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“She say something?”
Shaking her head, loose red curls bobbed as she explained, “Nah, she just got really quiet. It was the way she looked at me, like I was up to something or in trouble.”
When she chewed on her lip, I reached up to push the strands off her face, and she leaned into my palm against her skin. Noel McShane melting into my touch would never fucking get old. “Give it time, baby. It only makes sense that they’re scared for you after everything he just put you through. Now, some new guy they’ve never met comes on the scene. I’d be skeptical in their shoes. You’ll talk soon, I’m sure.”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Yeah, you’re right.” Closing her eyes, her shoulders melted away from her neck as I stroked my thumb over her cheekbone.
Looking to help her relax, I asked, “Your parents are still together?”
“They got together in college,” she said, her smile audible. “Had their thirtieth wedding anniversary last year.”
“Tell me about them.” So she did, her body gradually relaxing as I stroked the length of her back in what I hoped was a soothing circle. I’d never been more grateful for the scraps of bright fabric she called suitable attire. I was fairly convinced she wore themfor methese days.
“Daddy was kind of wild when he was younger. You’d never know it now,” she continued after ten minutes or so. “Anybody with eyes can spot Arthur the accountant the moment he walks in a room.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the message, rolling my eyes and mumbling, “Asshole,” when I spotted the image. Noel, naturally, perked up, ruled by her curiosity.
“Who’s the asshole?”
“Broderick.”
She giggled before narrowing her eyes. “Somehow, I just can’t picture that man deserving that particular moniker. I’m going to require persuading.”
“Oh, trust me,” I said with a sigh, tapping in the passcode so I could open the images he sent me. “He is.”
“Puppies?!” My phone transferred hands so fast that I felt like a cartoon that had to spin its face back on right. Chuckling, I peered over the top of it as she swiped through the photos. Fluffy little teddy bear retriever faces staring back at her. “They’re so cute!”
“Furry little fuckers. I’ve always loved retrievers the most.”
“Knew there was a soft heart somewhere in there,” she teased, flashing one of the smiles that incinerated my intelligence faster than the others. “Look at their ‘wil faces!” she cooed.
“I’d call that one William, and that one Thatcher,” I said, pointing at the two that looked like they’d have the most copper in their faces when they grew up. It had been years since my lifestyle afforded a pet, and damn, did I miss it. Recognition dawned on that pretty little face, lips falling open and eyes rounding before she planted a kiss on my forehead.
“Wait,” she breathed against my skin. “LikeA Knight’s Tale?”
“Obviously.”
“Don’tobviouslyme. There could be anotherWilliam Thatcher.”
Smirking, I hiked up a brow. “You dare disparage the name?”
“Never,” she gasped, feigning outrage before bursting out laughing. “But for real, that’s my favorite movie. Of all time. I have the damn thing memorized.”
“Well, ain’t that something?” My smile grew involuntarily. Goddamn, this girl made me happy.
“Yours too?” She asked, hopeful enough that I wasn’t about to dash them. How the fuck did a man pick a favorite movie? That wasn’t actually a feasible task, was it?
“Something like that.”
Her smile gave way to curiosity, gaze flicking to the screen and back to my face. “Although I fail to see how Broderick is an asshole.”
“He sent me a link to alitter of puppies.”
“Blasphemous bastard.” She giggled, shaking her head. “Care to fill me in?”
“I love dogs.”
A maniacal laugh bubbled up her throat before she clamped her hand down over her mouth. “Yes. Good. So youdohave a soul somewhere in there.”
