Oh, I can see an overprotective father in the making. "No, she didn't. But, you know, in case she asks."
"Do girls even think about that at her age?"
"Sometimes. You'd be surprised all the things girls think about, and they usually don't want to ask their parents, so they ask me."
His expression darkened. "Well, it's not like she can ask her mother."
My heart sank. "Did she pass away?"
He shook his head. "No, nothing like that. We divorced when Paisley was three years old. She moved away to Seattle, but she’s rarely there. She’s a model, so she travels a lot. It’s one of the reasons she gave me full custody of Paisley."
"Oh, okay. She didn't mention her mother at all, so I was wondering if it's an off-limits topic as well."
"It's not. Nora is not very involved in Paisley’s life. She calls every few weeks and visits once a year. Paisley also spends one week with her each year, but that’s it.”
My heart bled for Paisley, and for him, because he was clearly hurt and still suffering, even though the divorce happened years ago. "I'm sorry.”
“I have my family here, and we're all very close, but not having a mother is difficult for my daughter."
"It is," I agreed. "If it's okay, I'd like to tell Paisley that she can ask me anything she feels she can’t ask you, and if I find that something's very delicate, I’ll ask you before saying anything."
He looked at me intently, nodding. "That sounds great. Thank you. I'm very happy you took the job, Lexi. I've never had... Well, Paisley and I have never had anyone like you. You seem to understand what kids need."
"Well, I love them. That's why I became a teacher. I don't know why, but I always understand where they're coming from and what they think, especially when they’re Paisley’s age. I'm not very good with toddlers, but I'm great with elementary school kids."
His expression changed. His eyes softened, and that was my kryptonite. Not his smoldering look or his intense gaze, but that right there was slicing through me, and I had no idea why. I couldn't understand how Paisley's mom had left the two of them.
"Was the divorce amicable?” I asked without thinking. “I'm sorry. If I'm way out of line, you don't have to answer."
He leaned in closer, looking straight at me. "You and I passed ‘out of line’ on that first phone call, Lexi."
I laughed, running a hand through my hair, liking this lighthearted side of him. But then he frowned.
"And no, it wasn’t exactly amicable. She’d been a model before Paisley was born, and when Paisley turned two, she decided to pursue it again. I was supportive, because I understood passion for a career. Then she decided she didn’t like being a wife and that she wanted to dedicate herself to her career. I thought she’d want to stay more involved in Paisley’s life, but she isn’t. I think Paisley is slowly coming to terms with that.”
“And you?”
“I came to terms with the fact that she wanted to be out of our life for good when I insisted on couples therapy and she told me it was no use because she had an affair with a photographer.”
I gasped. “That’s awful.”
He waved his hand, shaking his head. “It is what it is. Not everyone can have a happy marriage like my parents. Before marrying, I thought divorce rates were exaggerated. Now I know they’re not.”
He didn't say anything more, and I didn't press, not wanting to bring up old wounds. I wanted to distract him, and then I remembered I had a very good reason.
"You promised me wine, remember? I don't see a bottle around here."
He pulled back, smiling so confidently that my knees weakened. Masculinity rolled off him.
"I have a wine cellar. I can give you a tour, and you can choose which one you want."
I straightened up. "Oh my God. You have a wine cellar here?"
He chuckled. “Yes, I do. What kind of winemaker would I be otherwise?"
"I don't know. I figured maybe you had it at the production site or something."
"I have one there too, but this is my own personal cellar. Come on. I'll show it to you."
He rose from his chair and then pulled mine back.
As I got up, my arm brushed his chest, and I heard him suck in a breath.
Oh my. Feeling those hard muscles against my arm did things to me.
What is wrong with me? He was Paisley's dad. True, she didn’t go to my school, so there was no risk of students thinking I had favorites or colleagues gossiping, but I still didn’t think this was a good idea. Especially after what he’d shared with me.
Focus on the fact that he’s Paisley’s dad, Lexi.
It didn't matter that he was also the hottest man I'd ever seen. But if I was honest, the fact that he was such a dedicated father was also part of his irresistible sex appeal.
I looked up at him and was surprised that his pupils had dilated a bit. I swallowed hard, fidgeting in my spot.
Clearly I wasn't the only one shaken by this incredible chemistry between us.
Chapter Six
Tate
I was losing my mind. This was the only explanation I could find. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I barely kept my hands to myself.
“How are your parents?” I asked as I led her to the back of the house.
“Better. Super happy with the gift box. Thanks again. That was beyond kind.”
She was fucking amazing. Not many people would take a second job to help out their family. For me, family was what mattered most in this life, so knowing that about her made her all that much more appealing to me. She stirred something inside me, and no woman had ever managed to stir anything in me since the divorce. It was like I'd shut myself off from everything. It had been as much a conscious decision as an instinct. I’d put up a wall between myself and everyone else. But I was drawn to Lexi.
"You're a great person."
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m so happy I got the job.”
I turned, watching her. “I’m glad you said that. You and Paisley are a good fit. She likes you." I tipped my head to her. "I like you, Lexi. More than I should."
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. I barely kept from reaching out and doing it for her.
Fuck. Me.
"Come on, let's go. We're going to have to spend some time downstairs before we pick your wine."
"How many bottles do you have?" she asked.
"About a thousand."
Her eyes bulged. "Can I move in here? I can live in the cellar, honestly."
I let out loud, unrestrained guffaws. She was grinning.
"I made you burst out laughing. You only do that when Paisley's around."
"Or you."
She licked her lower lip. I couldn’t look away from her mouth.
"The wine cellar?" she murmured, bringing me back to reality.
I straightened up, gesturing for her to walk in front of me as I opened the door to the cellar. "After you, Ms. Langley."
What was it about this woman that made me laugh so often? The things she said were always so unexpected that I couldn't help myself. She was right. I needed to laugh more. And when I was with her, I felt happy.