Dani winced as she moved to the next box. “He doesn’t understand nicknames.”
“Oh, and what would you name her, hotshot?”
“Obviously, Ash.”
“Yes!” Dani grinned up at me.
“That’s not her name.”
“Yes, but nicknames are about moments. And now that I know she loves Army of Darkness, she’s Ash, the lead in the movie. Until a better nickname comes around.” Not that it would because I wasn’t getting close to this kid.
He shook his head and raked his fingers through his hair. “Whatever.” He tipped his head back and I saw the exhaustion dragging at him. “I wouldn’t ask.”
“Which is smart since I, you know, run a business. I’m not exactly babysitting material, Gideon.”
“No, and I get that. But if she could just stay here in the café? I’m right next door working on The Haunt, so if she needs anything I can be close by. All she needs is a corner to watch movies or read. She’s really no trouble.”
“Ruff!”
“Danielle Alicia.”
“Jeez, Dad. Stop talking about me like I’m a puppy. I told you I could stay home alone.”
“As capable as you are, legally, it ain’t happening.”
“Rules. Ugh.” Dani practically dove headfirst into my box of bats. “Can I help you decorate? Dad doesn’t let me do it at home.”
“You don’t let her decorate?”
Gideon crossed his arms. “I let her decorate plenty.”
“Lame decorations from WalMart don’t count.”
“By the time I get out of work, the other places are closed. And by the time we get time to put them up, it’s time to change to Christmas anyway.”
“Okay, you need to go. Clearly, you’ve been abusing this child. I shall correct all past transgressions and get her straight.” I turned Gideon around and pushed him toward the counters. “You owe me so big. So big,” I said under my breath.
He pushed back on me, digging his heels in. “I promise I’ll find someone this afternoon. Probably my father, but he is out of town until this afternoon.”
“If she’s a handful, I’ll just start taking money off your bill for The Haunt.”
“Seriously, Macy, I would never ask unless I was absolutely screwed. With all this nonsense that’s been going on, we’re days behind at the restaurant. I can’t have her over there since we’re ass-deep in the kitchen installation.”
“I have no idea what that means, but a construction zone is no place for a kid. Just give me a holler when your dad can take her.”
“Thanks.” He turned and slid his arm around my lower back, his hand splaying along the curve of my spine. His gaze dropped to my mouth before lifting to meet mine again. “We still need t
o talk about yesterday.”
“What’s to talk about?” I tried to step back, but he held me fast.
“You know everything got way out of control.”
“It was just an act, right?” That his mouth on mine tasted more perfect than coffee? Sure. Just an act.
“Was it?”
“Of course it was.”