George out of the shop.
After making sure she was far enough away for the bookseller not to hear, she burst out laughing. The absurdity of the situation tickled her funny bone and she couldn’t stop. Tears formed in her eyes as she tried to control the laughter.
“What’s so funny, Libby?” Kate asked.
Libby gestured for Adrian to respond. She couldn’t form any words.
Adrian chuckled, obviously amused by her reaction. He repeated what the woman in the bookstore had said.
George and Kate laughed. “She sure put you in your place,” George said.
“I’ll have to remember I’m acquainted with a famous author now.” Adrian smiled at Libby and winked.
Libby’s laughter subsided as her breath caught in her throat. She had to stop reacting to Adrian this way.
“Come on, I need my caffeine,” George said. He turned and headed for the nearest coffee shop. Adrian looked at Libby for a second longer than necessary and then turned and followed his friend.
Libby gave herself a moment to calm her rapidly beating heart.
She was in big trouble.
***
It was her third day in Sydney and Libby was really pleased with the work she had done. This manuscript didn’t need as much rewriting as her previous one and she was already halfway through her revisions. She’d also applied for a couple more rental properties and had rung her realtor to see if he could help. He said he’d be in touch, but Libby wasn’t holding her breath. Today she needed a break and was glad she had to look after Kate.
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