Chapter 31 #2
He gave a wry shake of his head. “I’ve been through this a few times. Genuine doctors have advised me to wait a couple of
hours after the last vomit before trying sips of water. If she’s good with that, move to clear fizzy drinks, sports drinks
if there are any.”
Olivia read the thermometer and showed it to him.
“High, but not alarming.” He gave Mia a gentle nudge. “You’ll be fine. Just need to take it easy for a few days.” He turned
back to Olivia. “There’ll be some paracetamol in the medicine cabinet. It’ll help bring the temperature down.”
Olivia darted back up to get the liquid paracetamol. Once she’d given Mia a spoonful and settled the ice chips next to her,
Olivia curled her hand around his and led him to the kitchen.
“Thank you for coming.” Her shoulders sagged as she let out a deep, frustrated-sounding breath. “I feel useless. I’ve never
had to take care of anyone who’s ill, never mind a child.”
He brushed his mouth against hers. “You did the most important thing.”
“What’s that?”
He tucked away the strand of hair that was out of place. “You were there for her.”
“Even if I was clueless?”
He’d never seen her like this, so unsure, doubting herself. He ran his hands down her arms and drew her to him. “You think
I haven’t been winging it these past nine years? But one thing I’ve learned is that all most sick kids want is to know somebody is
there to care for them.”
For a few moments he just held her, rubbing circles on the small of her back, feeling her muscles slowly relax. “What about
the presentation?” he asked finally.
“Stuart’s going to do it.” She looked at her watch and sighed. “He’ll be starting it in about fifteen minutes. You can imagine
how pleased he was at the prospect.”
Connor looked over at Mia, then down at Olivia. “If you went back now, would it help? If Jessica’s okay with it, I can stay
until she comes home.”
“But what about Ellie? And your work?”
He shrugged. “I’ve swapped shifts, and my parents are on standby to look after Ellie.”
“Seriously?”
“Livvy, if you need me, I’ll find a way to be there for you. That’s what a relationship is all about.”
“Oh God.”
He was alarmed to see her eyes well with tears. “Hey, don’t cry.”
“I’m not. I’m just . . . touched. Really, really touched that you dropped everything to come over and help me.”
“Don’t be touched.” He tapped her chin. “Phone Jessica.”
“Right. Yes.” She nodded, squared her shoulders, then let them drop. “I can’t. It’ll be like I’m abandoning Mia.”
“You’re not. You’re leaving her with Ellie’s dad. The one who can do awesome plaits.” He picked up the phone she’d left on
the island and handed it to her. “Make the call. I’ll go check on Mia.”
He left Olivia and walked back into the living room.
“How are you doing?” he asked the girl curled up on the sofa. “Still got a tummy ache?”
“It doesn’t hurt so bad now.” She looked over at the TV. “I can’t find anything to watch.”
He picked up the remote and scanned through the guide. “Ellie likes the Nature channel. There’s a show about monkeys at the
moment. Oh, and Friends.” Shit, he wasn’t supposed to admit that. “Or there’s always Bake Off. She loves that.”
Mia’s face scrunched in a frown. “What?”
“You’ve never watched The Great British Bake Off?” He mock tutted. “It’s time we rectified that.”
He switched to the right channel and explained the premise of the show. By the time Olivia walked in, Mia was engrossed.
“Oh, no, Mia, what’s he got you watching?”
She giggled. “Some people trying to make cakes. It’s funny.”
Olivia glanced at him and he raised his eyebrow. “Are we on?”
“Jessica says if Mia’s fine with you looking after her, then so is she.”
He nodded, trying to act cool while his insides sloshed with relief at the display of trust. “So, Mia,” he said, turning back
to the little girl. “Are you okay with me waiting with you until your mum comes home? Your aunt could do with going back to
work.”
A shy smile spread across her face. “Will you do my hair in plaits again?”
“If you promise to sit here and rest so it makes my life easy, sure.” He stuck out his hand and she clutched it, giggling.
“Deal.”
Olivia was smiling as she kissed her niece goodbye. “Get well soon.”
“Can we do a playdate with Ellie at the weekend if I’m better?”
Connor had to hide his laughter. “I wonder who she gets these negotiation techniques from.”
Olivia tapped her niece on the nose. “I’ll talk to your mum.”
At the front door Olivia gave him a searching look. “Did you know Ashley went to Paris with Aaron?”
“I didn’t, but good on them. They both deserve some happiness.”
“Yes, they do.” Instead of opening the door, she stared up at him. “You made that happen. You’re a good man, Connor.”
His throat locked tight. “I’ve not been, at times, but I’m working on it.” He bent and kissed her, which turned into something
longer, deeper than he’d planned because, fuck, she was addictive. When he finally drew back, they were both panting. “I’m
going to miss you tonight,” he rasped, dropping a kiss on her temple. “Call me, let me know what happened?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Now put your game face on and make sure Stuart doesn’t steal all your thunder.”
She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. And just in case there’s any doubt, I will miss you too.”