Page 68 of Hearts Aweigh
“Don’t come back another day.”
A giggle shook Madeleine. He’d never felt so relieved to hear someone laugh at him.
Spencer grinned and sang louder. “Frog, frog, go away.”
He lifted his arm and gently cradled his daughter. Her body tensed and then relaxed. She cuddled against his side. Her soft voice joined his, and they sang together.
“Don’t come back another day.”
His voice cracked, but he kept going. Abby better be somewhere out of earshot. He didn’t need any witnesses.
Abby crouched outside the tent flap. The puddle of goo that was once her heart splashed inside of her. Who knew a late-night trip to the bathroom would cause such adorable father-daughter bonding? She clapped a hand over her mouth as Spencer’s voicewarbled. Ignoring the pitch issues, this was the sweetest song she’d ever heard.
A blast of cold air hit the back of her neck. Tent flaps rustled in the darkness. She pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, crossed her arms, and wrapped her hands around her elbows.
The singing stopped.
If the ever-proper Mr. Masterson caught her, he wouldn’t be happy. Abby pivoted. She tiptoed away and hurried outside the circle of tents. Spencer emerged, spotted her in the darkness, and walked over.
Abby smiled. “Hello, boss. Did anything happen while I was gone?”
A gust tumbled a thatch of his dark hair, and he pushed it away. “Madeleine spotted a frog in her room and wasn’t happy about it.”
“Ah yes. Dwight.” She laughed. “Good thing you were nearby. How did you calm her?”
“Just”—Spencer coughed—“a little parental know-how.”
Abby kept a straight face. “Good work.”
The moonlight illuminated the area behind the tents, but the lights and noise and pet people remained around the campfire.
Another forceful wind whooshed and blew Abby’s hood from her head. Her tangled curls swirled around her face. She grabbed the tousled mess and tried to tame it. Every time she grasped a new strand, another would fly from her hand.
Spencer stepped close. He reached with both hands and pulled the hood up.
“Thanks,” she said.
Abby tried to step away, but his hands continued to hold the hood, immobilizing her. She looked up at him. Without her highheels, his face was a long distance away. Spencer stared down. He tugged, and she stumbled forward until there was barely an inch between their bodies.
Abby tilted all the way back to see him. She licked her lips. “Did … did you need something?”
CHAPTER 35
DID HE NEED SOMETHING?
Too many things. A list scrolled through his mind. Most of the options involved Abby, but he didn’t voice them aloud. His gaze roamed the elfin face in front of him. Her bright green eyes watched him. Her eyebrows puckered. Spencer’s body rocked closer. He wondered if her mouth was as soft as—
Whoa!
He jerked back and released the hood.
“I need …”
A jumble of stars sparkled. Far more than he saw in the city. They winked at him like they knew what he was thinking. Did Abby know too?
She sniffled and rubbed her arms.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I need my employee to stay healthy. Please dress appropriately for this brisk weather. Who will take care of Madeleine if you catch cold?”
