Page 18 of Stuck with my Guarded MVP
He glanced over. “Yeah? You see them a lot?”
“Not as much as I’d like.” I adjusted my grip on the container; suddenly aware I was holding it like a security blanket. “I offered to babysit tomorrow night so Nolan and Brooke could have a date.”
That got his full attention. He turned slightly, a knife still in his hand. “That’s really nice of you.”
I shrugged. “They’ve earned a night off.”
“How old are the girls again?”
“Five and seven. Bright, hilarious, and obsessed with glitter slime.”
He winced. “Dangerous age. You’re brave.”
“I’m only nervous about feeding them. I was thinking of ordering pizza.”
“What, no microwaving?”
I scrunched my nose and narrowed my eyes in mock offense. “No promises. I’m a culinary rebel.”
I saw a smile trying to form.
I hesitated. “Do you have a favorite pizza place? Something kid-friendly but not totally inedible?”
That made him smile, the kind of easy grin that reached all the way to his eyes. “You want my pizza recs now?”
I matched his tone. “Well, you clearly have strong culinary opinions.”
He pointed a wooden spoon at me. “Only on the important things. I’ll write down a name.”
“Appreciated.” I paused, feeling a warmth settle in my chest that had nothing to do with the microwave. “Thanks again, really.”
He nodded. “Anytime.”
I took a step back, ready to retreat, but… I didn’t want to. Not yet.
Then I remembered, the balcony.
I hesitated, then turned a little toward him. “Hey, last night, I couldn’t sleep, so I stepped out onto the balcony for a bit. Just to look at the stars.”
He stilled, spoon hovering.
“I meant to ask… is that okay? I know this is your place, and I want to be respectful. I figure you’re used to having it all to yourself, and I just don’t want to get in the way.”
He didn’t answer right away. His shoulders tensed. His jaw shifted slightly. Then he set the spoon down and glanced at me fully.
Our eyes caught, just a second too long.
“Sure,” he said. “Thanks for asking.”
“You're welcome," I said softly. Goodnight, Liam.”
He nodded. “Goodnight, Claire.”
I walked slowly back toward the guest wing, my steps quiet against the hallway floor. The air felt cooler now, still carrying a hint of lemon and roasted garlic from the kitchen.
I brushed my teeth and followed my routine.
I woke up early and made my way to the kitchen in search of coffee.
