ldren the way a cat licked up cream, always with a big smile on his face. It was in her teenage years when things started to sour – when she tried to assert her own opinions, and make her own decisions. As long as she went along with his wishes, she was fine. But if she went against them?
Well, she ended up here. And wasn’t that a bitter pill to swallow?
“Your father’s on good form tonight,” the man next to her whispered, lifting his coffee cup to his mouth. “Where the hell does he get his energy?”
Brooke poured cream into her cup, stirring for much longer than necessary. “He likes being surrounded by people.” Like vampires liked being surrounded by blood.
“I hope I’m like that when I’m older.”
Brooke looked at the man sitting next to her. He was tall and handsome, with thick blonde hair that made him almost Newton-like in looks. He’d already told her he liked to play racketball and golf, when he wasn’t working. Which, by the sounds of it, wasn’t very often.
And she was absolutely certain her mother intended to match the two of them together.
“I’m sure you will be.”
He looked gratified, even though she hadn’t meant it as a compliment, and she immediately felt bad. Alex had been nothing but a gentleman since she’d been introduced to him over cocktails. He’d asked her about her studies, about the animal shelter, about Nick. He even told her how much he liked kids. As though he’d been schooled by somebody who knew her well. It wasn’t the first time Brooke had been paraded in front of eligible bachelors like a cow at auction. It didn’t mean she liked it, though.
“Brooke, dear,” her mother called out from across the table, “after you’ve finished with coffee, you should take Alex on a tour of the garden. He hasn’t seen it before.”
“It’s dark,” Brooke pointed out. “He wouldn’t see much of it now, either.”
Her mom’s eyes widened and her lips pursed up. She knew that look. Be quiet and do as you’re told, otherwise I won’t be happy.
“I’d love to see the gardens,” Alex said. He drained his coffee cup and placed it back on the saucer. “You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Newton.”
“Thank you.” Her mom tipped her head to the side, smiling widely at him. “You must come over for lunch and a swim some time. I’m sure Nick would love to meet you, too.”
“Shall we go?” Brooke gave Alex a tight smile. Might as well get it over with. “But after the tour I need to get home. My babysitter wants to head out by ten.” She stood without waiting for an answer. “Good night, everybody. It was lovely to see you all again.” Amazing what she could say through gritted teeth.
“Oh. Of course.” Alex stood up, pulling her chair back so she could step out. “I’ll walk you back to your bungalow.”
From the corner of her eye she could see her mom beaming widely. “It’s okay, it’s not exactly far.”
“I insist. I couldn’t let a lady walk alone.”
“Fine.” She gave him a tight lipped smile. “Let’s go then.”
Twenty minutes later she’d run out of things to show him. Though her parents house was set on two acres, most of it was laid to lawn, with palm trees and evergreens lining the borders. They wandered around the pool, the patio, and the rose garden that was her mother’s pride and joy. She even pointed out her own house in the distance – the small one-story building which looked out of place next to her parents’ mansion.
“I’m really sorry about my mom,” Brooke said, as they walked toward her home. “She never takes no for an answer. It’s really embarrassing when she tries to force people together.”
“She means well,” Alex said, gently placing his hand on the small of her back. The sudden contact made Brooke jump. “And I’ve got a lot of time for your father. I enjoy working for him.”
“I want you to know it’s nothing personal, but I’m not looking for a relationship.” There, she’d said it. “And I know you probably aren’t either, since you’re newly divorced and all.” Amazing what she could learn about somebody over a couple of hours at dinner.
A small smile curved Alex’s lips. In the moonlight, his features looked more defined than they had in the dining room. As though they’d been carved from stone. “We were separated for two years,” he said quietly. “I think I’m over it by now.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Break ups are never easy.”
“I’m glad we didn’t have kids. At least I haven’t had to deal with that, too.”
“I know what you mean. I’d hate to be parted from Nick. He’s my life.”
Adam smiled down at her. “I can tell, and it’s lovely to see. You’re clearly a wonderful mother.”
Once upon a time people used to compliment her about her hair or her figure, or even her academic accomplishments. Yet none of them had filled her with warmth the way Alex’s compliment did. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
They were almost at the bungalow. The front windows were dark – no doubt Cora was in the sitting room at the back, and Nick fast asleep. Alex cleared his throat as they stopped at the steps to her front door.