Page 18 of Just One More Temptation

“Hey, Fallon.”

“Hi.” The word came out mid-laughter. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it. They’re just so… so… precocious,” she said.

“That’s one word for it. I’m sorry they bothered you.”

She envisioned him running a hand through his hair, tousling the soft strands in frustration. “They’re no bother. Honestly. I enjoy them.” Probably more than she should considering she was attracted to their father.

He cleared his throat. “I meant to stop by today to talk. About Friday night. But my sister had the flu and couldn’t watch the girls and Mom had her weekly canasta game.”

“Canasta,” she said, the word now making sense. “So that’s what cansta means.” She let out another laugh.

“Yes.” Even he chuckled. “What did they want?” he asked of his daughters.

“To plan a time when they can come paint. They said you’re busy scheduling nanny appointments, and I quote, with people they’re not going to like.” She paced around the back area of the gallery as she spoke.

Another groan left his throat. “I do not know what I’m going to do with them. My family is helping when they can but my brothers work and you know the rest. Speaking of work, I need to get back to it. At least my mother has them tomorrow.”

She felt for him. She really did. “Well, why don’t we plan something they can look forward to? That might ease the pressure a little if they’re excited about something. I can work with them tomorrow night. We aren’t booked for a party and we aren’t open Tuesday evenings for painting, so no one will come in at the last minute.” Painting wasn’t something they did every night of the week.

“I hate to reward them but truthfully, that would be perfect. If I can’t leave the office by five, my sister can take them for dinner—assuming she’s better—and come by the gallery after, if that works for you?”

“It does.” And Fallon was looking forward to spending time with the twins.

“Thanks. Now I have to go discipline two naughty nine-year-olds.”

“Good luck,” she said with a smile on her face.

“Fallon?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Yes?”

“Wewillhave that talk.”

She’d blocked out his mention of that comment in the beginning of the conversation and there wasn’t much she could say now. She had a hunch when Noah wanted something, he knew how to get it.

She wondered if that included her.

Chapter Seven

The next night,after a long day of running the gallery alone because it was Sylvie’s day off, Clara stayed home again, and Fallon prepared for the twins’ visit. When the door opened and two little tornados of energy came in giggling and chattering, she smiled. Behind them was a pretty woman who strongly resembled her brother, especially in her green eyes, so much like the girls.

“Hi. I take it you’re Fallon?”

She nodded.

“Shannon Powers.” She greeted Fallon with a warm smile. “I’m happy to meet you. The girls haven’t stopped talking about you. I admit to being curious.”

“This is the painting we love, Aunt Sha!”

Shannon smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about that too.” She gazed lovingly at her nieces, her lips lifting as she looked at them. “It’s gorgeous, girls.” She refocused on Fallon. “You’re very talented.”

“Thank you,” Fallon murmured.

“Have they worn Noah down yet?” Shannon asked.

“Actually,” she said to Shannon. “I think he’s torn between not rewarding their behavior and giving them what they so desperately want. I admit, I’m sure it’s the bold colors that attract them to it.” And she couldn’t help but be amused by their persistence, probably because she wasn’t a parent nor was she the one who had to make a choice.

Shannon narrowed her gaze as she studied her. Not in an angry way but a perceptive, thinking one. “I believe it’s more than that. You remind them of Charlie in some ways. And you treat them with respect. They like you. A lot. And if you don’t mind my saying so, I think my brother does too.”

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