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As he strode away, she couldn’t help but stare at his ass.
What was she doing?
After checking on the two boys, Nico hurried back to Lottie. He didn’t like how pale and breathless she’d gotten before. She was clearly exhausted. He wondered if he could get her to nap. Although how he’d do that when he couldn’t even get her outside with him, he had no idea.
She said she could go out with someone she trusted. So, all he needed to do was build up her trust in him.
Easier said than done, however.
Impatience bit at him and he forced it down. He’d waited this long; a few extra weeks or months wouldn’t matter. Right?
The problem was that they couldn’t stay here with her until she learned to trust them. And coming back and forth might not work. It would take him longer to earn her trust.
One step at a time.
First, the picnic. Getting to know her better. Building a relationship. And trying to put Liam in a good light.
Not the easiest of tasks that was for sure.
Nico put a big smile on his face when he saw her worried expression. “They’re fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, Ace wanted to build the hut up high in this huge tree, but Keir had already told him that wouldn’t work. Got a sensible head on his shoulders.”
“Good. So, they’re doing it on the ground?”
“Wouldn’t be much of a tree house on the ground,” Nico pointed out, sitting down on the blanket, just inside the open double doors. “But Keir has chosen a tree with a good spot that’s only a few feet up.”
“Oh, good. I’m still not sure this is a good idea, though. What are they using for building materials?”
“Just what they can find. You never built a tree house as a kid?”
“Me? No.”
“Your brothers?”
“No, not that I can remember, anyway. Regent was always with my father, even from an early age. Jardin was more into his studies. Victor loved sports. And Maxim, well, he was usually getting into some mischief, but I don’t remember a tree house. Did you?”
“I tried. But I did a pretty poor job of it. I did have fun throwing water balloons from it at anyone who walked past, though. Our neighbors were not happy with me.”
“I bet.”
“I’m shocked it lasted as long as it did. It wasn’t exactly high construction. I think some of it was held together with masking tape.”
“That doesn’t sound safe.” She glanced off toward where the boys were. They couldn’t see them from here, but occasionally, they could hear them call out to each other.
“They’ll be fine,” he reassured her.
“Sorry. I guess I worry too much.”
“I get it. They’re not yours. You want to return them in one-piece.”
“Preferably,” she joked. “It’s some weird rule Thea has. They must come back with all their limbs.”
“Sheesh, that’s tough. I hope you get a bonus when you return them each day safe and sound.”
“Hazard pay, maybe.”
