Page 14 of Rules in Love
“Scarlett, it was two seconds ago. Just tell me.”
Her cheeks puffed out as she held her breath, then she winced and released it loudly. “Fine! I thought you were a smug, spoiled, nepotistic, rich kid, skating through life on the tailgate of your aunt’s Audi…a bit…maybe.”
“Ouch.” I sucked in an exaggerated breath.
“Yeah, sorry. But you did ask.”
And released it. “That I did.”
“And if we’re to work closely together, you should know I’m very short-tempered and quick to jump to conclusions. I need to work on that.”
It was hard not to laugh. She was so damn cute. “I appreciate your candor, Scarlett.”
“And I yours, Finn. Thank you.”Nodding, she collected her phone, plans, and bag, then shuffled to my side.
“Sorry again. I’m ready if you are. I’ll see you tomorrow. And then, we’ll begin.”
On the evening of my first day at work, the minute my feet crossed the threshold of my room, a sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal became an extension of my desire. I sketched the face I saw each time I closed my eyes.
As I waited for Iris to get ready for bed, I held that sketch in my hands. It had become a constant in the chaos of change. I don’t know how or why Scarlett—someone I barely knew—could smooth my new life’s jagged edges, but she could. And seeing the mistrust and vulnerability in her eyes today hurt more than it should have, especially when directed at me. I didn’t know her history or what wounds had caused her scars, but I wanted to. I also wanted to be the one to help her overcome them. Just as she was unknowingly helping me.
“Daddy, I’m weady,” Iris sang.
“Be there in a sec, bubs.” Exhausted from work, my morning workout, and worry, I folded my picture, placed it back under my pillow, and traipsed down the hall. “You know it really would be quicker if you let me help you, Iris.”
“I’m a big giwl. I don’t need help. My new fwiend Bunny says only babies need help getting dwessed.”
“Well, if Bunny says it, I guess it must be true.” I had no idea who Bunny was. I tapped the bed and watched my big girl in her Bluey pjs climb into bed, her tongue poking out the side of her mouth as she slipped under the pink polka-dot sheets.
“Daddy, Aunty Jocie said you wowk with a pwetty lady and that pwetty lady was weally nice.”
“Hmm, did she now? When did she say this?”
“When I was in the bath, and you wewe cleaning. She said you were stwess-cleaning because of wowk and the pwetty lady.”
Jesus Christ.“I was not stress cleaning, Iris. I was cleaning the mess you made after dinner. It had nothing to do with any pretty ladies.” It absolutely did. I tucked Iris in extra tight, her blankets extra high, almost high enough to cover her mouth but still allowing her the ability to breathe. It didn’t shut her up.
“Oh. But do you think—”
“No, I don’t think anything, and neither should you. Sleepytime starts…now!”
“But Dad.”
“But nothing. Sleep.” I brushed gorgeous bubble-gum-shampoo-smelling curls from her forehead and kissed her goodnight.
Not two steps out her door, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
“Nate,” I whispered. “Hang on. I’m just sneaking away from Iris.”
Every floorboard squealed like a stuck pig as I tiptoed down the hall, entered my room, and slumped on my bed. “How are you doing, mate? How’s the farm?”
“Hey, bro. All’s good here. It’s been bloody cold, though. I haven’t even been bothered to go out for a surf. How’s Evie? Has she settled in, okay? Oh, and Iris and Jocie?”
Jesus Christ.I closed my eyes and shook my head. Nate had a thing for Evie, and everyone, apart from the two of them, knew it. Hopefully, for him, it stayed that way. If he and Evie ever got together, the shit he gave me over Shelby would be repaid twofold.
“They’re all good. Thanks for asking about me, by the way.” I reached beneath my head and held Scar’s picture in my hand. My fingers caressed the crinkled lines as I spoke. “Are you shearing yet?”
“Yep. We started today, and I am knackered. It went well, though. We’ve got a good team of boys this year. Not just boys, mind you. I snagged a few chicks—some hotties too.”
