“Thank you. Just... Let’s not be a couple around them.” She couldn’t enter this casually for the sake of her children. Bringing a man into their lives was a big deal. Natalie needed whoever that man was to be a stable force.
He nodded, understanding the implications of her statement. “It’s not about gossip. It’s about your children hearing gossip and making assumptions.”
“They may not really remember Jeremy, but they know they lost their dad. They know other children have fathers. They feel the loss and I can’t have them creating false expectations because you’re nice and you’re here and they assume we’re a couple.”
He took his own step back now, vision seeming to travel back, away from the moment. Max took a measured breath before answering. “I understand what it feels like to be a child wanting a father, then wanting any family at all. I would never put any child through the pain of having those hopes dashed.”
The ache in her stomach screamed. Heat flooded her cheeks and she reached out for him, seeking his hand. Needing to connect. “Max, I’m sorry. I should have thought that and realized you would understand. I—”
“You have nothing to apologize for. You’re looking out for your kids. That makes you a good mother, and quite frankly, it makes me like you all the more.”
“You like me?” She couldn’t resist the urge to flirt, just a little.
“Yes, I do like you. You’re an incredibly likable woman.” He leaned in and whispered, “And I really like you with your clothes off.”
“Well, the guests have checked out and no one’s due in. The kids are at preschool...” Temptation pulled at her. She felt the connection in the air between them.
“Hmm... I would take that as an invitation, but then I know this place well. There’s always traffic.”
“I do have a dress client coming by in a half hour.”
A devilish grin spread across his face as he squeezed her hand. “Then how about we make out in the pantry?”
With ease, he lifted her off her feet and brought them to the kitchen pantry—away from any and all prying eyes.
* * *
The last two days had unfolded at a breakneck speed of work for him and an uptick in business for Natalie, as well. Max attributed that to the lack of time together, the distance.
Or rather he could have.
But her standoffish vibe was clear, granted it was in an understated way. She was never rude to anyone. But there was no mistaking that some of her busyness was self-inflicted.
Morning sun streamed through the front windows of the sitting area, and Max pored over documents in the common area of the B and B, enjoying the generous amount of natural light the two huge windows provided. He thumbed through a St. Cloud Security Solutions company report on an overseas project. His business partner and the company’s chief technology officer, Will Brady, had been keeping him up-to-date on details from the main office. Balancing all his contacts and projects the last few days had drained him. Keeping up with business back in Seattle and working late here when people were most often free for interviews was more challenging than he anticipated.
That didn’t leave him much time to spend with Natalie, especially given how early she woke to prepare breakfast for her customers. His and Natalie’s paths weren’t crossing much privately—only a few stolen kisses that she clearly enjoyed, but there hadn’t been a chance for anything more. And certainly not an opportunity for any lengthy discussion. Was that deliberate on her part or accidental?
Stealing a glance across the room, he watched Miss Molly curl around Colby’s feet. The dog let out an audible sigh, her soulful brown eyes shifting around the room, head tilting to look at Margie and Lexie.
Natalie’s words echoed in his mind, along with her step back when it came to going to bed together again. He didn’t so much sense a no, but more of a “not right now.” Maybe she was figuring things out in her mind in regard to her children. He respected what she’d said. Her children had been through a lot very young. His life on the streets had made him even more empathetic to struggles. And he wasn’t going to be here long...something that should be a relief, since no one could get overly attached to him.
Right? The thought didn’t bring him as much comfort as it should have.
Lexie stood up, tapped Margie on the shoulder. She cupped her hands together and leaned on the woman’s lap, whispering in her ear. Margie’s face softened and she nodded.
“Yes, you can go see your mom, sweetie.” Margie gave her a hug, eliciting a squeal of delight from Lexie. She scampered away, disappearing from view.
Margie handed crayons to Colby, and he began to color another fish. Colby’s fish drawings were all around the house, hanging on the fridge, in the common room. He was actually quite good, his details precise with scales and gills.
The little boy popped a Goldfish cracker into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Max wondered what it was about the water that intrigued Colby. Even his room was sea themed.
Closing his laptop and shoving his documents
into a manila file folder, Max followed what his gut instincts were telling him. He walked over to the corner table with his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat. “Margie, if you want to take a break, I can hang out with Colby.”
The older woman glanced up, smiling. “Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind, I would like to stretch my legs and refill my glass of tea.”
“Take your time. I’ll send a shout-out if I get in over my head,” Max said and nodded. Then he shifted his attention to the four-year-old, who carefully picked up a pretzel stick, dipped it in peanut butter, then dabbed a small fish cracker with the sticky end.