Page 21 of Three More Shots
Too much question in her tone. I'm losing her already, and she hasn't even fully stepped inside yet. I need to get her out of her head and here with me. "How about a tour?"
Reluctant to let her go, I release her when she nods, allowing her to slide her phone out of her purse and into her pocket before I take her hand. Ainsley will never be completely out of her thoughts, and as much as I believed I would hate the limitations a child imposes, I'm okay with it. I care about her too — more than I realized was possible for a child I didn't father — but somehow, she's mine now too, and I need to make sure she's protected. With Curtis and Dion at the center, I know there won't be any threats to her safety.
With Ainsley lingering on both of our minds, I guide Corinne down the hall and through the kitchen to the spot I know our daughter will love the most. Her pleased gasp when I push open the French doors overlooking the backyard proves me correct. "Once she's ready, we'll bring her over and let her swim."
"Wow! It's amazing, Steele. I've never seen anything like it."
Tentative steps tap down the brick stairs and onto the huge white stones. She takes in the T-shaped infinity pool, waterfall, hot tub, and swim-up bar. All of the amenities make my patio as luxurious as any resort. I guess I've taken the space for granted. Now, I can't wait to spend time out here with them.
"Sir."
I nod to Bub, heading toward us from the garage. A big, old country boy, he sometimes seems as wide as he is tall. He’s intimidating to most people, including Corinne, whose small fingers squeeze mine as she tucks closer. "He works for me,cara. No need to be afraid."
"I saw him on Tank's side. I thought he was moving in since Tank disappeared."
Disappeared, dead, either definition means he's gone permanently. "This is Bub, one of my most trusted men. He watches over you when I'm not there. So you and Ainsley are always safe."
A thousand arguments float across her face that she doesn't voice with him offering his enormous hand to her. "Didn't mean to scare you ma'am. Just looking out for you and the girl."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
"That's why I'm there. Not going to let anyone bother you."
His folksy southern drawl doesn't lessen the guarantee behind his gruff words, and I know Corinne believes him too. Her body tenses next to mine, and she remains silent until Bub’s gaze returns to me.
"Adam said she needs new tires too, so I've got Clyde sending some over. If anything else shows up, I'll let you know."
I dismiss him with an agreeable nod, satisfied that he's proactive without waiting for me to approve. Confirms he knows what my girls mean to me and what will happen to him if anything happens to them that he could've prevented.
"What's he talking about? Is someone working on my car?"
His bubbly chuckle is just as hillbilly as he is, but he's sharp enough not to comment. I wait for Bub to cross the lanai before I speak. "Come on. Let's get you a drink so we can talk."
Even though talking is not why I invited her to come here. It doesn't take a genius to know we've got too much to sort out before she'll open her legs or her heart for me.
Uncertain what goes through her mind as I lead her upstairs, I hope she's imagining herself here. Ainsley's photos hanging on the currently empty white walls. Games scattered across the landing and toys piled up in the huge tub in the bathroom off the room that will be hers. "In here,cara."
It doesn't get past me that she keeps her eyes averted from my – our – bed when I step to the side to let her in my room. Compliant and mute even as she drops down onto the sofa in the sitting area looking out over the grounds. She tucks her sweet yellow sundress under her thighs and keeps her focus on her hands in her lap, reminding me of the first time I took her out. She was terrified of me then and not too far from that same fear now, despite all the time we've spent together this week.
I pour her three fingers of my favorite bourbon and smile when she hesitates to take the drink, well aware of her concern. "I'll drive you back to the center if you feel even the slightest bit tipsy."
She murmurs her gratitude and accepts the glass, surprising me when she takes a long sip. Although I'm uncertain if she's calming her nerves or strengthening her resolve for the bullshit reasons she's going to try and deny me and my intrusion, as she sees my help.
When she stays quiet, I jump in. Might as well finish this so we can start the good stuff. "I know you're not ready to move in with me, and I'm trying to be patient and not push, but that doesn't mean I can't – that Iwon't– take care of the two of you in the meantime. When Adam drove your car to fill the tank, he noticed the brake pads were worn. So, they’re replacing them too. Until Ainsley is ready for you to be driven in my vehicles, I will keep your car in good working order."
Tears I don't expect rush down her cheeks, and she makes no move to stop or cover them. So I don't either. Although it about fucking kills me to watch her cry, I wait for her to speak or move, forcing myself not to gather her up and kiss and fuck her pain away.
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything."
"No one has ever taken care of us before, and it feels really nice."
The first approval I've received so willingly, and I can't fuck it up. "It feels really nice to me too."
"Can I show you something?"
"Of course."
