Page 94 of Double Fault

“No, silly,” she says around a fit of giggles. “You look like a dad.”

Chuckling, I sit back in my chair. “You’ve got me there, kid.”

She turns to Sabrina, her shoulders set primly. She’s definitely playing into this whole princess thing. “Do you like your tea?”

“Um.” Sabrina presses her lips together, her eyes darting to the side before focusing on my daughter again. “Yes. It’s fantastic.”

Maddie tilts her head to the side, studying her nanny across the table. “Really? Have you even tried it? Your cup is still full.”

Sabrina frowns and I cup a hand over my face to hide a grin. She walked right into a Maddie made trap. I feel a kick to my shin and have to hide a wince. Those fucking boots she wears hurt.

“I… well.” She picks it up and gives the liquid a delicate sip, then immediately gags. “No. Nope. No, I can’t do it. I’m sorry. I love you, Maddie, and I want you to have a good time. I know this was my idea. I thought it would be a fun experience. But I’m American and my blood is mostly coffee. I can’t do tea.”

Maddie shrugs. “Yeah, this stuff is pretty gross.” She takes another sip and sets her cup down gently. “But man, do I feel fancy.”

In unison, Sabrina and I burst into laughter, earning more than one dirty look from the well-dressed people around us.

When we leave the tearoom, we find Ebba waiting for us in the hotel lobby.

“Oh, hey,” Sabrina says. “What are you up to?”

With a grin, her friend grabs her hand. “You and I are going on a little adventure before your date.”

“Date?” Sabrina draws the word out, her eyes darting to me. “Wha?—”

“We have a dinner reservation at seven. I thought you might enjoy some pampering beforehand.”

With a gasp, Maddie clutches my hand and bounces on the balls of her feet. “You’re really going on a date?”

I chuckle and settle a hand on her shoulder to still her jerky movements. “Yes, Mads. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Yes,” she squeals at a decibel that doesn’t seem human.

“Ebba,” I say, my tone firm. “Make sure she gets whatever she likes, no matter the cost.”

With a mock salute, she loops her arm through Sabrina’s. “You’ve got it, boss. We’ll see you later.” And then they’re off, headed toward the front of the hotel.

Halfway across the lobby, Sabrina looks back, her mouth hanging open. I wiggle my fingers in a wave.

“Do you have to go back to the court?” Maddie asks, her demeanor suddenly sullen.

“No, sweetie.” I pull her in for a hug. “I’m all yours until it’s time to leave for my date with Sabrina.” Stepping back, I crouch so we’re eye to eye. “You’re still okay with this, right?”

Despite my feelings for the woman who just left, if Maddie isn’t comfortable, then I’ll slam on the brakes and call it off now. My little girl has gone through more life changes in the past two years than any kid should have to. I want her to be happy and I want to give her the most stable life my career will allow.

“Yes.” She rolls her eyes like she thinks my question is absurd. “I love Sabrina and I love you. Why wouldn’t I be okay? It wasmydare that made this happen.”

A smile slowly crooks my lips. “Yeah, sweetie. It was the dare.”

CHAPTER 26

SABRINA

I still don’t knowhow Ebba made it all happen in such a short amount of time, but somehow my fingers and toes both boast fresh nails in a soft pink color. The clothing store was prepared for us, with ensembles pulled and ready for me to look at. Before I could inspect them, though, Ebba shoved me into a changing room and handed me one option after another, refusing to let me veto anything until she saw it.

As I walk toward the front of the hotel where I’m supposed to meet Noah, the heels Ebba insisted on click-clacking on the marble floor, I feel like a stranger. I’m only wearing the shoes because she threatened to drop my favorite pair of boots off the hotel’s balcony if I didn’t. I never would have chosen the shimmery black dress with a floral design, but she swore it was the one. I can’t help but think she chose it because of the halter neck. Why would that be the deciding factor? Because I didn’t bring a strapless bra, so I was forced to purchase one, along with the matching underwear she insisted on.

The final components of the ensemble are the gold bracelet and the small purse that cost more than what I owe in student loans. But again, I wasn’t allowed to refuse, and since Ebba was in control of Noah’s card, there was no way around it.

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