Page 60 of Suddenly Entwined

“And that scares the hell out of me. Because I’ve been playing defence for a long time.”

“So, stop,” I say, knowing that I’m pushing beyond a boundary that he already drew.

“I can’t.”

I take a deep pleasure in his choice of words. He wants to, but he’s holding back. Rightfully so. Something beyond physical attraction runs between us, but we’ve only known each other for a matter of weeks, and it takes time to build the sort of trust that’s required when children are involved. Berg doesn’t want a fling. If I’m being honest, neither do I. But Berg has a lot more to consider than I do when it comes to selecting a partner.

“I know,” I tell him, sliding off his lap with great effort and hating every second we aren’t in contact. He could kick out the footrest of the recliner and I’d happily sleep curled against his body the whole night.

“I still can’t do a braid to save my life,” he laughs, picking up the brush he brought with him.

“We have plenty of time to practise,” I say, knowing I’m giving a look that’s far too sultry for either of our own good.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he replies.

And I know exactly what he means.

Chapter twenty

Carolina

Days pass, and we don’t talk about the fact that we poured our hearts out to each other or about my admission regarding my money. We certainly don’t discuss that orgasm. I trust him to keep my secret and, if I’m being honest, sharing it with someone was a relief. Berg acts friendly in front of the girls over the coming days. But his eyes are trained on me as I move about his kitchen each morning and there’s a tension in his shoulders when we get a little too close. His whole demeanour softens when he comes home after a long day to find Lou in my lap. It’s like we turned a pot on the stove up, and we’re both keeping an eye on it. Knowing that eventually it might boil over, but not when. For now we’ve put a lid on it.

Swimming lessons start this afternoon at the recreation centre. Berg told me how hard it was to register for the lessons andhow he had to wake up before six a.m., months in advance, in order to get a spot. That morning when I let myself in I’m surprised to find the girls still in their pyjamas with their hair sticking out in every direction.

“Um, morning slowpokes. Why aren’t you dressed?”

Louisa stretches, her belly poking out as she yawns. “We slept in.”

“Were you up partying?” I ask as I follow them into their room and pull up the blinds.

Louisa giggles at the idea. “No, Caro. Don’t be silly.”

“I know you guys are party animals, so I thought I’d better ask.”

Natalie wiggles out of her pyjama top and promptly drops it at her feet.

I gesture dramatically at the bunched up shirt. “Hello? Laundry hamper is right there!”

She makes a funny face, scoops it up, and tosses it at the hamper.

“Nice one. You too, Louisa. Clothes go in the laundry, okay?”

I’ve learned the best way to stay on top of their laundry is to throw in one load the minute I get back from school drop off.

She nods, attempts a throw at the hamper and misses.

“Do you guys know where your swim suits are? Lessons tonight.”

“It’s tonight?!” Lou asks, bouncing with excitement.

Natalie rolls her eyes. “Yes. It’s Thursday. It’s on the calendar,Louisa.”

“Lose the tone, please, Nat. She’s excited. Right?”

“Yes!”

“Good, me too. But do we know where the swimsuits are?”

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