by Jayci Lee
At that moment, Natalie glanced over her shoulder at him, her amber eyes wide and beguiling. He had to kiss her—to taste those sinful crimson lips. Garrett dipped his head to do just that when Camilia’s voice jolted him back to the present.
“Natalie is such a charming young lady, Garrett. And I’m so excited we share a common passion,” said Camilia. “Tennis!”
“Tennis?” He smiled vaguely and arched an eyebrow at his wife. Their faces were mere inches apart and he couldn’t bear to pull away from her.
“Yes. Well...” She tensed against him and her eyes grew wide and plaintive. “I’m better at talking about the sport than playing it. Camilia is much more active in the game than I am.”
“I’m not the one who played on the varsity team.” The older woman wagged a finger at Natalie.
“In high school.”
Undeterred, Camilia clapped her hands in front of her chest. “I have a wonderful idea. Sebastian was invited to Hansol’s retreat next month. We just have to play doubles.”
“I haven’t held a racquet in a decade,” Garrett said. “It wouldn’t be fair for us to go up against pros like you and Sebastian.”
“Nonsense.” Sebastian waved aside his objections. “It’ll be a friendly game. Nothing brings people closer than enjoying a sport together.”
“How could we refuse if you put it that way?” Natalie said before he could think of a judicious refusal. He narrowed his eyes at her too-innocent air.
“You can’t unless you want to break an old man’s heart.”
“Sebastian, I would never do that in a million years,” Natalie said, her eyes twinkling. “You have yourselves a doubles match.”
Garrett felt a stunned grin spread across his face. His wife had hustled the Diazes into a tennis match.
Nine
“Garrett... Garrett!”
What the hell? Garrett ran down the stairs, bolting over the last half flight to reach Natalie. She was standing in the middle of their kitchen, pale as virgin snow.
“Are you hurt? What’s going on?” He grabbed her by the shoulders and scanned her from head to toe for injuries.
“Norma is going to blacklist me after tonight. I’m sure of it. And it’s all my fault.” Her voice broke on the last word and tears filled her amber eyes.
Satisfied that she wasn’t physically hurt, Garrett shoved his hand through his hair and swallowed a frustrated growl. Norma Rice, Sophie’s social worker, was coming over for dinner tonight, and Natalie had been a nervous wreck all day.
“Breathe, Natalie. Whatever happened, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“I burned the main course. She’s coming for dinner but all she’s going to get is a salad.”
“Didn’t you say you were making shrimp scampi? How do you burn...?” Garrett coughed to cover his laugh. “I mean, I’m sure it’s fine. A little char adds flavor.”
She slammed the pan on the counter and Garrett winced. The contents of the pan were burned beyond recognition. They wouldn’t even be able to salvage the pan, much less their dinner.
Natalie would’ve been the first one to laugh at herself under normal circumstances. Not tonight. She was wound so tight, Garrett was afraid she’d snap before the social worker got there. With a sigh, he unbuttoned the sleeves of his shirt and rolled them above his elbows.
“What are you doing?” Her eyes widened as she watched him.
“Helping.”
Opening the fridge, he checked its contents. Garlic, parsley, lemon and white wine. She’d only bought ingredients called for by the shrimp-scampi recipe, but now the shrimp was history.
“I can manage,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “I know you have work to do before Norma gets here.”
“You also yelled bloody murder, calling me down here. I’m cooking and you’re demoted to being my assistant.”
“You can cook?” Her stubborn refusal to accept help gave way to a hopeful lift of her voice.
“Like angels can sing.” He shot her a wide grin before laying out the ingredients on the counter and setting a big pot of water to boil. “We’ll have spaghetti aglio e olio. Do we have crushed pepper flakes?”
“Crushed pepper?” Despite her protest seconds ago, Natalie smiled, unable to hide her relief. “Let me check.”
“And the salad, did you already make it?”
“Make the salad?” She snorted. “Even I can dump out a salad kit and squeeze dressing over it.”
“You bought a salad kit?” He grimaced. “Get out a lemon and grate off some lemon rind. We’ll try to salvage the salad the best we can.”
He chopped a handful of garlic cloves and the Italian parsley. When the olive oil was warm in the pan, he added the garlic, then turned off the heat after two minutes. The simple pasta needed to be served immediately after it was prepared.
Natalie had gained some color back in her cheeks and seemed calmer after having a task to focus on. She had grated the skin off a dozen lemons but Garrett let her carry on.
“Are we serving dessert?” he asked.
“What? You bake, too?” Her expression was an amalgam of admiration and envy.
“Hell, no. I don’t do measuring cups or tiny spoons.”
“Okay.” Natalie’s smile was small but genuine. She had her panic under control. “Then we’ll just go with the ice cream and berries I bought.”
Garrett was suddenly struck by the domesticity of the moment—the two of them making dinner together, waiting for their guest. The odd twist in his heart was accompanied by a jab of fear. Before he could analyze his feelings, Sophie cooed through the baby monitor.
“Sophie’s up,” he said. Their attorney was a skilled negotiator, and the Davises agreed to allow the baby to spend two days a week with him and Natalie soon after their wedding. “I’ll get her ready.”
“Would you?” Natalie pressed a shy kiss on his cheek. “Thank you so much. Her outfit’s on the nursing chair.”
“No problem.” His voice was gruff as he fought the urge to pull Natalie into his arms.
When Garrett reached the nursery, Sophie stood waiting, holding on to the railing of her crib like a prisoner doing time behind bars. But her chubby face split into a huge grin when she spotted him.
“Gah-gah!” He wasn’t too thrilled about sharing the famous singer’s name, but he was getting used to being called Gah-gah. With that sweet smile, anything she said was fine by him.
“Hello, sweetheart.” Garrett lifted her out of the crib and over his head until the sound of her giggles filled his heart. “We’re counting on you to charm Ms. Rice tonight. You can handle her, right?”
“Gah-gah.”
“Okay.” He took that as a yes and stared at the pink dress set out for her. “You’re going to have to help me here. Does this ruffly thing go on your head or your bottom?”
Sophie tried to stuff it in her mouth, where it definitely didn’t belong. He contemplated shouting for Natalie but he refused to admit he was an idiot who didn’t know how to put a dress on a tot.
By the time they came back downstairs, Natalie had set the table with a centerpiece of trimmed daisies and a yellow table cover he’d never seen. It looked warm and charming, like someplace a real family would eat. It filled Garrett with a yearning he thought was dead. No. None of this is real. It was an illusion that a soft breeze could extinguish. Something that would end in less than a year.
But all thoughts fled when a glowing smile lit Natalie’s face, and a thread of inevitability tugged him toward her. She leaned in and kissed the baby, and he wrapped his free arm around her waist. When her startled eyes met his, Garrett slowly lowered his head to kiss her, and she rose onto her tiptoes to meet him halfway.
Before their lips could meet, the elevator buzzer rang to announce the arrival of their guest. With a gasp, Natalie took a step back th
en another, and he stalked her, step by step, until he caught himself. He ran his fingers through his hair as the clacking of his wife’s shoes rang down the hallway. After a deep breath, he joined her to welcome their guest.
“Norma, I’m so happy you could make it,” Natalie said, her nervousness so subtle that he could barely detect it.
“I’m Garrett Song. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He shifted Sophie into his other arm, and extended his hand with a broad smile. “My wife has told me so much about you and how hard you’re working on behalf of Sophie.”
“Oh, well...” The social worker’s round, ruddy face turned blotchy with a fierce blush. “It is all about the little ones. I just do the best I can for them.”
“Of course, and I thank you for it.” He nuzzled the little girl’s soft cheeks and enlisted her charms. “Sophie, say hi to Ms. Rice.”
“Puuuu,” she said, not skimping on the spittle. Natalie’s eyes widened in alarm when Norma harrumphed and proceeded to dry her face with a lacy handkerchief.
“Well, then.” He cleared his throat. “Would you like a glass of wine, Norma?”
He led them into the dining room and settled Sophie in her high chair. Then he poured two generous glasses, offering one to the social worker and the other to his wife. Natalie gazed longingly at the crisp, chilled chardonnay, but she hesitated. He sighed and thrust the glass into her hand.
“I’m the designated parent tonight, so no wine for me,” he said. “Sophie’s a good sleeper but she’s teething right now, so she might wake up at night.”
Norma nodded enthusiastically, making some of her wine slosh over the rim of her glass. Garrett caught Natalie’s eye and winked, and his wife mouthed, thank you. As she breathed in the crisp, chilled chardonnay and smiled, warming the entire room with her light, he stared at her, slack jawed.
Hell.
“I’ll bring out the salad,” he said in a rush.
When the kitchen door swung shut, Garrett ran cold water in the sink and splashed some on his face. His body hadn’t stopped burning since the gala. Every time he reined in his desire, her scent would waft past him or her smile would capture his attention, and he had to start all over. He breathed deeply through his nose until he had his body under control. Natalie had been amazing at the gala even though he’d abandoned her like a jerk. The least he could do was win over the social worker.
He served the first course, with cubes of tofu for the baby, and refilled the wineglasses. There was a lull in the conversation as the adults watched Sophie smash some tofu in her fists before transferring it to her mouth. She beamed proudly even though most of it ended up on her face.
“When did she start finger foods?” asked Norma.
“A few weeks ago,” Natalie said, cleaning Sophie’s face and hands with a baby wipe.
“She certainly is an enthusiastic eater.” The social worker smiled fondly at the baby. Garrett caught Natalie’s eyes and laughed at the understatement, while Sophie stuffed more tofu into her mouth.
Once the adults were finished with their salad, he cleared off the plates, waving aside Natalie’s offer to help.
“I just need to toss together the pasta with the sauce. Keep Norma company.” He dropped a kiss on the top of Natalie’s head and heard Norma sigh from across the table. “Honey, is Sophie having her star pasta tonight?”
“Mmm-hmm.” She hid her smile on the rim of her wineglass.
“We still have your homemade marinara sauce for the baby in the freezer, right?”
Natalie choked on the chardonnay but pulled herself together. “Right.”
“I still rely on Natalie for most of the parenting duties,” he said with a rueful look aimed at Norma. “I’m completely dumbfounded and humbled by what an amazing mom she is.”
Garrett was laying on the loving husband act a bit thick, but Norma seemed to be gobbling it up. And he found himself enjoying his role for the night.
He brought out the main course and they all dug in to the meal.
“Everything is so delicious.” Norma dabbed her mouth with the cloth napkin. “This pasta looks simple but it’s so flavorful.”
“Thank you. We’re so glad you like it,” Natalie said.
“Yes, my wife is a fantastic cook.” I wonder if I went too far with that one. Natalie stared at him like he was crazy, and he decided he’d done just fine.
“Darling, would you help me put these dishes away before I bring out the dessert?” Her eyes shot daggers at him and she jerked her head for him to follow.
“Of course, my love.”
The kitchen door shut behind them and she rounded on him. “What are you doing?”
“Helping you win custody of Sophie,” he said mildly, fighting back a smile.
“I really appreciate your help—I do—but do you have to ham it up so much? She’s going to see right through us.”
“Did you see the woman’s face? We have her completely charmed.”
“You mean you have her charmed.” Natalie sighed, inexplicable sadness flitting across her face.
“What’s wrong?” He frowned, bewildered by her sudden mood change.
“Nothing’s wrong. The day must be catching up with me.” She gathered the ice cream and berries on a platter. “Let’s go back out before Norma wonders where her dessert is.”
Once dessert and coffee were served, Natalie lifted her drowsy daughter from her high chair. “Norma, would you excuse me while I put Sophie down?”
“Of course,” said Norma, smiling from ear to ear. “Please, don’t rush on my account.”
“Don’t worry, honey. I won’t let our guest become bored,” Garrett said and earned himself a warning glance from his wife.
“So, Garrett,” Norma said, her voice suddenly firm, after Natalie left the room with the baby.
His gaze shot back to the social worker. He’d been staring after the swing of Natalie’s hips, and he had to clear his throat before answering. “Yes, Norma. Could I offer you anything else?”
“No, I couldn’t eat another bite,” she said. “I have a couple of questions for you.”
His shoulders tensed. Had she saved the hardest part for last? Without Natalie there, she could easily catch him in a lie when it came to Sophie. “Go right ahead.”
“You must be very busy with work. Are you gone from home often?” Norma’s gaze became laser sharp and she leaned in for his answer.
Garrett had to improvise fast. “I do work long hours, but I try to be home for dinner at least twice a week. I can’t avoid business trips but delegate when I can.”
“Don’t you think it’ll be hard for Natalie to bear the brunt of the child rearing?”
“My father and sister adore little Sophie, and will help out often while we’re in LA. Once the adoption is finalized and Natalie’s ready to transition to New York, the Davises will want to spend as much time as possible with their granddaughter. If we get custody, that is.”
Norma stared at him with narrowed eyes. A lesser man would’ve broken out in a cold sweat, but Garrett held her gaze with the most congenial expression he could muster. Does the woman even blink?
“How about the rest of the time? Both of you will be working.”
“Natalie is leaning toward a Montessori nursery. Sophie is impatient to learn how to do things on her own, and a Montessori program would foster her independent spirit.” Garrett paused to study the social worker’s reaction. She wore an unfaltering poker face so he decided to hedge his bets. “However, I feel a bit overprotective, and would like to hire a nanny for the baby until she’s around two. We’re still figuring things out.”
“Will you be moving to New York at the end of the year as well? Or will you be a weekend dad?”
“I’m absolutely moving to New York with my family.” It was a bald-faced lie but a part of him was thrilled by t
he idea.
This isn’t real, Song.
“Hmm,” she said, releasing him from her scrutiny. He had no idea if he’d passed or failed the test.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Natalie hurried down the stairs, the front of her blouse wet and crumpled. “Sophie decided I needed a bath, too.”
“You’re doing a wonderful job with her.” Norma smiled and patted his wife’s shoulder. “I hope you and your family are happy together. You deserve it after everything you and that sweet child have gone through.”
“Thank you.” The corners of Natalie’s answering smile wobbled. “That means a lot.”
“Well, then. It’s time for me to head home to my family,” Norma said, rising from the table.
“It was a pleasure having you over,” Garrett said as he and Natalie led Norma down the corridor.
Natalie fidgeted beside him as they made small talk waiting for the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, her excitement burst free.
“Did you hear her?” She jumped up and down with her hands clasped in front of her chest. “She called us a family.”
Her amber eyes sparkled in her flushed face and happiness radiated from her. Garrett stared at the beautiful woman in front of him with overwhelming pride, and a familiar grip of possessiveness strummed through his veins. Steeped in her joy and relief, Natalie didn’t seem to notice anything odd about his silent appraisal. Then, with a suddenness that surprised an “oof” out of him, she threw herself at him, winding her arms tightly around his neck. His arms instinctively wrapped around her as he chuckled into the wild tumble of her curls.
“Easy, there.”
“Garrett, I...” Her words were muffled against his chest so he leaned back, loosening her death grip from his neck. He sought her eyes but she lowered her thick lashes with endearing shyness. “Thank you for tonight. You were wonderful.”
“It was nothing.” Her genuine gratitude felt undeserved. Considering what was at stake, Garrett only wished he could’ve done more. Even so... “Wonderful, huh?”
“Don’t let it go to your head.” Her attempt at a stern expression failed miserably. “But, yeah. You kind of were.”
