Page 28 of Nothing to Deny

Touching his tee-shirt on his sternum, she drew a fingernail around one of the grimy patches. Presley said Baer worked maintenance in the building, which was how they got a break in rent. The jeans and sweat and tool-belt had to be part of his day job. It was a wonder the man ever found time to sleep.

Now she understood why he did it. Abel couldn’t work. The facility his mom was in would be a small fortune in fees. Abel needed regular doctor and physical therapy visits too. All of that was on top of the boys’, the family’s, daily living costs.

“Two a.m. is my favorite time of the night,” she said. “It’s that sleepy time when those who didn’t turn in early are heading home or going to bed… It’s quiet… everything slows down and when you’re in the arms of a man, it… feels like you’re the only two people in the world.”

“It won’t tonight,” he murmured. “Not for me.”

Ducking down, on a trajectory for a kiss, she couldn’t let him and turned her mouth away. “Don’t Baer,” she whispered. “Not when you’re on your way to another woman’s bed.”

“It’s work, baby. Just work, that’s all.”

“I know,” she said, making a point of meeting his eye. “I know what it is, and I know why you do it.” That piqued some curiosity in him; she didn’t waver. “I don’t judge you for it. I understand why and I would do the same thing if I were in your position… Doesn’t mean I want to think about you doing things with other women that you’ll never do with me.”

His frown was quick, but they were interrupted by Abel.

“Good, you got her,” Abel said. “Please stay for dinner, Freya… The boys will do the dishes.”

Pasting on a smile, she eased Baer away to join his father. “I would be honored… now where are those boys?”

TEN

WATCHING BAER WALK out his father’s place was an experience she didn’t want to repeat. He’d stayed as long as he could, eating with them, remaining intent as the twins recounted details of their school day. With boastful exuberance, each vied to outdo the other. Much as they might tease, those youngsters idolized their big brother.

Eventually the time had come for him to stand up and bid them farewell. She’d been in the kitchen, organizing the twins at the sink when he came over to lay a hand on her hip and kiss the corner of her mouth.

With his eyes on hers, blazing their usual intensity, he’d asked if she was okay. What was she supposed to say to that? Her heart and her mind had two different reactions. Regardless, she’d nodded. The man had to do his job, whatever the cost. Why should she make it more difficult for him?

So he’d walked out, and she’d stayed to help Abel get the boys to bed.

What was she doing playing house with…? She’d done it dozens of times. Hundreds. Visiting foundation kids and—oh, who was she kidding? This was completely different.

Why, a whole day later, was she still obsessing? There she was at her building’s entrance, chatting with Narmer about his daughter, and still Baer was on her mind. More specifically, what he might’ve done for his client.

Get over it. This was a new night. If she wanted to enjoy it, the previous one had to be consigned to history.

When the Squires limo pulled up, she bid Narmer goodbye and dashed to the curb.

“Good evening, Kessler,” she said to the driver waiting by the open back door.

“Evening, Freya, how are you?”

“Well,” she said. “Thank you. And you?”

“Think I’m coming down with something.”

His smile suggested that may have been a tease, she went with it anyway.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” she said, tilting her head. “Maybe this will cheer you up.”

Holding up a wooden box by its rope handle, she presented it to him.

“What is it?”

“Scotch,” she said. “You’ve been so gracious; this is my thank you.”

Leaving him to absorb the gratuity, she slid into the backseat.

It was insane to be disappointed by the waiting stranger. Attractive, smiling like a person happy to see her, the guy didn’t know he couldn’t compete.

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