Perfect Partners

by Carly Phillips

  Her words propelled Chelsie into motion. She pivoted on her heels, intending to hightail it back to her car. She could be safely ensconced in her office by eight. Work still needed to be done. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Wasn’t there a saying like that?

  She had taken one step when Mrs. Baxter called a halt to her cowardly retreat. “Alix, someone special’s here to see you.”

  Chelsie had nowhere to run or hide. Reluctantly, she turned back again.

  “She doesn’t let that book you brought her out of her sight,” the woman said, a kind smile etching her features.

  “Oh.” Chelsie’s legs felt wobbly. She’d passed the point where she could exit gracefully. Drawing a deep breath, she followed Mrs. Baxter into the kitchen. She only hoped Griff’s mood was brighter than her own.

  “I said eat it, don’t throw it.”

  Chelsie stopped in the doorway and stared in disbelief as Griff wiped mashed potatoes off his face and shirt collar.

  “Let’s try this again, squirt.” He scooped up another spoonful and attempted to feed Alix, who grabbed his hand mid-air, frustrating his efforts. “I’m warning you. The next time the food misses your stomach, it goes in the garbage.”

  Chelsie knew, just as Griff probably did, that reasoning with a two year old was as futile as reasoning with a stubborn client. Still, watching him attempt just that with more patience than she would have believed he possessed, endeared him to her at once. The bachelor with the carefree reputation had managed to surprise and impress her yet again.

  The spoonful reached the little girl’s mouth, but instead of swallowing, Alix grinned and squirted the food back through her lips. Griff groaned, tossing a towel on the high chair in a gesture of defeat. “I give up. If you’re pulling these stunts, you can’t be hungry.”

  Chelsie suppressed the urge to laugh at the way the child had manipulated the man.

  “Mrs. Baxter.” He didn’t call quietly, he bellowed.

  “Right here, Mr. Stuart.” He whirled around at the sound of the older woman’s soft-spoken voice.

  “Sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “I know. You were otherwise engaged.”

  “Would you mind cleaning her up while I work on myself?”

  Nothing short of a shower would help, Chelsie thought. Without warning, images of a strong body and rivulets of water dripping over naked skin invaded her mind. She tried unsuccessfully to push aside the sensual images she’d evoked.

  Though he still wore trousers from his day at work, he’d stripped to his T-shirt, giving Chelsie a glimpse of his muscles that flexed with each movement. She remembered the feel of those hard muscles beneath her fingertips. She had a hard time tearing her gaze from the sight and wished he hadn’t chosen to save his shirt and tie from the little girl’s perfect aim.

  “I’d like to see her eat more,” Mrs. Baxter said. Griff nodded in agreement.

  Nothing could have distracted Chelsie faster than the chaos before her. She focused on her niece, who was no more cooperative with her baby-sitter than she’d been with her uncle.

  The little girl’s lips remained tightly closed. Mrs. Baxter and Griff exchanged frustrated looks. Because of Alix, the older woman had forgotten Chelsie’s presence. She stood in the entryway and enjoyed the show. She hadn’t wanted to call attention to herself any sooner than necessary, but the residents of this house obviously needed help. This adorable but feisty child knew which buttons to push on each adult to get her way.

  “Maybe I could give it a try,” Chelsie said.

  “How did you get in?” Griff turned around as he spoke.

  “Well, good evening to you, too.” Undaunted, she walked over to where Alix sat, rubbing the potatoes and whatever else had been made for dinner into her high-chair tray.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot. Mr. Stuart, Miss Russell is here to see you and Alix.”

  “I realize that now.” Griff smiled at the older woman, putting her at ease. “Why don’t you call it a day?” He spoke to Mrs. Baxter, but looked at Chelsie. “Miss Russell and I can take things from here. Can’t we?”

  His direct gaze unnerved her. Alix’s antics had distracted her from the purpose of this visit, but Griff brought her smack into reality. The man had a way of doing that to her in more ways than one.

  Mrs. Baxter hesitated. “If you’re sure.”

  “We’re sure,” they answered in unison. Chelsie didn’t want an audience for round three with Griffin Stuart.

  After kissing Alix good night, the older woman headed for her room.

  “Let’s see what you’ve got.” He handed Chelsie a sticky bowl and gestured to the child in the high chair.

  She accepted the challenge in silence. As the evening wore on, Chelsie not only coaxed Alix to finish her meal, but got her to behave in the bath. A silent agreement had been reached. All that remained was for them to work out the details. Regardless of the specifics, however, she intended to draw an imaginary boundary, one she wouldn’t cross no matter what the circumstances.

  This seemed like a good place to start. She stood in the doorway to Alix’s bedroom. Under the glow of a small Elsa and Ana night-light, Chelsie made out Griff’s large form leaning over the little girl’s crib. Though lost in shadows, his movements were brisk, sure, and gentle.

  Without warning, he glanced over his shoulder, meeting her gaze. Locked in an understanding they themselves had created, Chelsie found herself unable to look away. The currents in the air changed suddenly. A frisson of awareness invaded her body, and she turned away in shock and embarrassment. When she’d centered herself, she turned back, but Griff’s attention had refocused on Alix. Having such a heated reaction to his glance, Chelsie couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be the sole focus of his gentle attention. A longing so strong, it threatened to choke her.

  “Say good night to Chelsie.” Griff’s deep voice penetrated her need.

  The little girl mumbled something unintelligible and Griff tucked her in. Chelsie laughed, but tears blurred her vision as she watched from a safe distance. She refused the urge to aid in the nightly ritual of placing Alix in her crib, covering her with an old blanket, ruffling her dark curls, and kissing her good night. Motherly gestures invoked motherly feelings. If she helped, she would be lost—lost in a past she couldn’t change, and a future she would never have.

  Chelsie drew a steadying breath. Talcum powder, shampoo, and other baby smells permeated the air. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off a sudden shiver. An empty and fruitless gesture, since the chill came from deep inside her heart.

  Griff walked to where Chelsie stood. He placed a hand on the small of her back. She knew he only meant to lead her out of the room. But his touch set off hundreds of tiny explosions in body parts she’d long forgotten existed… and in parts she’d never been aware of before.

  What was happening here? They’d begun as adversaries and were now unwilling allies. She wondered if they’d ever get past the uneasy distrust that plagued their relationship. Perhaps it was best they never did. Friendly adversaries might be all she could hope for. At least, then, she’d stand a chance of keeping her heart intact.

  FOUR

  “Sorry to have kept you waiting.”

  Chelsie turned, startled at the sound of Griff’s deep voice. He’d excused himself to clean up and she’d retreated to the living room. She’d gotten lost in a file she was reading on her iPad. No sense in wasting valuable free time, and what better way to tamp down unwanted emotions than by burying herself in work?

  She closed the tablet and placed it on the cushion beside her. “Not a problem. How could I begrudge a dirty man a shower?”

  “Feeding Alix is an experience,” he said, laughing.

  Laughing? In the time since the hearing, Chelsie couldn’t recall Griff treating her to a simple smile.

  He ran his fingers through still damp hair as he entered the room, coming up beside her. She’d always thought him goo
d looking, despite his brooding intensity. Now a relaxed grin transformed him into a different man. A small scar near his left eye crinkled when he smiled. Deep grooves surrounded dimples she’d never realized he possessed. She assumed that the last month or so of grief and sleepless nights had taken its toll, but instead of aging him, the lines gave his face character. The effect was devastating.

  She sucked in a deep breath and prayed for the strength to survive the coming months. “Yes, well, mealtime might be easier if you asserted some authority instead of allowing Alix to manipulate you.” She tempered the lecture with a smile and a laugh of her own. After all, she’d done her own share of allowing the little girl to have her way. Looking at that lopsided grin and mop of curls, Chelsie could almost see her sister. She lost her heart every time.

  “Manipulate? I don’t”—he shook his head—“yes, I do. But I pay for it, believe me. My clothes were covered with food.”

  She chuckled. “Might be easier, not to mention cleaner, to feed her with nothing on.” A flush heated her cheeks and she rolled her eyes in embarrassment. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

  “Neither can I, but I’ll take it under advisement.”

  Having already let her mind wander in that direction, visions of him naked came much faster this time. She was certain he’d be magnificent in the nude, and just as certain she had no intention of finding out.

  These wayward thoughts didn’t bode well for her handling of their time together. She needed to gain some control of herself. “Sorry. I tend to speak my mind.” She shrugged, determined to forge ahead, regardless of her big mouth.

  “I noticed.” He smiled again. “Mind if I join you?” He gestured to the beige couch and nodded, sliding her tablet onto the stone cocktail table before her.

  “What made you change your mind?” His penetrating gaze assessed her, and she struggled not to fidget under his scrutiny. After all, she’d set herself up for this and had to see it through.

  “You didn’t just drop in for the hell of it?” he asked, suddenly wary.

  “No, but we do have to work out the details and you’ve just pinpointed one major flaw.”

  “What?”

  “Your blatant and undisguised distrust of everything I do or say.” She sighed and leaned on an armrest. “Look, I’m not asking for your complete faith. After that hearing, I understand your position. But this is your idea, so you must think I have some positive qualities or you wouldn’t want me around Alix. Am I right so far?”

  “So far you’re on your way to one hell of an opening argument, counselor. Go on.”

  “All I’m asking is that you reserve judgment. Let my actions speak for themselves without your coloring them with preconceived notions that may or may not be correct.” Chelsie grinned. “And for the record, they probably aren’t.”

  “We’ll see.” His lips twitched as he tried to suppress a laugh, letting her know she’d made progress.

  “Good. So for the duration, no more jumping to negative conclusions and unwarranted assumptions. Agreed?” she asked.

  “Agreed. What else?”

  “Watch it, counselor. I might begin to think you’re easy.”

  His eyes focused on her lips. “As I said, we’ll see.”

  Flustered by his double meaning and wanting what she could not let herself have, she rushed on. “I’ll give you all my free time.” It was the best she could offer and up to Griff whether or not her offer was enough.

  * * *

  Griff smiled, pleased he’d made progress. “And we appreciate it.”

  “Unfortunately, when you look at my days, that isn’t saying much. There are a lot of times I won’t be available.”

  Her words brought forth a well of disappointment so strong, Griff was blindsided. “Those are the obligations you spoke of earlier?” She hadn’t outright denied they were social in nature and she guessed that Griff couldn’t help wondering about the extent of her involvement with other men.

  “Yes.”

  “Whatever you can arrange with your schedule, I’d… we’d appreciate it. You’ve already seen what a difference you make.”

  “In the end, you might find that it’s just coincidence.”

  He studied her intently. “I don’t think so.”

  “I think you overestimate my capabilities, Griff. Alix reacted to an aunt she knows, but not as well as she knows you. I pay attention to her and she performs for me. Give her a chance and she’ll be testing me just as much as she tests you.”

  “You seem very knowledgeable about children. Sure you haven’t got one or two stashed away that no one knows about?”

  Heavy silence descended upon him like fog. The flash of pain that crossed her features could only be described as grief. He should know. The first week after his brother’s death, he steadfastly avoided the bathroom mirror. He hadn’t bothered to shave until Ryan made a poor joke about his appearance frightening Alix.

  Griff glanced again at Chelsie. With her arms wrapped around her body, she reminded him of a lost child. He was struck by the urge to enfold her in his arms and chase away her unknown demons. Based on their previous encounters, he doubted she’d let him near. And, he reminded himself, he shouldn’t want to try.

  She sucked in a shaky breath and plastered a fake smile on her face. Her valiant effort to compose herself pierced his heart. His intended joke had obviously hit a very tender nerve.

  “No children in the closet,” she said, the joke obviously forced. “Just some family skeletons.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He was happy to give her a new subject to focus on. “Now, what type of schedule did you have in mind?”

  “I could come by for supper sometime. That is, if the offer’s still open.”

  “It is. What about your caseload?”

  “I’ll take one day at a time. If things become unmanageable…”

  “Let me know. We’ll work something out. You’re referring more cases than you’d like and I’m building a practice. I think we could help each other.”

  She cocked her head to one side. “Really? You aren’t even sure you like me.”

  If you only knew. No matter how strong his initial distrust, he sensed there was much more to Chelsie Russell than he’d seen so far. His body certainly wanted to know her better, and their time together would be a trial in the truest sense of the word.

  Being close to Chelsie, and not allowing desire to flare between them, wouldn’t be easy. If he were smart, he’d make sure they spent only necessary time together, the hours needed for Alix’s well being and nothing more.

  So why had he even mentioned a business arrangement? Why push for more than she wanted to give? Not a smart move, he silently cautioned. Especially because where she was concerned, he had no intention of giving in return.

  “Don’t rush into anything you’ll regret,” she cautioned, echoing his silent sentiments. “It’s one thing to have me around for an hour or so a day. Working together is a whole different story. This arrangement is meant to help Alix. It’s temporary. Which brings me to my next point.”

  “Anyone ever tell you you’re long winded?”

  She grinned. “Every judge in family court.”

  “I thought so.”

  “Those obligations I mentioned keep me busy two nights a week and some weekends. And they aren’t something I can or will skip lightly.” She paused, obviously deliberating how much to tell him. “It’s just … I volunteer at a women’s shelter downtown.”

  Relief overwhelmed him, even though what she did with her free time was none of his concern. But he wondered at her initial reticence to discuss the subject. Helping others was nothing to be ashamed of, and it enabled him to rethink his opinion of her selfish nature, something he wasn’t yet comfortable doing.

  He cleared his throat. “I have no intention of interfering with your life. I appreciate the help, however much or little you can give. Your tour of duty will be over before you know it,” he said, forcing a laugh.

/>   She didn’t laugh with him, testament to how difficult this entire situation had become for both of them.

  “Before we make this definite, think about what you’re asking,” she said. “What happens when you decide Alix is doing well enough that you can throw me out of her life again?” she asked.

  He winced at the blunt way she’d phrased her thoughts. Had he been that callous with her? Of course he had. “You’re her aunt. Why don’t we take things one day at a time, as you said?”

  Chelsie shook her head. “She’s a child. One who’s lost both parents,” she said gently. “You can’t toss people in and out of her life and expect her to adjust.”

  Again he’d underestimated her. When Chelsie cared, she clearly cared deeply. No one had ever focused that sort of emotional attention on him, and Griff had little time or understanding for deep-seated affection. Ryan’s constant friendship and, until recently, Griff’s relationship with his brother’s family were the only exceptions. Thanks to his guardianship of Alix, he’d been thrown into the fire, but it was impossible not to give back to a little girl who gave everything and needed even more. But children were different, unjaded—until they grew up and learned to manipulate.

  But here was Chelsie, fighting for her sister’s child, showing love Griff hadn’t even known she had in her. Glancing over, he wondered how it would feel to be the recipient of such unconditional love. Wonder all you want, buddy. You’ll never know. He’d been trampled on twice. Only a fool set himself up for a third time.

  Still, he admired Chelsie’s foresight. He had only thought as far as bringing her into their lives, not edging her out. For some reason, he didn’t want to dwell on the end of a relationship they hadn’t even begun. “We’ll work things out,” he heard himself say. He had no idea how.

  She leaned forward, gesturing with her hands as she spoke. “People aren’t made of stone, counselor. They can’t suffer loss upon loss and be expected to cope. You can’t dictate how they live their lives.” She sat back against the couch and crossed her arms over her chest, the defensive position just daring him to argue.