Читать книгу A Princess Under The Mistletoe - Leanne Banks - Страница 10
ОглавлениеSam zoomed along the sandy beach. When the water was calm, he stepped into it up to his ankles.
“I can’t believe he’s tolerating the chilly water so well,” Sara said.
“You forget that he spent the past several years playing in the snows of North Dakota,” Gavin said.
Adelaide wiggled inside the baby carrier strapped to Gavin’s chest and kicked her chubby little legs. She was almost too big for it, but they’d left in a rush and since she was putting everything in her mouth, he suspected there was no way he’d be able to keep her from ingesting sand, shells and rocks.
“Adelaide really wants free, doesn’t she?” Sara said, smiling as her hair blew in the breeze.
“Yeah. I’m just not prepared to dig sand out of her mouth,” he said. “Trust me. It would be a real mood killer.”
Sara nodded and closed her eyes as she lifted her head. “The ocean makes everything better.”
“Unless it involves a tsunami or hurricane,” he said.
“Feeling a little cynical?” she asked.
Yeah, he thought, but didn’t say it aloud. Instead he took a deep breath of the salt-scented air and then another. He felt his insides stretch open a bit. Gavin had felt tight and stiff for a long time. He’d had to stay tight in order to hold everything together. Everything had been so sad. His kids had lost their mother. His wife had lost her life. He had no right to breathe easy. He had no right to even a moment of happiness. Taking another breath, he almost felt a little sore at the expansion of his lungs.
“Maybe we should step into the water like Sam,” she encouraged. “Maybe it will make us feel better.”
“You make it sound like a baptism,” he said.
“Maybe it is,” she said. She took off her shoes and barely stepped into the water. She let out a little squeal and glanced over her shoulder. “Give me a minute to get used to it.”
Gavin watched her take a few more steps into the water. She was an odd combination of characteristics. Pretty in a quiet way, she looked young for her years. At the same time, he saw glimpses of an old soul in her eyes. Gavin smirked at himself. Old soul. Was he getting poetic about the nanny?
Shaking off his dour attitude, he ditched his shoes and walked toward Sam and Sara. He stepped into the water and felt the initial shock of the chill. He waited for the magic. No dramatic wave rushed through him. He just felt a little lighter.
“It’s strange, but it feels good, doesn’t it?” Sara said more than asked.
“I guess,” he said. “Sam, you’re not getting drenched, are you?”
“No,” Sam said, but he kept wandering farther into the water.
“Don’t go any farther,” Gavin called. “You might step into a hole. I don’t want you going in over your head.”
“Okay,” Sam said, walking in circles and staring at his feet.
“He loves it,” Sara said. “I’d like to bring him down here more often, but I’m not sure I could watch both of them at the same time.”
Gavin nodded. “I’ll try to make more time for it. It definitely takes two adults with these kids. So when did you fall in love with the ocean?”
“I grew up in a landlocked region, but we often took vacations on the shore. It was one of the few times we could count on being with our parents. Although there was always a nanny or two along.”
“Sounds like you didn’t spend much time with your parents when you were growing up,” he said, curious about her background.
“I didn’t,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “My father’s business required a lot of social engagements, so my parents traveled more than they stayed home.”
“Hmm,” he said. “What about sports games and programs at school? Did they show up for those events?”
She shrugged. “Occasionally. We were always cared for, but we were also raised to be independent. But enough about—” She broke off. “Sam!”
Panic rushed through him. Gavin glanced in the direction of his son. He’d barely taken his eyes off him, but Sam was now up to his shoulders in the water. Gavin ran toward his son with Sara rushing beside him. He grabbed one of Sam’s arms and pulled him closer to shore.
“I told you not to go any farther into the ocean,” Gavin scolded, his heart hammering.
“I wanted to be in the waves,” Sam said. “I didn’t get my face wet.”
“One more step and you could have,” Gavin said.
Sam hung his head. “I’m sorry.”
Sara squeezed Sam’s shoulder. “Of course you are. And I’m sure you’ll be more careful next time. You don’t want to frighten your father and me. The ocean can be tricky even for experienced swimmers. Have you had swimming lessons?”
Sam shook his head.
Sara met Gavin’s gaze. “Perhaps we can add that to the schedule.”
Gavin nodded. “Good idea. I should have thought of it before now.”
“You’ve had a lot on your mind. But even after your swimming lessons, you always need to have a buddy,” she said firmly. She then gave both Gavin and Sam a once-over.
He couldn’t resist returning the favor. Her rolled-up jeans were plastered to her body and the shirt under her jacket had gotten a big splash, making it transparent. He would have to be blind not to notice the little lacy bra she wore and the way her nipples pressed against the light covering. The sight grabbed at his gut and lower. He felt an odd rumble of awareness and want. It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to get aroused, and he wasn’t going to start today, he told himself. He tore his gaze from her body, but an unwelcome restlessness still rippled through him and his mouth watered with the forbidden idea of tasting her, starting with her lips and working all the way down the rest of her body.
“We weren’t prepared for a full-out swim today, but it looks like we got one anyway,” she said with a wry laugh.
“Can’t disagree. Next time we’ll be better prepared,” he said, but he couldn’t help wondering how he was going to rein in his imagination if Sara was wearing a bathing suit instead of being fully clothed.
* * *
Sara gave Adelaide a bath and put the baby in her crib with a few toys while Gavin helped Sam with his shower. Afterward, she managed a quick shower, too. Piling her damp hair on her head, Sara picked up Adelaide and headed for the kitchen.
Gavin was heating soup and grilling sandwiches. “I’m not that good in the kitchen, but I make a mean grilled cheese.”
“Ah, American comfort food,” she said, nodding.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“I once had an American nanny,” she said. “I also learned about peanut butter and jelly from her, although European peanut butter doesn’t compare to the American version.”
“Tell me about it,” Gavin said. “I should have stocked up before we came to Chantaine.”
“So true. Shall I help? I can stir the soup,” she said, thinking how attractive he looked standing next to the stove with his ruffled hair and broad shoulders. He wasn’t nearly as refined as the men with whom she usually spent time, although heaven knew she hadn’t had much time to spend with anyone. She’d been dedicated to piano perfection from such an early age. Her parents and royal advisors had told her the country would always be proud of her abilities and performances.
So much for that. She and her siblings had been tossed aside like rubbish. Sara wondered if she should have tried for a career in engineering. Much more practical, she supposed.
Thoughts about her country made her feel troubled and itchy inside. She wiggled her fingers. Music had always provided her with solace. “I haven’t noticed music around the house. I have music stored on my cell phone, but no speakers.”
“Speakers,” he echoed as if it were a foreign concept.
“You have children,” she said, unable to edit herself. “Children need music.”
He blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it. I’ll get some speakers,” he said as he reached for his phone. “I’ll write a message to myself.”
Sara’s heart softened. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so adamant. “Perhaps, I could play something on the piano in the meantime. I may be a little rusty, though,” she warned him.
Gavin glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah. That would be great.”
Sara went to the den and ran her fingers over the keys, then she began to play an upbeat elementary piece by Bach—Minuet in G. She played until the end and found Sam standing beside the piano staring at her. Up to this point, she’d been so busy when both children had been in the house that she hadn’t played for Sam. “A little Beethoven? How about “Ode to Joy”? Much better with a full orchestra, but I’ll do my best,” she said as she started playing the piece.
Aware of several blunders, she soldiered through and took a deep breath.
She turned and found Sam and Gavin, who was holding Adelaide, staring at her in amazement. “I thought you said you’d taken a few lessons.”
“I did,” she said. “Was it that bad?”
Gavin shook his head and chuckled. “Bad was not a word that came to mind. Are you sure you’re not a professional?”
Sara shrugged. “In the arts, the word professional is relative. I’m far from the best.” She smiled. “You enjoyed it?”
“I did,” Gavin said. Adelaide kicked in approval. “Adelaide did. What about you, Sam?”
Sam stared at Sara as if she’d suddenly gained magical powers. Or a third head. He glanced at the piano, then at her. Then he nodded.
“Time for dinner?” Sara asked, wanting to divert attention away from herself.
Gavin nodded and grinned, oozing a masculine charm that made her feel a strange tingle inside. “I didn’t burn the sandwiches.”
Sara fed Adelaide carrots while she, Gavin and Sam munched on their sandwiches, soup and chips. It was a meal mostly devoid of nutrition, but satisfying. Adelaide spit out a spoonful of carrots, but it only hit the tray.
“Yes, Your Highness, we are done,” Sara said and put the carrots aside. “We must all learn from our mistakes, and strained peas are the worst,” she said to Gavin.
He shot her a look of commiseration.
Sara squeezed Adelaide’s sweet cheeks and the baby smiled. “She’s clearly not underfed,” Sara said, then met Gavin’s gaze. “You’re a good father.”
Gavin took a swift breath. “That’s debatable.”
“Not by me,” she said. She wiped off Adelaide’s face. “Would you like to give your princess a bottle and put her to bed tonight? Sam and I can read.”
“Good idea,” Gavin said. “Thank you for coming home early.”
Sara took Sam to the den and read the same book three times. Sam kept eyeing the piano, but Sara thought she should keep the house quiet since it was bedtime. She read the same book again and Gavin came to collect his son.
“Ready for bed, big guy?” he asked.
Sam jumped up from the sofa and leaped into Gavin’s arms. Sara sighed as Gavin carried his son to bed.
Sara usually went to bed when the children did, but this time she put in her earbuds and listened to music while she rested on the sofa. Moments later, Gavin appeared, sitting beside her.
She inhaled his clean, masculine scent and decided it was a bit intoxicating. “Hi,” she said, pulling out her earbuds. “Did Sam settle down?”
“He settles down much more easily since you donated your sound machine,” he said.
“I’m glad it helped him,” she said, thinking of how she missed the waves, but she wouldn’t tell Gavin that.
“We swiped it from you,” he said. “I keep intending to get you a replacement.”
“No problem,” she said, and she waved her hand. “Wearing out your children is the best insomnia relief ever.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” he said.
“A good night of sleep is always a wonderful thing,” she said, unable to count the number of sleepless nights she’d suffered during the past year.
“I guess so,” he said and looked toward her. “As I said the other day, I really wasn’t sure you would last more than a day or two. You just seemed so young.”
“I’m small, but mighty,” she joked.
“I’m starting to think that may be true. You’ve been full of surprises, though. Some secrets in your background. You put on a happy face, but I’ve seen a few moments of sadness in your eyes.”
Nerves jangled in her stomach. She didn’t know she’d given so much away. She thought she’d put on a good front. “You’re very observant,” she said. “I think most of us have experienced sadness by my age. I try not to dwell on it.”
“Was it the loss of your parents?” he asked.
“That was painful, but there has been an avalanche of other issues and events that have been life-changing for my sister and brother since that time. Our future became uncertain,” she said, her heart squeezing with the pain of worry over her sister and brother. She just wanted them to be safe, and if at all possible, happy.
Gavin squeezed her shoulder. “I wish you could see your eyes. They look stormy and a little afraid. You know you’re safe here, don’t you?”
Sara took a deep breath. He’d nailed her emotions, making her feel uncomfortably vulnerable. At the same time, his hand on her shoulder was so comforting and the expression on his face was an exquisite combination of kindness and male strength. It would be so easy to give in to that. Too easy.
The moment stretched between them, and Sara knew she should turn away. But Gavin was compelling and she’d been strong a long time. He lowered his head toward hers and pressed his mouth against hers. His lips felt warm and sensual. Sara felt a wicked forbidden heat rush through her. His hands slid up to cup her jaw and the touch exuded both comfort and seduction. She’d never experienced that combination before and she couldn’t help wanting more. Leaning toward him, she opened her mouth and he deepened the kiss. A ripple of awareness hummed through her.
“Daddy?”
Sam’s little-boy voice broke the spell and Sara pulled back, appalled by her susceptibility to Gavin. She needed to get herself straight. She needed to get herself under control. She stood because she couldn’t figure what else to do.
“Hey, big guy, what’s up?” Gavin asked as if he had just been doing lawn work instead of shaking her up from the inside out.
“Can I have some water?” he asked.
“Sure,” Gavin said and rose.
“I’ll get it,” Sara said. “I’d like some water, too. I’m ready to go to bed.”
“Sara,” Gavin began.
“No. Really,” she insisted. She darted for the kitchen and poured water for Sam and herself. She returned to the den and offered the cup to Sam. “Here you go, sweetie. Good night to both of you,” she said without meeting Gavin’s gaze. And then she rushed to her room and closed the door.
Taking several deep breaths, she stood in the room and covered her face. What was wrong with her? During the past ten years, Sara had never put her needs before her duties. Never. She couldn’t mess things up for her siblings now. Chantaine had offered them a safe place. She couldn’t jeopardize that for her sister or brother even if her brother was nowhere to be found, and her sister was doing God knew what with God knew who.
She made a quick trip to the bathroom, splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth, then returned to her bedroom where she changed into her nightgown. Climbing into bed, she forced her eyes closed and told her brain to shut down. Easier said than done. Why was she so drawn to Gavin? He was just a single dad doing the best he could. What about him affected her down to her very core?
* * *
The next several days, Sara managed to avoid meeting Gavin’s direct gaze, although it was challenging. The weather took a turn for the worse and she tried several methods to keep the children entertained. Soon enough, everyone showed signs of cabin fever. Sam whined and Adelaide cried.
Out of desperation, she took to the piano. She banged out some hard modern pieces. The kids turned silent, or maybe she just couldn’t hear them. Sara played three songs, then looked at Adelaide sitting in her infant seat and Sam standing beside the piano. Both just stared at her.
Many people seemed to forget that the piano was a percussion instrument. Hard to ignore.
Sam stepped toward her and pressed down a key.
“Try another,” she said. “It won’t bite.”
He pressed down another key, then another and another.
“Want to learn a tune?” she asked.
“What tune?” he asked.
“‘Chopsticks,’” she said, and she began to play.
Fifteen minutes later, Sam had learned his part.
Sara caught him playing the piano again during some free time. Unfortunately, the rain continued and even “Chopsticks” couldn’t save them.
Desperate, Sara took the children outside in the rain. Warning them this would only last a short time, she headed straight for the mud puddles. Sam jumped up and down, splashing her and Adelaide. The baby shrieked in delight. Sara was just glad both kids seemed happy and entertained.
She had every intention of taking them inside and bathing them.
But Gavin came home early and drove past them on his way up the driveway to the cottage. “Uh-oh,” she said.
Sam looked at her. “Are we in trouble?”
“Maybe,” she said with a wince.
“Maybe he won’t be mad,” Sam said hopefully.
With the rain streaming down on them, she stared at him and smiled. “Maybe not. It’s just rain and a little mud,” she said. “I guess we better go back,” she said. Sam nodded.
They walked back to the cottage where Gavin stood at the open front door with his hands crossed over his chest.
“Hi, Daddy,” Sam said, darting toward his father. “We’ve been splashing in the puddles.”
“I can see that,” Gavin said, pulling his son up into his arms. He sent an inquiring glance toward Sara.
“We got very, very bored,” she admitted.
Gavin gave a slow nod.
“I thought we could all get a bath after a little time outside,” she said.
“I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam told Gavin.
“What?” Gavin asked Sam.
“I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam repeated. “Sara says I’m ’cellent.”
Gavin smiled at his son. “I bet you are.” He met Sara’s gaze. “Let’s get those baths.”
Moments later, Sara bathed Adelaide. Afterward she strapped the little girl into her baby seat and then rinsed herself in the shower. She toweled dry and quickly dressed herself. She took the baby carrier to the den.
Two minutes later, Gavin and Sam, scrubbed clean, entered the room. “We should play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam said to Sara.
“Sounds good to me,” she said. She sat on the left side of the piano bench. Sam joined her on the right side. “I’ll play it through one time, okay?” she said.