Page 92 of Playing for Keeps

He knew as soon as the words left his mouth that they were overly harsh and that the situation wasn’t as clear cut as that. Surely that was why Emmy was upset though. And he was far more concerned with Emmy’s feelings than Nancy’s.

“That’s not fair,” Nancy said with bite. “I have been a mother to Emmy. I love her and she knows that, but I wasn’t ready to be a mother back then. It wasn’t the life I wanted. I’m a different person now and the situation is different.”

“Because you’re not with me,” he said bitterly, surprised by the old hurt which returned.

“Hugh,” she said, sounding as though she was holding back tears. “It wasn’t you that was the problem. I loved you. You were an amazing husband.”

“Just not amazing enough for you to hang around.”

“I’m sorry,” she said sadly. “I really am. I feel guilty every day, but if I’d have stayed I’d have made you and Emmy miserable.”

Hugh shook his head, refusing to be dragged back into the pain of old wounds. That was in the past. They’d all moved on.

“Shall I come over there?” he asked. “Emmy calmed down after I spoke to her, but maybe I should come over anyway. I don’t like thinking of her upset.”

“It’s not as though she’s alone,” Nancy said archly. “I’m her mother. I’ll look after her. And Louise loves her like her own child. Let us discuss the situation with her some more. We’ll reassure her that we want her to be included in our family.”

“I’ll give you half an hour,” he said gruffly. “Then I’m calling Emmy again and if she’s still upset, I’ll hop on a plane.”

“You’re infuriating, you realise that?”

“She’s my daughter. If she’s upset, I’m coming over there. That’s all there is to it.”

“That’s why you’re so infuriating,” Nancy said, the lightness of her tone contrasting against his gruffness. “You’re annoying me, but you’re a really great dad, so it’s hard to stay annoyed with you.”

The warmth to her words made his features relax. “Just make sure she’s all right, will you?”

CHAPTER 33

Driving into Hope Cove on Sunday lunchtime was an entirely different experience to when Allie had arrived a few weeks before. Back then, it had been with a feeling of resentment mixed with a load of anxiety and a desire to leave again as soon as possible. Now, she was brimming with excitement and the only negative feelings were some niggling guilt at having left her dad.

He really seemed to be fine though, and Allie wasn’t sure another day in each other’s company would do either of them any good. As usual, he wasn’t particularly cheerful about her attempts to look after him, and she didn’t especially enjoy the way he fought her on every single issue.

Briefly, she’d discussed her thoughts about Thurley Beach with him, but in the end only made very hypothetical suggestions about how the overall course design might be improved. Until she really made the decision to go ahead with it, she wasn’t sure it was worth getting into. Especially since her dad was supposed to be taking things easy.

Pulling up outside of Hugh’s house she felt almost giddy. Her insides fluttered excitedly as she walked along the front path and even more so when she rang the doorbell. A flash of nerves hit her as the door began to open but faded when Hugh’s face broke into a smile.

“You’re here,” he said, taking a step back and beckoning her inside. “I thought you wouldn’t be back until later. I told you there was no rush for the car.”

“I know, but I wanted to get it back before you picked up Emmy. Also because …” Her hands felt suddenly clammy and she turned her attention to closing the door behind her.

“What?” Hugh asked.

Discreetly, she wiped her palms on her jeans. “I missed you,” she said, the quiver in her voice making her nerves obvious.

“I missed you too.” He took her hand and pulled her close, his other hand coming to her cheek as he kissed her.

Her body melted against his as her senses were overwhelmed by the taste and smell and feel of him.

“When do you need to leave for the airport?” she asked, barely breaking the kiss.

“Not for a little while.” After another lingering kiss he led her to the living room. “How’s your dad?” he asked, draping an arm around her shoulders as they sat side by side on the couch.

“He seems to be all right.” She let out a breath, realising how much worse the situation could have been. “My cousin has promised to let me know if there’s any change. She’s close to my dad, so she’ll make sure he takes it easy.”

“That’s good.” His brows pulled together. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What?” The tension in his features bothered her and she braced for bad news.

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