Page 47 of Hidden Heir

I head downstairs, escorted by Rik, who flashes me a smile much warmer than his usual one. Before I can ask what’s put him in such a good mood, I pass Selina as she walks in through the patio doors.

“Brooke!” she declares loudly, beaming at me. Don’t you look adorable?”

“Oh, thank you.” I smooth my hands down my dress as warmth flushes my cheeks. Uncertain just how much she knows about me and the Irish, nerves flutter in my stomach. Just because Leon is helping me doesn’t mean everyone else will be so happy to learn of my actions. Selina seems unphased, however. She clasps my shoulder on the way past, then sends a sidelong look to Rik. He escorts me to the patio door then hurries after her.

“You know,” I begin, stepping out onto the patio, “Selina and Rik would make a cute couple. She’s kind of like Catwoman and he turns into this little puppy whenever she’s around.”

“Selina and Rik?” Leon glances over at me. “I don’t see it.”

“Really? Is that because you’re blind to the looks they give each other?” I head toward him then pause when I notice Tiff is sitting on his lap. My heart jolts as the earlier nerves swarm about my stomach.

“Maybe. I tend to be more focused on you.” Leon winks at me as he finishes helping Tiffany with her shoe.

“Thank you!” She slides off his lap and sprints toward me. “Mommy!”

“Hi baby!” I catch her just in time as she jumps, scooping her into my arms with a soft grunt. “Look at you, getting so big now!”

“Soon I’ll be as tall as the sky!”

“Yes, yes you will.” I kiss her temple. “Is it time for tea yet? I got dressed up just for the occasion.

“Yep!” Tiff nods quickly. “Tea time!” She squirms in my arms so I set her down and take her hand, preparing to follow her toward the edge of the patio. “Come to tea,” Tiffany demands, holding her other hand out toward Leon.

“Oh, I’m sure Leon has a lot of important, grown-up stuff to do,” I say, not wanting to disturb him as he glares down at his phone.

His head lifts suddenly and when he looks at Tiff, the frown melts away. “I could do some tea,” he replies, standing and walking over.

“Really?” Tiff beams and jumps to catch his hand.

“Really.”

“Really?” I whisper as she begins dragging us toward the grass. “You know there’s no tea, right?”

“Yes, really,” Leon whispers back. “I think I can manage.”

The thought of Leon sitting down at a tea party is comical. He sits down cross-legged on the blanket, and when Tiff thrusts a pink plastic cup into his hands, he accepts it easily. I can’t help but smile.

“Why, thank you.”

“Drink,” Tiff demands, then she pulls me down to sit across from him. “Okay, the party has started and you can have anything you want, so what do you want?” Her hands settle on her hips and she stares at me.

“I’d like some tea, please,” I respond.

“No more tea,” she sighs. “The last customer drank too much.” Tiff glares briefly at Leon as he pauses his pretend drinking, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Okay,” I chuckle. “Can I have some coffee?”

“No coffee.” Tiff sighs again. She sounds like I’m the most unreasonable guest on the planet.

“Okay then, what do you have?”

“Tea, because it’s a tea party!” She gestures to her playset. “Only no more tea. We have lemons, milk, and water and…” She trails off as she busies herself in her play basket, then straightens up before proudly adding, “And cucumber sandwiches!”

“Lemon, please.” I’m barely able to contain my laughter as she thrusts a cup at me with a plastic toy lemon inside. “Thank you,” I reply.

“Drink,” Tiff instructs, pushing her curls away from her face. “You hungry? You like cucumbers?”

“I am and I do,” Leon replies. “I drank so much tea that I need something solid to eat.”

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