Page 66 of Time To Learn

Her lips twitch as she takes a step closer and peers fondly into myeyes.

“I’m not blind, sweetheart. Plus, if there wasn’t something he’s after, I doubt he’d have agreed to come here today.”

I blink in surprise.

“What do youmean?”

She pats myhand.

“You’ll work it out yourself. I’ve got horses to tendto.”

With that, she leaves me alone and whistles to Sally, before they both head back outside. Bewildered, I watch the closed door for a long time, wondering if I’ve really put my foot in itnow.

Then I finish loading the dishwasher and decide to go to the flat above the stables. It needs to be airedout.

* * *

Hearingmy daughter’s feet trampling up the stairs to the flat, I blow out a shaky breath. After last night, I’m nervous to see Kristian again. It was so easy talking with him on the phone. Tooeasy.

“Mummy, Kristian’s here!” Ailith yells. I can’t keep a smile from my lips at the joy in her voice.

Her head comes into view, then the rest of her, as she reaches the landing. My heartbeat picks up at the sight of Kristian following behind her, an amused smile on hislips.

“Hello,” I breathe.

“Hi.”

Oh, gosh, he still looks devilishly handsome. He’s dressed all in black—black boots, black jeans, black T-shirt. His hair is pulled slightly back in a small man bun, and I feel a tingle set off in my tummy at the mere sight of him. Somehow, I’d hoped his sex appeal had disappeared overnight, but, as usual, I’m dead wrong. If anything, it’s even more apparent today.

Crap.

I turn in a half circle and try to see the flat through a stranger’s eyes. I think it’s better than I remembered, but I’m not exactly sure if he’ll feel thesame.

“So, this is the castle, is it?” Kristian says, and I grin shyly athim.

“Don’t be silly,” Ailith scoffs. “We don’t live in a castle, Kristian.”

His smile widens as he crouches down in front ofher.

“Maybe not, but your home still looks a lot like a fairy tale to me. And you know what’s the best part?” he whispers, tilting his head to theside.

Ailith beams at him, shaking her head. The awe in her eyes makes me smile.

“It’s real,” Kristian continues, voice low. “There’s nothing fake about it. I likethat.”

My entire being melts at his words and the way he looks at my daughter. As if he takes her seriously. As if her opinion matters tohim.

Sodit.

“Thank you,” I whisper as he looks up at me. I clear my throat at the way his eyes soften. “We painted the walls last summer, and the hardwood floor was put in three or four years ago, according toMum.”

He nods as he straightens back up and walks slowly to the small kitchenette at the other end of the stairwell. His eyes flicker all the time, taking in everything. It’s fascinating to watch him. To see him so focussed.

“The kitchen is pretty old, I’m afraid,” I apologise, as Ailith follows him, opening and closing the cupboards forhim.

“As long as it works, that’s fine with me.” There’s a sheepish look in his gaze as he glances at me. “I don’t know how to cook,” he admits.

“Oh.”