Page 17 of Absolution

That was one way of putting it. Susie was probably closer to his age than Ella was, so she’d likely be suspicious of his intentions from the get-go. Tucker had given up caring what other people thought a long time ago, but he understood the path ahead with Ella would be a lot easier if her mother was on board.

“I’m also not calling you ‘sir’ in front of her, sir.” She chuckled at the irony of her sentence. “I mean, how on Earth can I explainthat?”

“True.” He didn’t especially like the way she’d unilaterally made the decision, but he supposed he could understand. The whole discussion about power-play in the budding relationship would have to wait for another meeting with Susie. Hopefully, one much farther down the road. “Okay,but only while you’re with your mum. Normal service resumes when we’re alone.”

“Yes, sir.”

He watched as she settled back against her seat. “Osbourne’s is just ahead, little girl.” He motioned to the left, and she turned to see the passing buildings outside of her window. “I’ll park the car in the neighboring hotel, which owns the restaurant.”

“I think I might have been here before.” She frowned as though trying to remember the possible past event. “But I can’t recall. I’ve been to a lot of nice restaurants.”

“I’m sure.” He didn’t dwell on her recollection as they approached. He was happy to keep their location vague.

Trust was a blossoming asset between them, but it was still young and tenuous. He wouldn’t be content for Ella to go back to anything resembling her ‘normal’ life until the matter of Bennett and the others had been resolved.

“It doesn’t matter.” Her quieter tone conveyed a fresh bout of nerves now they were close to their destination.

“Don’t worry,” he soothed. “We’re here early so we can both get settled at our respective tables before your mother arrives.”

Tucker had been careful to time their departure for this exact reason. He didn’t want Susie to see him and Ella together before she and her mum had time to catch up. Having to explain their relationship first would surely pulverize their chances of mother-daughter time.

He turned into the hotel car park, greeting the valet who met them. “We’re patrons at Osbourne’s,” he confirmed as the guy handed him a ticket in exchange for his car keys.

“What a lovely car, sir.” The younger guy grinned as he eyed the Lamborghini.

“Yes, she is,” Tucker agreed as he climbed out of the vehicle. “Take care of her.”

He wandered around to Ella’s door and helped her from the car. She took his hand as he led her out of the parking lot and back around to the entrance of Osbourne’s. The cool autumnal air whipped past them as they walked, urging him to tug her closer.

“I’m feeling anxious,” she whispered, gripping his digits tighter.

“Don’t,” he murmured back. “You’re meeting your mum. She loves you. Everything will be okay.”

Ella’s lips tugged into a curve at his words of support. “It will be good to see her.”

“Of course, it will.” He glanced in both directions before he opened the door for her, still conscious of who might be watching them.

He didn’t really believe that Bennett was smart enough or savvy enough to track them to the restaurant, but experience had taught him never to be complacent where his enemies were concerned, and fundamentally, he didn’t think it was really Bennett he had to watch out for.

His gut still insisted there wassomeone elsepulling the strings where Bennett was concerned. He hadn’t vocalized hissuspicions to Ella yet, but Tucker had a nasty feeling he knew who the culprit was.

Chapter Seven

Osbourne’s

Ella

“I’m so happy to see you.” Susie clung to Ella so tightly, she wondered if her mother would ever let her go.

“You, too, Mum.”

She glanced around at the startled expression of the loitering server as she attempted to untangle herself from her mother’s arms. The reality was Susie was right. Itwasgood to see her, but a late lunch at Osbourne’s under the watchful eye of Tucker was not the same easy dynamic they’d shared at home, and there was a lot for the two of them to discuss.

“Shall we sit down?” Ella gestured to the table they’d been allocated.

Situated at the far end of the restaurant, the choice of table was cozy enough to ensure their conversation remained private, yet central enough to guarantee that Tucker could see them. Her focus flitted behind her until she found where he was sitting. His tempting lips shifted into a smile as their gazes locked momentarily.

“Yes, okay.” Susie slid onto her chair, using her napkin to dab away her tears. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I’ve just been dreaming about this moment for days.”

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