Page 10 of Declan
Stephen’s lips curved in a playful half-grin, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes. “Of course, you can. I work in Real Estate. I’m just glad I can take time to pick up Jenny.”
“They’re gathering their things now.”
“What will you do when school is out?”
“The schedules will be changed to all day shifts.”
He smiled as he looked at her. “How about dinner sometime?”
Elise’s brow furrowed, her smile faltering. “Uh…”
His grin widened as he took a small step forward, the scent of his cologne, warm cedarwood, reaching her. “It’s just dinner,” he said, and she could smell his minty breath.
She hesitated then nodded. “Alright. That would be nice.”
He grinned. “I’m sure we’ll have a nice time.”
She smiled. “Yes, I’m sure we will.”
It looked as if Stephen wanted to say more when the door swung open and Declan Cavanaugh filled the frame. Broad-shouldered and imposing in his khaki shirt with his badge pinned to it, he paused as if struck, gray eyes narrowing at the sight of Stephen. Too badhehadn’t asked her out.
Declan’s jaw clenched, but he crossed the room with long strides, one hand dropping to rest on the countertop, the other over the grip of his holstered sidearm, his finger casually tapping against it. Stephen’s easy smile faded.
“Johnston,” Declan said, his voice low, rough-edged.
“Cavanaugh,” Stephen replied coolly. “What are you doing here?”
Declan’s eyes shifted to Elise and back to Stephen. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m here to pick up my niece.”
The two men stood locked in silence, the air taut as violin strings, until the bubbling chorus of children’s laughter eruptedbehind them. Jenny, cheeks pink with excitement and curls bouncing, burst into the lobby.
“Daddy! I had so much fun today!” she cried, sprinting into Stephen’s arms. Her backpack dangled off one small shoulder as she flung her arms around him.
Stephen scooped her up, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Good, honey. Now let’s get you home.” He turned back to Elise, his tone unexpectedly gentle. “I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow night for dinner.” Then after glancing at Declan with a smirk, he strode out, Jenny’s delighted giggles trailing in his wake.
Elise nodded. Declan’s stern profile didn’t soften as he watched Stephen’s retreating back. She stepped closer to the counter.
“Well,” she murmured, brushing a hand across the smooth surface, “you could have cut that tension with a knife.”
Declan’s lips flattened. “We don’t like each other.”
She rolled her eyes. “No? Really? Why not?”
He shrugged. “Ask him when you go out to dinner.” He straightened, his attention drifting toward the hallway. “Is Frankie ready?”
Elise turned and called out to the corner of the room where a lively cluster of children sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor, their colorful backpacks resting at their feet.
“Frankie? Your uncle is here,” she announced with a warm smile.
A small, cheerful voice responded, “‘Kay, thanks, Elise.”
Minutes later, Elise observed as the little girl grabbed her pink-and-purple backpack, its colors vivid against the subdued tones of the room and darted eagerly across the floor. Declan knelt, his arms open wide like a welcoming embrace, and Frankie joyously launched herself into his arms. Her peals of laughter rang out, echoing against the walls. He rose to his fullheight, cradling her tenderly against his chest, and she nestled her cheek into the comforting khaki fabric of his shirt, a picture of pure contentment.
“Bye, Elise. Oh, I like that Jenny is in my class now,” Frankie called out, her small hand waving energetically.
“That’s good. Bye, sweetie. See you next week,” Elise replied, returning the wave with a soft smile, her heart warmed by the effortless and genuine bond between uncle and niece as Declan carried Frankie toward the door.
Elise watched through the large studio windows as Declan buckled Frankie securely into her car seat, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over his broad shoulders. He climbed into the driver’s side, the engine roaring to life with a deep, throaty growl, and smoothly pulled away, the SUV’s hood gleaming like a beacon under the fading light of the setting sun.
