Chapter Thirteen #2
He gave her a wry smile, his eyes turning just a teeny bit sad.
‘Sorry. If it helps, I’m confusing myself.
’ Seeming to gather himself, he took a swig of his beer and placed it carefully back on the table.
‘While I’m apologising, can I repeat, I’m sorry I didn’t get the play finished last week.
I fully intended to do it when I got back, but between the lawyers, my manager, time-consuming but ultimately fruitless auditions and visits to Natalie about Max, it kind of slipped away from me. ’
She’d blithely assumed he went home and twiddled his thumbs until the following week, she realised.
How unfair, when clearly his priorities were his son and his career.
Their little Christmas play must sit near the bottom of his to-do list. ‘I understand.’ She clasped her hands around her wine glass, considering her words.
‘The problem is, we do need to have it finished so we can plan the songs, get the lines printed. Sort the scenery and the costumes. And it’s—’
‘Only four weeks away.’ His eyes met hers, quietly pleading with her to believe him. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll send it to you by the end of this week. I promise.’
And though he’d promised the last time, too, Anna let it slide, wanting to trust. ‘You mentioned on the phone you’d seen Max. How did it go?’
‘Truthfully?’ A sigh escaped him and he leaned back on his chair, gaze now on his beer.
‘Max didn’t leave his mother’s side. I tried to engage with him, but it was hard work.
’ He pushed a restless hand through his hair.
‘In all honesty, I can’t blame Natalie for not wanting me to see Max alone.
’ Finally he looked at her, his usual bright expression replaced with a dark, haunted one. ‘He’s clearly scared of me.’
‘No.’ She couldn’t, wouldn’t believe Dan had done anything to make his son fear him. ‘Scared is the wrong term. If he’s shy, he might be a little apprehensive if it’s been a while since he saw you, but that’s very different from being scared.’
Dan inhaled slowly, clearly considering her words. ‘Thank you.’
The depth of feeling in his voice surprised her. Then again, if she imagined Maisie not wanting to talk to her, it wasn’t hard to understand how much he was hurting. Or how confused and desperate he must be for reassurance. ‘What happens next? Has Natalie agreed to you having Max for a day?’
‘Agreed?’ His lips twisted in an ironic smile. ‘I wouldn’t say that, but she’s accepted it, yes. I’ll take Max out on Saturday.’ His hands rested on his glass, elegant fingers twisting it round and around.
‘That’s good. Have you decided what to do?’ She tried to picture herself in that position. ‘Do you have any friends with children, because if you do, meeting up with them as well might help. Children always find it less intimidating if there are other children to play with.’
‘None of my mates have kids. Well, except Pete and his kid’s only six months old.’ Suddenly she became the focus of those bright blue eyes. ‘Unless I can count you as a friend.’
Anna lunged for her wine, then coughed as she took far too much of a gulp. But seriously, how was she supposed to react to a statement like that?
Clearly undeterred by her sudden need to drown herself in alcohol, Dan leant forward and gave her the full force of his killer smile.
‘Do you think Maisie would like a weekend in London? You can stay with me, I’ve got plenty of room.
What does she like to do? Any shows she likes?
We could have lunch and take in a matinee. ’
‘Dan, slow down.’ She felt dizzy, and it wasn’t just the wine. In fact she’d only had half a glass, so really it had to be him making her feel like this. As if she couldn’t catch her breath.
‘Sorry.’ He shook his head. ‘That’s all I seem to be saying to you these days. And it’s fine, I understand. I’m asking too much of you.’
This time when he smiled it was forced, the eyes dim again, and her daft heart went out to him. He was no longer the confident, charming, playboy actor but a dad, struggling to build a relationship with his son. Asking for her help.
Was it really a hardship for her and Maisie to have a weekend in London, being entertained by a man whose company they both enjoyed? Shouldn’t she grab this opportunity, wherever it might lead, because who knows when she’d ever feel like this again? ‘Maisie’s always wanted to see The Lion King.’
Dan’s eyes darted up to hers, and she nearly drowned in the hope she saw there. ‘If I can book tickets, will you come?’
She smiled over at him. ‘We’ll come even if you can’t get tickets. I’m sure you’ll think of something.’
Happiness flooded his face and he’d never looked more devastatingly attractive. ‘You won’t regret this, I promise.’
‘Speaking of promises.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘If you haven’t finished the play by the time we see you, we’ll lock you in your room and not let you out until it’s done.’
He tipped his head back and laughed, the sound both sexy and joyous. ‘I do believe we have ourselves another deal.’ The flickering of the tea lights made his eyes look like they were dancing. ‘How should we seal it?’
Thankfully, just as her traitorous gaze landed on his lips, a middle-aged couple came up to their table. The man gave her an embarrassed smile as his wife gushed. ‘You’re Dr Tyler Moore, aren’t you? I was so angry when they killed you off . . .’
Half an hour later, ten minutes of which Dan had spent politely trying to get rid of the couple, and Anna had spent laughing to herself as he became increasingly frustrated, Dan dropped her off outside her house.
The air hummed as he turned to her, a smile curving his lips, an intensity to those blue eyes. ‘You’re really going to come to London on Friday?’
She nodded, feeling the tug of excitement, the tug of him. ‘If Maisie’s up for it, and I don’t think I’ll need to persuade her.’
His eyes continued to search hers, and she felt her pulse jump. ‘I want to kiss you again, Anna Dalton.’ He traced his forefinger gently down her face. ‘Would that be okay?’
The air crackled between them, and Anna knew her breathy reply gave away how much he affected her. ‘You don’t strike me as man who usually asks permission.’
‘I’m not.’ He ran his finger across her lips, the touch achingly tender. ‘But with you I’m scared to make a misstep.’
Whatever they were building together felt so new, so fragile. Yet there was no denying it felt thrilling, too. Life affirming. Going with the latter, she did what she wanted to do, and kissed him.
For a split second she tasted his surprise, but then his mouth curved beneath hers and he responded wholeheartedly. ‘I take that as a yes,’ he whispered between hot, stirring presses of his lips. Presses that got bolder, and more heated, as the minutes ticked by.
By the time Anna waved goodbye to him and walked up to her front door, she was a breathless, hormone addled, hot mess.
But by God, was she smiling.