Page 18 of Keeping Caroline

“Isn’t it amazing?” I mused, my gaze drifting back to the stars above, not ready to analyze how this man was already burrowing into my heart as easily as he found his way into firewalled security systems. “How vast the universe is, and how insignificant our problems can feel when we look up at the night sky?”

“It’s humbling.” With his hand still holding mine, Tristan looked up at the sky, adjusting his glasses. “Although they’re nearly impossible to see in the city, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I like to get into my car and drive far enough out of the city to see the stars. Stargazing has a way of reminding me that there’s always something bigger than us, that maybe I need to look at things from a different angle or move on from something that isn’t benefiting me. It just helps to keep things in perspective.”

“Which constellation is your favorite?” I asked, intrigued by this glimpse into his passions.

“Orion,” he replied without hesitation. “I used to imagine myself as a hunter, navigating through the darkness with only the stars to guide me.”

“Ah, so you’re a dreamer too,” I teased, enjoying the way it made me feel. A little harmless flirting wouldn’t hurt anyone.

“Guilty,” he confessed with a devastatingly handsome grin. “What about you? Do you have a favorite constellation?”

“Definitely Cassiopeia.” Holding my hand up in front of me, I traced the distinctive W shape with my finger across the sparkling tapestry of space. “She may be a queen, but she’s also a symbol of resilience and strength. I’ve always admired those qualities.” They were the qualities I saw in my daughter.

Tristan’s hand squeezed mine gently, his eyes turning to meet mine again. “Sounds like this stunningly amazing woman I know.”

“Perhaps,“ I conceded, allowing myself a small smile before taking another sip of my wine. My heart fluttered at his words, but I didn’t dare let my guard down completely. Not yet.

“I can only imagine how difficult these past few years have been for you. Losing Daniel, raising Evie on your own and her illness…”

“It hasn’t been easy,“ I admitted, swallowing the lump in my throat. “But I’ve learned my best to cope, to adapt, to find strength in the face of adversity…or at least I do my best to. It’s what Daniel would have wanted for us—for me to carry on, to keep living, even when it feels like the world has crumbled beneath my feet.”

“Your resilience is inspiring,“ Tristan said, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’ve faced unimaginable challenges and still managed to create a safe, loving home for your daughter. And you help her to live as normal a life as she can, considering what she’s suffering through. Even with her own struggles, she’s smart and joyful. That’s all because of you, and that’s truly remarkable.”

For a moment, I just allowed his words to soak in, filling all the dark places where my doubts went to hide and fester, my hand still cradled inside his. His words had touched me so much deeper than he realized, and as he gazed into my eyes, glancing a moment down to my lips and then back up, all I wanted to do was kiss him, but I suppressed the urge. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that yet. Instead, I smiled, the gesture genuine. “Thank you, Tristan. That means a lot to me.”

We lingered there for a moment longer, a palpable tension building between us, fueled by an undeniable chemistry, and uncertainty of what would happen next. But it was too soon to move forward, or at least that was how I felt at that moment, and I knew we both needed rest.

“I’m going to head to bed,” I said, standing from my chair and reaching for the doorknob.

Although I expected him to remain where he was, he stood as well, taking a step toward me. “I’ll do the same. If I know your brother, he has a full day of work planned for me tomorrow.”

I smiled and nodded, knowing it was true. “Okay, well… Goodnight, Tristan.”

“Goodnight, Caroline,” he responded, his hand touching the small of my back as he leaned forward to kiss my cheek.

The moment his lips touched my skin, my eyes fell closed, electricity surging through my body that only made me want to kiss him more. Being around him was really starting to test my willpower, but when he pulled away, I allowed him to.

With one last lingering look, we retreated to our separate rooms, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the quiet cottage. Heart pounding with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty, I closed the door behind me, leaning against it as I tried to catch my breath.

In the solitude of my room, my thoughts swirled around the undeniable connection that I was starting to feel with Tristan, and how to make my conscience okay with it. I didn’t know what the future held, but I knew one thing: I really liked Tristan, as did my daughter, and a man like him didn’t just fall on your doorstep every day, so maybe it was time for me to try something new.

Chapter 12

The Phantom

Waking up the following morning, I rubbed my eyes and rolled over, a smile already on my face. I reached for my glasses that rested on the nightstand next to a framed photograph of Caroline and her late husband, Daniel, with little Evie riding on his shoulders. The image sent an ache through my heart that I couldn’t quite decipher. I knew it was partly because I felt empathy for what she and her daughter had gone through, but it was more than that. She was more than just a widow raising a little girl to me.

A knock at the door pulled my attention away from my thoughts. I sat up in the bed, running my hand through my disheveled hair. “Come in.”

“Good morning,” Caroline’s gentle voice greeted me as she entered the room, a tray laden with breakfast goodies in her hands. Her long black hair was down and cascaded over her shoulders, the light blue tank top bringing out the color of her eyes. Even first thing in the morning, she was absolutely beautiful. “I hope you slept well.”

“Better than I have in a long time,” I admitted, pushing myself up to sit against the headboard, hoping my morning wood wasn’t didn’t pitch a tent in the blankets where she could see it. Or did I? Forcing my impure thoughts away, I focused on the stunning woman before me. The mere presence of Caroline and her daughter seemed to fill the void in me that had consumed me for far too long, so I wanted to soak it in as much as I could.

Crossing the room, she set the tray down on the side table, steam rising from the mug of coffee, the aroma of freshly baked muffins making my stomach growl. There was even a bowl of cut fruit. She’d gone out of her way to make breakfast for me, which only made me like her more.

“Thank you, Superwoman. This looks amazing.”

“Anything for my favorite hacker,” she teased, a hint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. I couldn’t help but grin back at her, loving the lighthearted banter.

---