Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(27)

This new opportunity for a friendship scared the living crap out of me. Of all the women in the world, I'd never understand why Chad wanted me. A part of me didn't even care. I yearned for a connection, because the last two years of being alone had taken a toll on me. Now with Charles being gone, I was afraid my depression would become something I couldn't control with daily exercise and an extra dose of vitamins. I'd need more; and I wouldn’t allow myself to go through with it.

As I drove us in the direction of the mansion, I wondered if I was making a huge mistake. It was only a matter of time before I found out if we could be friends, or if our past was too significant to start over as if nothing happened between us.

My mind kept going back to when I’d first laid eyes on him again. He’d changed, but in all the right places. The little bit of silver in the sides of his hair made him look distinguished, and I’d almost forgotten how muscular his stocky figure had been. His smile, like a beacon to the soul, was hard to look away from, and his lips would be a constant reminder of where they’d been, and how they’d made me feel.

When I pulled down the long driveway I knew exactly what I was risking. “Are you sure your wife isn’t lingering around in the bushes ready to pounce?”

His chuckle was low, “She’s gone, Rach. And even if she wasn’t, you’d still be coming to dinner. She lost her say in what I do and who I associate with.”

“I took a karate class last year. I think I could handle a psycho woman if I needed to.”

“Now that I’d like to watch, at least for a little while, though Veronica wouldn’t be caught dead fighting with anyone. It would risk the messing up of her hair and makeup. She’s unrecognizable without her face on.”

I shoved him. “That’s horrible. You married her.”

“I’ll tell you about it later. Right now I’m too hungry to lose my appetite over admitting how stupid I’ve been. Baby steps, Rach.”

“I still hate it when you call me that.”

“Only because it reminds you of all the things I’m able to do to you.”

I didn’t reply. He’d only continue to egg me on, and I’d fall victim to his charm. I was determined to leave the mansion in one piece.

As soon as the car came to a halt, I spotted a little girl come running out of the front door. “Daddy,” she called.

He climbed out and scooped her up into his arms. “Hey. I told you I’d be back.”

She pointed to me. “I know that lady. She was at the church.”

“Yeah, she was. Her name is Rachel. Can you say hello?”

“I’m Harper,” she told me.

“I know. You sure are pretty.”

She hid her face against her father’s chest like I’d embarrassed her.

“It’s getting chilly. Let’s get you girls inside.”

When we entered the home the first thing I noticed was a delicious fragrance resonating from the kitchen. Chad looked back to make sure I was still following behind him. I smiled, but after he turned around that smile was for a different purpose. Seeing him with his daughter was absolutely beautiful. It was an immediate recognition of his love, and I admired the man he’d become. There was a time when I thought he couldn’t be more endearing, but now I knew I’d been mistaken. This softer side of him was something only a parent could relate to. He was in awe of her, and I was taken back by the image of it.

Gracie had started dinner before Chad had arrived. He’d later confessed she’d sent him a message asking how much longer he’d be. She’d made Italian, which he’d later explained was Harper’s favorite food, and since she was such a finicky eater it was important he served things he knew she’d enjoy.

Harper did a lot of the talking during supper. She went on and on about the size of the mansion, and how she and Gracie had been playing while Chad was out visiting with me. She talked about her tooth being loose, and how much she looked forward to her upcoming birthday.

I kept catching Chad watching me as we ate our meal. I tried not to smile or react inappropriately, but it was impossible when the man knew how to read me. Hiding things from him was impossible, and I wondered if it would even be worth trying.

After we were finished, Gracie insisted on doing the dishes, with the help of Harper. Chad led me into the great room and started prepping the fireplace with kindling. “It’s supposed to get chilly tonight. I promised Harper we’d have a fire, since we don’t have anything like this in California.”

“I hear it’s always nice there.”

“Once in a great while we’ll have rain, just short showers. She’s never seen snow, or built a snowman.”

“That’s got to be grounds for neglect. Every child needs to experience snow,” I teased.

“Yeah. Once she came along my aspirations of moving home sort of went out the door. Everything changed. Besides, Veronica hates the weather here. She says the humidity messes up her hair. She acts likes she’s allergic to rain.”

“All you’ve done is complain about her. Please tell me there were good qualities when you got married.”

“Now that Harper isn’t around I can talk about it. I’d never want her to hear the truth. Veronica isn’t originally from Beverly Hills.”

“Where is she from?” I asked.