g many times in the course of their short marriage. But one night with Griff taught her how very wrong her ex-husband had been.
Chelsie now knew she hadn’t saved her passion for her work. She had saved it for someone deserving. Someone named Griff.
* * *
Early Saturday morning, Griff buzzed her apartment from downstairs. Chelsie had barely enough time to shower and change after her night at the woman’s shelter downtown before he’d arrived. She let him and Alix, who swung monkey-style from his left arm, into her apartment.
“You know, you’re becoming a master at avoidance techniques.”
“Good morning to you, too,” she said, but she nodded. “I can see how you’d think that, but take a look at my schedule for the last week and tell me where we could have fit in time for a long, personal, important conversation.”
“We couldn’t, which brings me back to my original point. Did you arrange the week on purpose?”
“To avoid you? No. To make sure Amanda got settled at the shelter? Yes.” She had spent three of the last four nights there, helping the other woman out and even getting to know her little boy. In between, she’d fit in quick dinners with Alix, not to mention her already scheduled appointments. She’d seen Griff constantly, but not once had they been alone.
“I respect your work. I just think we have unfinished business.”
Again, she nodded. She couldn’t avoid him much longer. In truth, she didn’t want to. She respected him too much to continue as they’d been. “We just need to find some quiet time—”
As if on cue, Alix squealed loudly, released Griff, and scrambled into Chelsie’s arms. The little girl wouldn’t be ignored. Chelsie laughed. “See?”
With an exasperated groan, Griff gave in and grinned before glancing at his watch. “I’ve got to go. Are you sure you can handle this? I can call Ryan. He’d understand.”
“I think I’ve had enough practice.”
“What if she needs a nap? She’s still in a crib.”
“I’ll put her in my bed, surround her with pillows, and I won’t leave her alone.” She held up her hands. “Promise.”
Restless and bored with the adult conversation, Alix bolted for the living room. Chelsie let her go.
“What about all that crystal?” His gaze swept the expanse of her apartment. His reluctance to leave Alix in this crystal palace was a tangible thing. The little girl rushed from place to place, lifting each animal and replacing it with a heavy thud.
“Alix!” he shouted.
Chelsie jabbed her elbow into his side. “Leave her alone. She isn’t doing anything wrong. Maybe I should have taken the things down, for safety’s sake, but as long as I’m here, she’s fine. Just go.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling better?”
Though she tried, Chelsie couldn’t suppress a smirk. “I had a slight cold and worked straight through. You, on the other hand, took to bed. Obviously, I have more stamina.”
He groaned at the words she’d been teasing him with all week.
She sent him a reassuring smile. “Good-bye,” she said in a lilting voice. Placing her hands on his back, she shoved him towards the door. A denim jacket separated her fingers from his skin, but heat radiated through her anyway. Just being near Griff was akin to lighting a quick-burning fire.
“I’ll be back around four.”
“We’ll be here.”
“In one piece?”
Chelsie rolled her eyes. He took the hint and left, closing the door behind him.
Chelsie glanced at Alix. “How about your first all-girl shopping trip?” she asked her niece. “I know this great place in Faneuil Hall. All teddy bears, soft and cuddly like you.” Chelsie tickled the child’s tummy until she shrieked in delight.
The ringing of the telephone cut off any further play and Chelsie grabbed for the receiver. “Hello?”
Silence greeted her. She wondered if Griff had called to check from his car phone already. “Hello?” she said again. “Griff?” No answer. “Bad connection,” she muttered. She had a hard time dialing out from her mobile phone around here too.