Love & Chocolate: Valentine's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 4)

by Elsie Davis

  Amanda couldn’t help but fall harder for the father who put his children above all else. “Thank you for sharing that. You’re a great dad, and the love you have for the twins is obvious to everyone around you. More importantly, the girls know it. You should be proud of that. You’ve made sacrifices some people wouldn’t choose to make.”

  Kevin nodded. “Thanks. It’s not always easy, but in the end, it’s worth it. I don’t get many nights out like this. You know, the kind with adult-only conversation. Thank you for agreeing to come with me.”

  “Honestly, I was excited when you asked.”

  The startled look in Kevin’s eyes was quickly replaced by a teasing light. “I know, free meal and all, right?”

  “There is that,” she joked.

  “There is one thing I want to get out of the way, sort of the reason I asked you here in the first place. I wanted to say I’m sorry.” Kevin rubbed the back of his neck and then reached for his glass of wine.

  “Sorry for what?” They moved into the conversation she didn’t want to have judging by his tone.

  “For the kiss the other day. I know I started to apologize once already, but we were interrupted before I could explain.”

  “Explanations aren’t necessary. I think sorry pretty much covers it. And then I humiliated myself by telling you I wasn’t sorry about it. Not exactly a subject I want to talk about now.” She took a sip of her drink, hoping he’d assume the flush of her cheeks was from the wine.

  “It’s not what you think. I kissed you because I’m attracted to you—don’t ever doubt that. But I have so much going on in my life with the girls that anything between us would be impossible. I keep telling you it’s not fair to confuse them, but it’s also not fair to confuse you. Or, for that matter, to confuse me. I can’t have what other people have.” He sat back and shook his head.

  “Why not?” I know you told me you don’t date, but you’re an attractive man, and there’s no reason not to. It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “It would if you knew Victoria.”

  “I told you about Greg. Now it’s your turn to fess up and tell me about her. What’s she got to do with this now? You’re divorced.”

  “Victoria and I have an agreement. She agreed to give me full custody with the condition that I don’t date or have any relationships. As long as I stay focused on the girls, she lets me maintain full physical custody. I don’t want a long, drawn-out court battle that ends up hurting the twins.”

  Amanda couldn’t imagine anyone agreeing to such ludicrous terms. “But that’s not fair to you.”

  “Fair is that I have my girls. Victoria’s afraid someone will take her place in the twin’s lives and that she’ll lose her safety net of being able to come home if the modeling doesn’t work out. But seeing as I have no desire for the girls to be traipsing all over Paris with their mother, this is for the best.”

  “Do you still love her?” Amanda hated to ask the question but couldn’t stop herself. The idea he might still be in love with his ex would end any growing feelings she had for him. It would be the flaw she kept looking for, sure there was one. Emotionally unavailable would be a huge stop sign when it came to her feelings for Kevin.

  “No. She thinks she has a safety net. There’s a difference between thinking and having, but there’s no sense forcing her to face the reality of our situation. I’m not looking to make things worse than they already are.”

  Amanda let out of sigh of relief, although the idea his ex-wife thought she could waltz back into his life at any time didn’t sit well with her. “Victoria has no reason to be worried about anyone taking her place if she stays in their life. The title of mother belongs exclusively to her and it’s not a competition. There’s no possible way she’s going to want them with her all the time if she’s as into herself as you say. Would it be so bad if they visited her every now and then? A girl needs her mother. Even one that’s a high-flying model centered on herself.” Amanda was probably crossing unspoken lines with her questions and advice, but it was a topic she was passionate about, having lived through it with her own mother doing the exact same thing.

  Kevin shook his head. “I’m not willing to risk that you’re wrong.” Honestly, all I wanted to do tonight was to explain why I kissed you, and why it can’t mean anything. I needed to clear the air and I thought it should be done in person. You’re an amazing woman, and if I did date, it would certainly be someone like you. Someone beautiful on the inside and outside. I just can’t date, but I did want to warn you about the girls.”

  Warn. It was a strong word and one she didn’t understand, given the context of the conversation. “What about the girls?”

  “Their mother just started dating, and I think they’re getting ideas about you and me. But they don’t know about the agreement, and I don’t want them to find out.” This just kept getting better and better by the minute. He was out of his mind to agree to his ex-wife’s terms.

  “She gets to date, and you don’t? That’s a bit one-sided. And wrong.”

  “I know. I’ll admit it was hard to digest when I found out the other day. But it doesn’t change the fact that at any time she could slap me with a joint-custody suit, something I’m not prepared for.”

  “At some point, you need to talk to her. You can’t go on this way. The problem with what your doing is that by closing yourself off to dating and a future with someone, you’re not setting an example for the twins. Where will they get a role model to show them what a real relationship can be like?”

  “I don’t know. Friend’s families maybe.” He shrugged. She could feel him pulling away from her as if a brick wall had been erected.

  “You have nothing to worry about with me. I’m not looking for a relationship either.” At least she hadn’t spilled the beans and told him the truth. His reminder was exactly what she needed to put everything back in perspective. She’d been a fool to think this was an official date. Or to have been hoping for it to be one at any rate. The last thing she wanted to do was open her heart to someone and allow them the opportunity to crush it.

  “Amanda? What a surprise to see you here.” She looked up, stunned to see Greg and the same petite blonde woman he’d been with two years ago, the woman he’d married.

  Taken by surprise, Amanda had a hard time finding her voice as she jumped to her feet, knocking over a glass of water. She grabbed the glass and tried scooping up some of the ice just as Kevin took his napkin and dabbed at the water as it soaked into the tablecloth. The server ran over, prepared for a quick cleanup.

  “I’m sorry,” Amanda muttered, humiliated that Greg had seen it all happen. She wanted to crawl under a rock, or at the very least, the table.

  “Don’t worry about it, ma’am. It happens.” The server was gone as quickly as she arrived, the mess under control.

  Amanda turned back to face Greg and then glanced down to where Kevin sat watching her, a questioning gaze in his eyes.

  “Hi, Greg. Yes, I enjoy this place. I come here frequently.” Stupid thing to say, considering it wasn’t true.

  “Really? I’ve never seen you here before, and this is our favorite place. What a coincidence.” He smiled and held out his hand to Kevin. “Hi. Name’s Greg Miller, an old friend of Amanda’s. This is my wife, Helena.”

  “And this is Kevin Thompson, my boyfriend. He’s the one who insists on coming here all the time. He says it’s romantic,” she replied, the words coming out of her mouth before she could filter them. It was a stupid panicked reaction. Amanda shot Kevin a pleading glance, praying he wouldn’t out her lie.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kevin was grateful he hadn’t been eating or drinking when Amanda introduced him, or for sure, he would have choked. Boyfriend. Somehow, he managed to hold back the automatic denial, the pleading expression in her eyes and on her face enough to stop him. Greg. That was the name of her ex. The one who dumped her in this very restaurant for the woman standing next to him. The wife.

 
Things weren’t working out the way he planned tonight. It was supposed to be a simple dinner between friends to clear the air. Instead, it was fast becoming a comical nightmare.

  “Hi there. Nice to meet you.” His words were not at all a reflection of his thoughts. An urge to deck the guy for what he put Amanda through washed over Kevin, but he squashed it. He’d play along with the charade for Amanda’s sake. At least they weren’t in Hallbrook, and no one would get wind of this. It was the one saving grace to the situation.

  “I’m glad you found someone special.” Greg smiled at Amanda awkwardly.

  “Yes, she has.” Kevin reached for her hand. “She’s quite a woman, and I feel blessed to have her in my life.” Might as well go in all the way and have fun. “Any man that ever let her go must’ve been a fool.” He glanced directly at Greg, emphasizing the direct hit.

  The man coughed, a red flush washing over his face and throat. Interestingly, Amanda wore the same color. Did she still have feelings for the jerk?

  “Kevin, Greg is my ex.” Amanda grinned, putting Kevin at ease. “But he’s happily married, and everything worked out exactly as it should. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have you in my life, darling.” She was laying it on thick. The problem was, Kevin liked it. Way too much.

  Greg seemed uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken and tugged at the knot of his tie. “Yes, they did. We are expecting a baby.”

  Helena remained quietly by his side, staring at Amanda. Her eyes grew wide as a dawning recognition hit the woman.

  Kevin couldn’t resist the urge to take another shot on Amanda’s behalf. “Congratulations. We already have twins, and we’re talking about expanding our family more.” It wasn’t a lie. He was talking about expanding the family by adding a dog. Let the guy stew on that a while.

  Greg’s shocked expression was more than satisfying. “Well, um, yes. It looks as though our table is ready.”

  “Enjoy your evening. I know we will.” Kevin’s enjoyment had intensified the minute he’d joined in the charade. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done something so crazy, but it had felt so right doing it.

  Greg nodded. “Night.” He walked away with his wife following close behind.

  Kevin noticed the not-so-happy expression on the woman’s face before she turned away, leading him to believe Greg’s night wouldn’t be enjoyable at all, given his wife’s current state of mind.

  Amanda sat back down at the table. “Thanks for doing that. I’m sorry.” She had the good graces to seem apologetic.

  “How did we get from just friends to a relationship?” He was curious why Amanda had made the announcement, but he wasn’t upset. There was a level of satisfaction from putting the man in his place. He couldn’t imagine what Amanda had seen in a guy who seemed far too self-absorbed.

  “I’m sorry. I just panicked. Seeing him brought everything rushing back. I had just told you about what happened, and it came spewing out.”

  “Stop. It’s fine. And it was more than a little enjoyable, truth be told,” he said, laughing to help put her at ease.

  Amanda shook her head. “I’m glad you think so. Personally, I was freaking out.”

  Kevin glanced over to the table where the pair had sat down. He reached for Amanda’s hand, causing her to jump.

  “What are you doing? They can’t hear us.” She glanced down at their entwined hands and then back at him.

  “But they can see us. And your friend Greg is more than interested based on how many times he’s already looked this way. This is one play I intend to finish. Didn’t think much of the guy myself.”

  “Are you sure? It…um, this just seems weird. And, yes, I see that now. But hindsight being all that it is, wasn’t letting me see how things really stood with him.”

  “Let me ask you something. When I joined in and took that first shot at Greg, you seemed flustered. Much like he was. Why was that? Do you still have feelings for him?”

  “No. None. I promise.”

  “Then why the reaction?”

  Amanda stayed silent for a few seconds. “Honestly, I admired that you stood up for me. I felt special. It was stupid, I know, considering we’re friends, but the kiss…” She shrugged. “And then what you said…”

  “So, the blush was because of feelings between us and nothing to do with him?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry. We both have good reasons not to be in a relationship, but sometimes, I think about it. You’re a great guy.”

  “I appreciate the honesty. Trust me, I feel the same, and I wish things could be different. But for tonight, let’s have fun. Let’s enjoy this one night and pretend we’re in a play and that we’re madly in love with each other on a hot date. All for Greg’s benefit. He deserves it.” Kevin was about to tell her he wanted it for himself as well. It wasn’t often he would have an opportunity such as this one, but now that he had it, he was loathed to let it go.

  “I don’t know if we have to go quite that far.” Amanda frowned.

  “Loosen up and have some fun. No one knows we’re here. This will be our secret.”

  Amanda looked around, her gaze stopping at Greg’s table. She squeezed Kevin’s hand and grinned. “You’re on. I took an acting class in high school. I’m sure I can do this.” Amanda slid her place setting closer to his, switching chairs to move closer, which in turn, put her back to Greg.

  “Nice move.” Kevin brushed a lock of hair back from her face and over her shoulder. Her hair was silky to the touch, but he resisted the urge to touch it a second time.

  Amanda put her hand on his forearm and leaned in to whisper. “What are you going to have for dinner tonight?” Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him and batted her eyelashes.

  “Why don’t we order an appetizer, something along the lines of oysters, I’ve heard they’re an aphrodisiac. Maybe for later,” Kevin teased. Two could play the acting game.

  Amanda’s flushed face and shocked expression made it worthwhile. A man could get used to watching the emotions play out on her face.

  “I-I—,” she stuttered, her mouth dropping open as if at a loss for what to say.

  “I’ll take that as a yes. And maybe we should order a bottle of champagne to celebrate, considering we’re talking about expanding our family and all.” He added, making sure she knew it was all about playacting and having fun.

  Amanda nodded her head in agreement and grinned. “Not to mention, I have twins apparently. You went all-in with that one.” With raised eyebrows and dimpled cheeks, she joined in the charade whole-heartedly.

  “I couldn’t resist. The guy irritated me.”

  The server arrived to take their order and then left, giving them a chance to talk about whatever came to mind. Likes. Dislikes. Life. The new bond between them had managed to remove any earlier awkwardness, and they laughed and teased as though they’d known each other for years.

  The oysters arrived. Amanda took one glance and shook her head. “No way.”

  Kevin carefully pried one from the shell on a fork and held it out to her. Her lips remained tightly pursed. “Come on, just try. If you hate it, you can use a napkin and discreetly get rid of it. That’s how I get the twins to try new things,” he said, grinning.

  Amanda made several moves to open her mouth, closing it just as quickly as she tried to get up the nerve.

  “Open wide, and let it slide,” he teased, bringing it closer to her mouth.

  Amanda scrunched up her face and leaned forward, opening her mouth to let him feed her the oyster. She immediately grabbed the napkin, her eyes wide with disgust. Much to his surprise she swallowed, grabbing water to chase the oyster, her shoulders shaking in revulsion as she wiped her lips with the napkin.

  “Raw is not my thing. Never again.” She took another drink of water and ate a piece of bread.

  “I’m proud of you for trying. I’ll send the slippery suckers back and have them cooked.”

  “No. Don’t do that on my behalf. You’re more than wel
come to eat them all.”

  “After watching you, you’ve got to be kidding. I’m not trying one.”

  “Trying? You’ve never had them before?” Amanda looked shocked, and not altogether happy about his admission.

  “Nope, and I don’t intend to now.”

  Amanda swatted his arm playfully. “You brat.” She shook her head and leaned in closer, picking up one of the oysters with her fork. “Eat.” She picked up a napkin and then held the oyster out to him. “Go ahead. Here’s a napkin if you need it, wise guy.” It was her turn to have fun at his expense.

  He glanced at the slimy looking grayish ball. “No chance you’re letting me out of this one, is there?”

  “Nope. Open wide and let it slide,” she tossed his words back at him.

  Kevin opened his mouth and let her feed him, following his own directions and swallowing it whole. Amanda’s reaction was spot on, but he forced himself not to grimace in disgust. “Now I know for sure they aren’t my thing either. Happy?”

  “Yes, turnabout was only fair. Shall we move on to dinner and our salads and skip the appetizer?”

  “Good idea.” Kevin signaled the server and had the oysters removed.

  Between friendly banter and an occasional touch to emphasize the relationship was more than friends for the benefit of Greg and his wife, Kevin was finding it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. The fiction version was far more fun. The connection he felt with Amanda came naturally, unlike the younger version of himself who’d chased after the popular socialite in college, convincing himself it was love and not lust. He couldn’t have been more wrong where Victoria was concerned, where as this, with Amanda, was feeling all too right.

  Kevin paid the bill, and they got up to leave.

  “Thank you. It was a lovely meal,” Amanda said, reaching for his arms and smiling up at him.

  Kevin leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Just in case Greg’s watching,” he whispered in her ear.

  “I see. Thanks for reminding me. Wouldn’t want to start getting any fanciful notions that you’d fallen in love with me magically over dinner,” she joked.