Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(46)

On the other side of the room, Archie and Hamish spin around on the metal poles the girls use to teach pole dancing classes. I inwardly have a chuckle; it’s so many levels of wrong.

It's little Hamish that spots me first. “Knoxy,” he calls, running toward me all rubber arms and uncoordinated fast legs.

Instantly, all eyes land on me.

The music is dropped to a faint murmur.

Catching Eva’s eyes, she gives me a soft wave and a shy smile.

My Sunshine.

Those fucking dimples get me every time.

It takes everything within me not to run over and take her, show everyone she’s mine.

Bending down to catch Hamish, he leaps into my arms and flings his arms around my neck.

I love this kid.

Monday mornings are the day me and Charlie play golf. We played this week.

Conscious-stricken—I slept with your daughter—I trudged around eighteen holes with Charlie. He spotted my half-hearted swing and shots. Made fun of my form, mocking my inability to switch off from work. Little did he know it had absolutely zilch to do with work and everything to do with my conflicted thoughts of Eva, his own flesh and blood.

Then she threw me a curveball, catapulting herself through my office door later that day.

Super ballsy.

And now, she and I, we’re giving it a shot.

I’m fucked.

So much has happened in the space of a few days.

Mondays are also the day Charlie and Edith look after Hamish for Eva.

He sure loves the sports retreat quad bikes. Exactly like his mom, he’s a petrol head and thrill seeker.

Every week before we leave for our game of golf, Hamish likes to race his papa. With me and Hamish in one quad bike and Charlie in the other, we race up and over the big hill to the west of the main mansion house.

The squeals of enjoyment and giggles that little lad produces fill my heart with joy. He’s such a happy kid and reminds me of Lincoln when he was younger.

Hamish and I win every week. Charlie lets us. Because who could deprive him of the coveted winner’s hot chocolate that’s up for grabs? It’s the best part of my Monday, hot chocolate with Hamish.

“It’s not Monday, Knox.”

Moving him to my hip, I carry him toward his family. “I know. Do you know what day it is today?”

“Saturday,” he says with confidence.

“Noooooo.” I tickle his sides, and he squirms in my arms. “It’s Wednesday.”

“I have the swimming on Wesnesdays.”

“It’s Wednesday. With a D.”

“That’s what me said, Knox.” He fiddles with the buttons of my white polo shirt.

He’s so cute.

“Do you like swimming?”

“Yes. Me swims like a fishy.” He grants me a big, cheesy grin.

“So I’ve heard. Your mommy says you’re a water baby.”

Whatever I said makes him angrily wiggle out of my arms to the floor.

“Momma, Knox called me a baby. I am not a baby.” He stomps his little left foot.

Oh dear.

Eva places her hands on her hips. “Did you call my big grown-up boy a baby, Knox Black?”

Oh, I like this game.

“No. I said you told me Hamish was a water baby and loved swimming. I didn’t say he was a baby.”

Inquisitively, Ella tilts her head in my direction. “Oh yeah, and when did Eva tell you that, Knox?”

Aw, fuck.

“Do you happen to have a pool in your home?” She continues to bounce her nephew on her hip.

They all wait for me to reply.

Ella turns to look back at Eva, who has her eyes clenched closed and her face scrunched up. She opens one eye, then sucks her lips in between her teeth.

Ella breaks the silence. “Uh-huh.”

“I don’t have a pool,” I lie.

Eva’s family eyes me suspiciously. I don’t think they believe me.

Inhaling deep, Eva shakes her head, then suddenly, she says, “So, dance lessons, Knox. Everyone was just leaving.”

They all laugh.

Goddammit.

“I want to watch you dance, Mom.” Archie knee slides across the floor.

“Not tonight, Archie,” Eva replies.

“Why not? We haven’t danced in forever together.” Eden hands their son to Hunter. “One song. Then we’ll go.” Unladylike Eden hikes her leggings up, forcing them to go almost transparent. Is she not wearing any panties? Oh my God, Knox, stop fucking looking.

I think these Wallace girls are saucier than I first thought.

Eva distracts me by letting out a long groan. “Do we have to? Tonight? C’mon guys.”

“Yes, yes, yes, Eva.” Ella places her nephew into Fraser’s arms. I wish I could tell the babies apart so I knew their names.

Grabbing the last of the triplets out of Eva’s arms, Ella thrusts him into mine.

Oh crap, it’s been a while since I’ve held a baby.

“Suits you.” Ella pats the top of my arm. “Oh, firm muscles, Knox.”

“Stop teasing me, Bella, or you’ll end up with a hot ass,” Fraser growls.

“Oh, goodie.” She goes in for another bicep squeeze.

“You’ve done it now.” He shakes his head.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Ella reaches up on her tiptoes and smacks a loud kiss against Fraser’s lips.