His eyes focused on her lips. “As I said, we’ll see.”
Flustered by his double meaning and wanting what she could not let herself have, she rushed on. “I’ll give you all my free time.”
Pleased he’d made progress, Griff smiled. “And we appreciate it.”
“Unfortunately, when you look at my days, that isn’t saying much. There are a lot of times I won’t be available.”
Her words brought forth a well of disappointment so strong Griff was blindsided. “Those are the obligations you spoke of earlier?” She hadn’t outright denied they were social in nature and she guessed that Griff couldn’t help wondering about the extent of her involvement with other men.
“Yes.”
“Whatever you can arrange with your schedule, I’d... we’d appreciate it. You’ve already seen what a difference you make.”
“In the end, you might find that it’s just coincidence.”
He studied her intently. “I don’t think so.”
“I think you overestimate my capabilities, Griff. Alix reacted to an aunt she knows, but not as well as she knows you. I pay attention to her and she performs for me. Give her a chance and she’ll be testing me just as much as she tests you.”
“You seem very knowledgeable about children. Sure you haven’t got one or two stashed away that no one knows about?”
Heavy silence descended upon him like fog. The flash of pain that crossed her features could only be described as grief. He should know. The first week after his brother’s death, he steadfastly avoided the bathroom mirror. He hadn’t bothered to shave until Ryan made a poor joke about his appearance frightening Alix.
Griff glanced again at Chelsie. With her arms wrapped around her body, she reminded him of a lost child. He was struck by the urge to enfold her in his arms and chase away her unknown demons. Based on their previous encounters, his abrupt ending to their kiss included, he doubted she’d let him near. And, he reminded himself, he shouldn’t want to try.
She sucked in a shaky breath and plastered a fake smile on her face. Her valiant effort to compose herself pierced his heart. His intended joke had obviously hit a very tender nerve.
“No children in the closet,” she joked. “Just some family skeletons.”
“Glad to hear it. Now, what type of schedule did you have in mind?”
She jumped at the new topic, animation sparking her voice. But he didn’t have to dig deep to notice pain still lurked in the depths of her eyes. “I could come by for supper sometime. That is, if the offer’s still open.”
“It is. What about your caseload?”
“I’ll take one day at a time. If things become unmanageable...”
“Let me know. We’ll work something out. You’re referring more cases than you’d like and I’m building a practice. I think we could help each other.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Really? You aren’t even sure you like me.”
If you only knew. His mind reminded him of how little time she had spent with Alix in the past, of the custody case and her initial rejection of his plea for help. Yet no matter how strong his distrust, he sensed there was much more to Chelsie Russell than he’d seen so far. His body certainly wanted to know her better, and their time together would be a trial in the truest sense of the word.
Being close to Chelsie and not allowing desire to flare between them wouldn’t be easy. If he were smart, he’d make sure they spent only necessary time together, the hours needed for Alix’s well being and nothing more. So why did he find himself pushing for more than she wanted to give? Not a smart move, he silently cautioned. Especially because where she was concerned, he had no intention of giving in return.
So why had he even mentioned a business arrangement?
“Don’t rush into anything you’ll regret,” she cautioned, echoing his silent sentiments. “It’s one thing to have me around for an hour or so a day. Working together is a whole different story. This arrangement is meant to help Alix. It’s temporary.”
He knew that. He’d planned things that way. So why did her pragmatic insistence on a short-term arrangement bother him?
“Which brings me to my next point.”
“Anyone ever tell you you’re long winded?”
She grinned. “Every judge in family court.”
“I thought so.”