“Hey, sugar.” He opened his arms and she scrambled onto his lap for a hug. “How was school?”

  “It was good. Are we gonna go get the tree tomorrow?”

  “Sure.”

  Katie stuck her head in the open door. “Hi, Garrett.”

  “Hi, Katie. Thank you for dropping Gracie off.” He didn’t know what he’d do without Katie to babysit. The week she’d been on vacation only reminded him how much he needed her. He’d have to take Gracie out to get her something nice for Christmas.

  “No problem. Her homework is done. I have to run, though. Last-minute Christmas shopping.”

  Garrett waved and turned back to Gracie.

  She jumped off his lap and turned toward Olivia’s desk. “Can Olivia come to get the tree with us?” She turned back to him expectantly.

  He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Gracie . . .” How was he going to tell her Olivia was gone? Gracie had become so attached to her. “I don’t know. We’ll have to see.” Coward. His gaze roamed over the empty desk. Olivia had livened up the place over the past couple of months. He sighed. He could only avoid the truth for so long: he missed her.

  He approached the desk and studied the photo of the big black dog that she had left in her haste, along with all of her other personal belongings. He shouldn’t have been so hard on her. He couldn’t even put his finger on exactly why he was angry with her, but he was beginning to think it was more his hang-up than anything she’d done. Stephanie’s father had been a major problem between them, constantly interfering in their marriage. Anytime Garrett couldn’t give Stephanie something she wanted, she ran to Daddy. Of course, he never said no.

  Garrett started to rake his fingers back through his hair, caught himself, and stilled. The feel of Olivia’s gentle touch as she straightened his hair lingered. He could almost feel her delicate fingers feathering through his hair.

  “Can we?” Impatience filled Gracie’s tone.

  He looked away from the picture. She was practically vibrating with excitement.

  “I’m sorry, sugar. What did you say?”

  She rolled her eyes in exasperation, and he bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “I said, can we go to Olivia’s and meet Barney?”

  “We can’t just go barging into Olivia’s house uninvited, sugar.”

  She scowled. “Why not?”

  “Well . . . because it’s rude.”

  Her frown deepened. “Was it rude for Olivia to come to our house on Thanksgiving?”

  “That was different.” He struggled to hold his patience in check, but he was losing the battle.

  “Why was it different?” Her expression hardened, and he knew this was a fight she expected to win.

  He blew out a breath. “Look, Gracie. Olivia came to our house for a reason on Thanksgiving. It’s different. Now let it go.”

  Gracie’s pout tugged at him, and he turned away.

  Her small voice halted him in his tracks. “But she invited me to meet Barney, so we do have a reason.”

  Patience worn thin, he turned back to her. His gaze fell on the picture once again. Wait. “You know what? You’re right. We do have a reason. I just remembered I have to drop some stuff off for Olivia. Why don’t you run and get me some envelopes from Jill.”

  “Sure, Dad.” She skipped from the room, her earlier sulkiness already forgotten in her newfound excitement. He grabbed a box of files from the corner, dumped the contents onto his desk, and placed the box on Olivia’s chair. With one quick glance toward the door to ensure Gracie was still chatting with Jill, he quickly filled the box with all of Olivia’s personal belongings. He pulled the chair out to open the drawer, and it caught on something. He leaned over to find the computer cord stuck beneath the leg.

  A memory surfaced. Olivia holding up her hand, the cord dangling, a blush coloring her cheeks. The same blush that had blossomed when he’d leaned toward her, intent on kissing her. He missed that blush. Actually, he missed everything about her: her ready smile, the sexy way she caught her lip between her teeth and peered at him from beneath her lashes, the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t looking. The thought he might never see her again twisted his gut.

  He owed her an apology, and he’d never be able to sleep if he didn’t offer one. Of course, he could simply call her. He pushed that thought aside, not even bothering to make an excuse for going to see her. If he was being honest with himself, he missed her.

  The realization that Olivia wasn’t like Stephanie had come slowly. Too slowly. He was so caught up in the fact her father obviously had money that he didn’t bother to look and see how generous she was. Sure, she was a little flighty and irresponsible, but she was also kind and warmhearted and fun. What have I done?

  GARRETT LOOKED AT GRACIE. A huge grin lit her face, and he resigned himself to the fact it was too late to back out. He tucked the box under his arm and rang the bell. Frantic barking was followed by the sound of Olivia’s voice. “Coming. One minute.”

  Gracie bounced up and down, completely unable to contain her excitement, a live wire ready to explode through the door the instant Olivia opened it.

  He thought briefly about the size of the dog in the picture. He didn’t want to dim her joy, but . . . “Gracie . . .”

  She looked at him. “When you go in, don’t rush the dog. Okay?”

  “Why? Olivia says he’s the friendliest dog ever.”

  “Just humor me, okay?”

  She rolled her eyes and nodded a halfhearted agreement. He simply shook his head. This one was going to be trouble. Then he smiled, remembering he’d had the same thought about Olivia when they first met. His smile dimmed a little. He’d actually been right about Olivia. He turned to Gracie again, and she gave him her widest smile. Uh . . . oh.

  The door started to open, and an enormous ball of black fur shot through the gap.

  “Barney!” Olivia tried to grab his collar, but her deep-burgundy robe started to fall open, and she quickly put her hand back in place to hold it closed. A blush that almost matched her robe crept up her cheeks. “Uh . . . I’m . . . um . . . sorry. I was in the bath.”

  Barney skidded to a stop in front of Gracie, almost bowling her over in the process. He sat and wagged his whole back end as Gracie threw her arms around his massive neck.

  Garrett’s heart skipped a beat. “Gracie, be careful.”

  “Don’t worry. She’s fine. Barney adores kids.” Olivia stepped back from the door. “Come in, please. I’m . . . uh . . . just gonna go . . .”

  Garrett ushered Gracie into the small living room with Barney glued to her side. “Oh, wait. Here. I brought . . . um . . .” He looked down at Gracie, who was completely absorbed in rubbing Barney’s belly, then back at Olivia. He shook his head, praying Olivia would understand not to say anything in front of Gracie.

  A sad smile crossed her face, but she nodded, took the box from him, turned, and walked down the hallway without saying a word.

  Smooth, buddy.

  Her wet hair hung all the way down her back, almost to her waist, much longer than when it was dry and the curls sprang up.

  “Look, Daddy.” Gracie tossed a ball in the air and Barney jumped and caught it.

  “Be careful, Gracie.” The giant dog seemed friendly enough. He was just so big. He’d seen Newfoundlands before, but he didn’t remember any of them being as massive as this one.

  “That’s better.” Olivia walked back into the room wearing ripped, faded jeans and a long, dark blue sweater that deepened the blue of her eyes. “Sorry about that.”

  “No, I’m sorry for barging in on you. I just wanted to give you that box—”

  “And I wanted to meet Barney.” Gracie dragged her attention from the dog for a minute but kept a hand on his belly. “You said I could, right, Livvie?”

  “Of course you can. You can visit me anytime you like.” Olivia sat down on the floor beside Barney and Gracie crawled into her lap.

  Now what? How was he supposed to talk to her with Gracie right there?

  “Do you want to sit?” Olivia looked at him, obviously sensing his discomfort. “Do you want to give him a treat, Gracie?”

  “Yay! I sure do.”

  “Want a cookie, Barney?” Barney twisted over, jumped up, and launched himself toward the kitchen. Gracie looked at Olivia.

  “The treats are in the cabinet under the sink. Just tell him to sit and give him one. Only one, though.” Gracie took off after the dog, giggling as she ran, and Olivia climbed to her feet.

  “Olivia.”

  Olivia stood still, looking after Gracie. “Yes?”

  He reached for her arm. “Please look at me.”

  She turned toward him but kept her gaze on the floor.

  “Look, Olivia, I’m so sorry.”

  Her head shot up. “What? You’re sorry? For what? I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to take the easy way out.”

  “No, Olivia. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  She started to interrupt, but he placed a finger gently against her lips. Her gaze locked onto his.

  “Please, Olivia, I have to say this. I’m sorry I got angry. It wasn’t your fault. Char—Ms. Harris, does this to everyone with these stupid parties. I should have found a way to get you out of it.”

  “It’s okay, Garrett. It was time for me to move on anyway.”

  Footsteps sounded in the hallway. Garrett reluctantly released her and stepped back.

  Olivia smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “When I first started working at Harris and Harris, I made a New Year’s resolution. I promised myself I’d have my own business by New Year’s.”

  “Really?” He grinned. “How’s that working out for you?”

  Her laughter finally released some of the tension that had been bunching in his shoulders. “For your information, mister, I’ve started my own proofreading business.”

  Garrett forced a smile. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.” Liar!

  Barney ran into the room with Gracie right behind him. He tried to apply the brakes when he spotted them standing near the doorway, but slid on the hardwood floor and plowed straight into Garrett.

  Garrett tumbled over the big dog’s back and landed, sitting on the floor.

  “Oh my gosh. Are you okay?” Olivia grabbed his arm to help him up.

  He struggled to his feet and tried to get his bearings. “I’m fine.”

  Olivia brushed him off. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe he did that.” She turned a scowl on Barney. Barney tilted his head and dropped his tongue out of the side of his mouth. Gracie stood with her mouth open, eyes wide, staring at her dad.

  Garrett started to laugh. He couldn’t help it. They all stared at him as if he had three heads, and he started to laugh harder. Tears streamed from his eyes and a cramp pierced his side. He bent over and put his hands on his knees as he fought for composure.

  Gracie and Olivia started to laugh with him. Barney howled.

  What am I getting myself into?

  Gracie threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. His eyes met Olivia’s.

  He sucked in a breath. His heart started to beat erratically, threatening to pound out of his chest. He inhaled deeply, the scent of strawberries from her now-drying hair drifting toward him. He reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear, battling the desire to pull her into his arms and press his lips to hers.

  Sweat sprang out on the back of his neck. Olivia was intoxicating, seeping into his veins and addicting him. He had to get out of there before he lost control. Olivia wasn’t the kind of girl you just slept with. She was the kind of girl you took home to your family and married. The kind of girl you built a family with. Fear struck him hard. He wasn’t ready for this. He had to get out of there.

  “Are you okay, Daddy?”

  He turned to Gracie. “I’m fine, sugar. I was just startled.”

  “That was so funny, wasn’t it?”

  He laughed. “Yeah, it was.”

  “Are you mad at Barney?”

  Barney sat watching him as if hanging on his every word. “No. How could I be mad? It was an accident. Right, boy?” He reached out to pet Barney’s head, and Barney leaned into his hand. “He’s a real sweetheart.” He swallowed hard. “We have to get going now, though.”

  “Awww . . . Dad, do we have to?”

  He glanced at Olivia. She smiled at him and his heart lurched. “Sorry, sugar.”

  Gracie groaned, but thankfully didn’t argue any further.

  Olivia walked them to the door.

  He turned back to her. “I’ll see you around, huh?”

  “Sure.” Olivia looked as though she might cry, and Garrett had to resist the urge to swoop her up in his arms and kiss her better. Instead, he turned and walked away.

  NINE

  OLIVIA CLOSED THE DOOR behind them and leaned against it. The sound of their footsteps and Gracie’s laughter receded down the hallway toward the stairs. She dropped her head back and swiped at the tears that had begun to fall. The ache in her chest increased.

  It was obvious Garrett wasn’t going to pursue any kind of relationship with her. Whatever his reasons, he’d walked away. Maybe it was her. Could she be misreading him? Sometimes when he looked at her, she melted from the intensity of his gaze. She pressed a hand to the side of her face, the memory of his fingers lingering against her jaw teasing her. Olivia scrubbed angrily at her cheeks. She pushed away from the door, flopped onto the couch, and propped her feet on the coffee table. Barney dropped his head onto her lap.

  “It’s not your fault, boy.” She twined her fingers into his fur. “I guess he just isn’t interested.”

  She sighed and pulled the computer onto her lap. She signed on to the proofreading site and checked her in-box. One message. She anxiously opened it. “I got my first job, Barney.” A flare of excitement chased away some of the sadness Garrett’s sudden departure had left her with.

  “A hundred-page business book needs to be proofread by tomorrow.” She glanced at the clock in the bottom corner of the screen. “Oh well, it’s not like I have anything else to do tonight.” She shrugged and hit accept, happy to be starting on her newest career path. Who knew, maybe she’d find some helpful information for her business.

  She pulled the afghan around her shoulders, used the remote to turn on the stereo, and curled up in the corner of the couch with the computer. Chapter one. Strategies for finding good employees.

  Two chapters later, her eyes burned and her mind was pretty much numb. Do people really read this crap? She struggled to focus, but her mind kept wandering back to Garrett . . . and Gracie. Examining her feelings for Gracie was easier. She loved that little girl. Tears pooled in her eyes at the thought of Gracie’s energetic smile that just radiated happiness, and she fought to suppress them. No use. She wiped them away and forced her attention back to the screen.

  Another chapter. How many chapters are in this thing? She scrolled ahead. Twenty-four? You have got to be kidding me. If I have to read twenty-four chapters of this drivel, my eyes might fall out.

  She settled more comfortably and tried again to focus on reading one chapter at a time. Barney turned over and lay on his back at her feet. “This isn’t what I signed on for. I figured I’d get to read some nice romance novels, not this nonsense.” She shifted the computer. “ ‘How to get your employees to work harder for you with no extra compensation.’ That’s actually the name of a chapter. Can you even believe this?”

  She groaned and settled back for a long night. By the time she’d made it through ten chapters, her eyes burned so badly she couldn’t keep them open. She let them fall shut for just a minute to ease some of the strain. She’d get up and try some Visine in a minute.

  BRIGHT LIGHT PENETRATED HER eyelids, and Olivia’s eyes fluttered open. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing her in warmth. She pulled the blanket over her shoulder and snuggled deeper into the cocoon of the sun’s rays.

  Beep. One new message.

  She opened her eyes and found the computer lying sideways on the floor. Anger surged through her. She’d done it again. Screwed up another opportunity. What is wrong with me? She sat up, pulled the computer onto her lap, and checked her mail. “Well, you don’t have to get nasty.” It was only an hour past the deadline. She looked for the manuscript she’d been working on. How many chapters had she actually gotten through? Twelve. Hmmm . . . ah, no one will get this far into the book anyway. She saved the work she’d done and sent the manuscript back with an apology for being late. Good enough. Except it wasn’t.

  She’d messed up again. She shoved her fingers into her hair and squeezed. Just once she wanted to finish something she started . . . the right way. An idea niggled at the back of her brain. She looked at the clock and bit her lip. Oh well, he’ll just have to get up.

  Ring. Ring. Ring.

  “This better be important.” The gruff, scratchy voice affirmed her fears. He’d definitely been sleeping.

  “Would I wake you at nine in the morning if it wasn’t?”

  She could hear his smile over the line. “Hey, honey. What’s up?”

  “Listen, George, could I ask you a favor? It’s really important.”

  Sheets rustled over the line and she figured George was sitting up in bed. “Of course you can.”

  She ran to the corner, grabbed her bag, and rifled through it. Aha . . . found it. Yes. She held her breath. Her whole idea hinged on this. “I need to find out if the money for the New Year’s Eve party was credited back to the Harrises’ credit card. If I give you the number, can you find out?” She paused. “Without anyone knowing about it?” She held her breath.

  “Actually, I already know it was. I did it immediately after I called you. Why? What are you up to, girlfriend?”

 

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