Page 16 of No Love Lost

Heath knew he’d have to find out more about this condition, but it wasn’t the time. How sick had she been during the pregnancy? Had her foster family let her stay with them? Had she been on her own?

From the little he knew, she’d been alone until she’d met Nimii, and he wanted to kick his own ass. He should have found a way.

Addy looked over at him and smiled softly. “I’m fine, and it wasn’t that big of a deal. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

Proving she could still read his thoughts.

Nina and the other woman snorted at Addy’s words. Apparently, it most definitely was a big deal. One he intended to find a lot more about.

But Addy’s expression appeared strained. She still didn’t enjoy being the center of attention. So, he turned back to Nina. “How about it? Want to test out my cooking? And how about you introduce me to your friend?”

Addy smiled softly at him, knowing exactly what he was doing. Nina stood. “I’d love to test your cooking. And this is Nimii Theriault. She’s mom’s best friend and my aunt.”

Nimii hugged Nina and reached out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Heath.” But he could tell she was reserving judgment.

“Nice to meet you, Nimii. Thank you for being such a good friend to my girls.” That had slipped out, but he didn’t regret it. They were his girls, and he was going to make sure he would be the one to protect them from now on.

Acouple of hours later, Addy was ready for bed. By herself. Although she had to admit her libido had woken up from its twelve-year slumber. No man had ever appealed to her like Heath had when they’d been teens. And that appeal hadn’t lessened.

Tall, strong, muscled. Moved with that athletic grace he’d always had. But none of that would have mattered if it weren’t for the kindness in his eyes. The way he studied Nina as if committing her to memory. Over supper, he’d asked her endless questions about her interests.

Because those were many and varied, the conversation had moved from horses to climate change to space travel to music to knitting. He’d been fascinated by it all. Hearing his rumbly laugh had woken her up in all kinds of ways.

Which was ridiculous. He’d been back in her life for the better part of a day, and part of her wanted to drag him to her bedroom and have her way with him. Despite the remaining scars left on her heart.

She believed him. He hadn’t known about Nina and that had taken such a burden off of her heart. He hadn’t abandoned her. Hadn’t abandoned Nina.

She could see the sorrow in his eyes, in the lines on his face. The yearning as Nina talked about projects she’d done. He’d missed it all, and nothing could ever make up for that.

Addison couldn’t imagine not having her heart and memory filled with Nina. She wanted that for Heath but she didn’t know how to accomplish it.

She tried to hide a yawn, but Nina patted her legs where they were tucked together under a blanket. “Time for Mom to sleep.”

Heath immediately stood up, looking chagrined. “I’m sorry. I should have remembered what the doctor said. I’ve kept you talking for hours.”

Addison laughed. “I think the talking has been mostly Nina.” Then she grinned at Nimii, and in unison, the two of them added. “As usual.”

Nina laughed and shrugged.

Heath laughed, too. He had a really great laugh. “I loved every minute.” Sincerity rang through his words.

They trooped into the kitchen. Heath looked around as if checking to make sure he and Nina had cleaned up everything. They had.

Nimii hugged both Nina and Addison. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Heath leaned forward like he wanted to hug them as well, but he sighed and leaned back. “Thank you. Thank you both for today. It’s been amazing. Can I see you again soon? Is tomorrow too soon?”

His gaze tracked from Addison to Nina and back. Nina nodded slowly. “It’s Saturday, so I don’t have school. I’m going to work with Kimi for a few hours in the morning.”

He nodded. “Can I take you both to lunch after that? I’ll pick you up, and we can get your car.”

Another slow nod from Nina had him grinning like a schoolboy with a new skateboard.

After another round of awkward goodbyes, he ran his hand down Addison’s arm and then ducked out the door.

Nimii smiled and whispered. “I like him.” And then she was gone, too.

For a long minute, neither she nor Nina moved. Then she turned to her daughter and pulled her in for a hug. They swayed back and forth for a full minute, but Nina didn’t pull away or break into tears.

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