Page 98 of Tease Me

We entered through the glass doors, climbed the stairs, and passed the poker machines, and heguided me toward a table alongside enormous glass windows that overlooked the ocean.The scenery was stunning and wouldperfectlysuit any five-star restaurant.

Telitha grabbed my hand, and before I knew it,I was being tugged along by the seven-year-old. I glanced over my shoulder, but Clayton just smiled making it obvious he had no intention of rescuing me. She pushed through a glass door, and we stepped ontoartificial grass that wassoft and spongey.

“Watch me.” Telitha squealed and dashed off toward a bright yellow ladder. Several moments later, she came tumbling down a spiral slide and rolled out at my feet.

“See.” She jumped up and down in front of me as if I hadn’t noticed her.

“Yes, I saw you.”

“Hey, you two. How about we order first?” Clayton’s voice was a relief.

Telitha dashed back through the door, and Clayton reached for my hand. “I’m sorry,” he said. “She was a bit excited to meet you.”

“Oh.” I had no idea what to say. What had he told her about me that would make her excited?

We arrived at the cake counter, and the extensive selection was medicine to my eyes. My mouth salivated as I gazed over one sugar fix to the next, trying to ascertain whichonewould make me feel better.

I couldn’t go past the hummingbird cake. I ordered a slice of that with extra cream and a large cappuccino. The three of usmade our way backto the table, and Telitha sat between Clayton and me.

The little girl hit me with a thousand questions, everything fromdid I havea dog to whydidn’t Ipaint my nails. Clayton barely said a word until our food arrived. Grateful for the reprieve, I tucked into the cake. Between every mouthful, Telitha talked. It was exhausting, and by the time she ran off to the swings again I was ready for the silence.

He reached across the table and wriggled my hand into his. “I’m sorry.Shecan be a little overwhelming.”

I dabbed my napkin over my lips and reluctantly pushed my cake away. “It’s okay. I’m just not used to kids.”

“Once she gets to know you, she’ll settle down.”

Oh, God.“Clayton . . .”

He must have heard the trepidation in my voice as his shoulders slumped, and the smilethat had beenon his face since he picked me up evaporated.

“I’m sorry, Clayton, but I’mjustnot ready for kids.I mean,I’m ready for kids, but I don’t know ifI’m preparedfor a seven-year-old.”

He pulled his hand away and lowered his eyes. I wanted to cry at howdejectedhe looked. His silence was agony.

“She’s adorable, and you’re . . . you’re incredible and amazing and?—”

“A single parent,” he interjected.

I nodded, but he wasn’t looking at me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have led you on.”

“You didn’t lead me on. We had fun. I’vereallyenjoyed your company.”

“And I’ve enjoyed every second with you too, but it wouldn’t be fair on you or Telitha if we kept seeing each other.” A huge weight lifted off my shoulders onceI’dsaid thatand it served as confirmation that Imade the right decision.

He nodded and looked up at me. “Ireallythought you were the one.”

My heart shattered into a million pieces. “I’m so sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. You’re right. It wouldn’t be fair on Telitha.” He sighed a long, deep sigh and shrugged his shoulders. “I guess I should take you home.”

“No, no. I’ll catch a cab.”

“I insist, Jane.” His squared-out jaw convinced me to give in.

“Okay, thank you.”

“I’ll go get Telitha.”

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