Page 39 of Just One More Temptation

She wrapped her hands around a mug filled with coffee and took a long sip, sadness filling her at the loss of all the beautiful, one-of-a-kind art that had been destroyed. And for what? Someone who got a kick out of breaking in and getting away with it? She hoped the cameras in the gallery picked up something useful for the police, who’d mentioned Clara had given them access and they would be in touch once they sent the information to their tech people.

“Daddy! We’re home!” one of the twins screamed.

Her lips lifted and she laughed. She hadn’t heard anyone enter. Then again, this apartment was massive and she wasn’t anywhere near the front entrance.

The twins came to a skidding halt in the kitchen and when they noticed Fallon, Dylan shrieked. “Grandma, Fallon’s here!”

Nina walked into the room, a smile on her face. “I can see that. No need to break my eardrums.”

“Fallon! We watched a show on National Geographic with Grandpa. Did you know that rhinocerhouses talk to each other with their poop?” Dakota asked.

Dylan giggled at her sister’s words.

“If they mark their spots, other rhinocerhouses know not to go there and they don’t get into a fight.”

Fallon blinked at the information, as usual, at a loss as to what to say to the young, quite brilliant girl.

“That’s rhinoceroses. It’s the plural for more than one rhino,” Noah’s dad said, joining them in the kitchen. “And hello, Fallon.”

His mom treated her to a warm smile.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Powers.”

His mom waved a hand through the air. “Nina and Joseph, remember?”

Fallon nodded and smiled.

“Where’s Daddy?” Dakota asked.

“He’s in his office but he should be out soon. I had a little…” She glanced at the girls before meeting Nina’s gaze. “Excitement at the gallery and he offered to let me hang out here for the day.” She felt the need to explain her reason for being here. The last thing she’d want was for his parents to think they’d spent the night together, even if they had.

The sound of heavy footsteps treading across the apartment caught Fallon’s attention and Noah strode into the room, his te-shirt showing his powerful forearms and despite, or rather, because of his casual look, her mouth watered at the sight of him.

“Did I hear a herd of elephants in here?” Noah asked, opening his arms so the twins could run into them.

The sight warmed her heart. She adored how much the twins loved their father, testament to what a spectacular job he was doing raising them alone.

Feeling the heat of someone’s gaze, she turned to see Nina watching her watch the scene, a speculative look in her eyes, and Fallon’s stomach twisted with nerves. She just wanted his mother to like her.

“Funny you should mention elephants,” Fallon said in an effort to switch the other woman’s focus.

“Yeah, we watched a show with Grandpa!” Dylan said.

Dakota went into her rhino poop information, mispronunciations and all, and soon, everyone was laughing and Nina Powers was no longer watching Fallon stare at the small family with what had probably been longing in her gaze.

His parents stayed for an hour and they’d moved to the family room, relaxing and talking before leaving to see a matinee on Broadway.

As soon as goodbyes had been said and Noah walked his parents out, the girls surrounded her. “Can we do mani-pedis?” Dylan asked. “I have a manicure set!” she exclaimed.

Dakota wrinkled her nose. “Nooo! It’s so boring.”

If Fallon had to guess, she couldn’t sit still long enough for the process. “Well, that’s up to your dad. Dakota, why don’t you think about something fun I can paint on your nails just in case we do them?” She figured that would entice the girl to agree with her sister’s desire.

“Oooh! Rhino poop!” She giggled, grabbing her stomach and dropping to the floor, rolling with laughter at her own joke.

“What’s so funny?” Noah asked, as he returned to the family room.

“Don’t ask, Dad. Just don’t ask.” Dylan walked up to her father and clasped both hands in front of her.

---