Page 19 of Geordie

“What are you saying, wee one?” I ask, captivated by the child.

“She’s saying you’re hurt. You have an owie. Emmy can’t say your name. Orie is the closest she can get to saying Geordie.” William scoops her up, her arms circling his neck, while she keeps her attention on me. “That’s what we say when she hurts herself. At this age, they’re always tearing around, bumping into stuff.”

Emmy raises her arm to show me her elbow. “Owie,” she says.

“Aye, wee one. I see you have an owie, too.” She smiles at me, and damn if she isn’t stealing my heart. “Man, I didn’t know you had a kid… you never said.”

“Yeah, Celeste and I got married when we found out she was pregnant. It didn’t work out between us, but I got this munchkin in the bargain.” He adjusts the wee girl so her cheek is resting on his shoulder. “I thought I wanted a boy at first, but when Emmy came along, that was it for me. I’m a girl dad.”

He places her down on the couch, then produces a toy elephant like a magician from his backpack. She giggles, snatching the stuffed animal, and holds it to her chest.

“Are you thirsty, love, I have juice?” She shakes her head no. “Alright. Play with Ellie while Geordie and I talk.”

She sits back, clutching the stuffed toy, continuing to stare at me.

He sprawls in the chair in front of the desk. “I came by to see how you are. That was a nasty spill you took in the park. It was lucky those CEOs were riding with us or they would have bounced you in an all-terrain vehicle all the way back to the entrance to catch an ambulance. They arranged for you to be airlifted, and you being transported by helicopter looked like a scene out of an action movie.” Then his face turns serious with unexpected concern. “I thought I’d give you a few days before I visited. I’ve broken a collar bone biking, so I know the drill with the hospital.”

We talk about the club, injuries, and the best rides we’ve had, and it’s enough conversation for thirty minutes. William looks over his shoulder after he tells me about a ride the club is planning in Wyoming. His daughter has fallen asleep with the stuffed toy as her pillow. “Looks like Emmy is out for the count. I better get her to my place. Princess is gonna be hungry and cranky that I messed with her beauty sleep.” He eases her off the couch, cradling Emmy in his arms, then slips out the door.

I tap my computer to wake it up, do a quick search, and land on the website of PollenNation. It wouldn’t hurt to explore some possibilities.

Chapter ten

Milk, Sugar, and Cookies

Lily

IfIwantafamily, it has to be a priority. I do want to hold a baby in my arms, but I also want a wildly successful restaurant. A voice in my head says,You can’t have it all; which is the most important to you?

The dinner service is done, the crew has finished cleaning the kitchen. They’re trailing out to go home as the noise from the kitchen becomes less of a background. I’m surfing PollenNation, reading articles on the available options to have a child. It’s overwhelming, the amount of information on the subject. When I find someone who has written about her journey to motherhood, I take the time to read the account, wishing I could talk to her in person.

Harv pops his head into my office. “We’re all done. I’ve got one more thing to do, then I’ll walk you to your car. Can’t be too careful, even in downtown San Pacitas.”

“I’m finishing up some research. I just need to grab my stuff.” He retreats to the kitchen as I close the laptop, but I’m eyeing my phone. I shouldn’t, but I will anyway. I dial his number. Just when I think I’m going to voicemail, he answers.

“Hello?”

“Geordie, this is Lily. I know you gave me your number to let you know when I arrived at my home last night, but I thought I’d check on you. You can tell me to mind my own business if I’m overstepping.”

“Why would I say that to the angel who rescued me in my hour of need?” His soft Scots voice is a sexy rumble of innuendo, like the wolf tempting Red Riding Hood.

“You sound better.”

“I am. How are you?”

Does he have any idea how he comes across? The question is so sexy, I’m half expecting him to add,What are you wearing?I glance down at my uniform. A white tunic and pants are not much to entice anyone. “I’m finished for the evening. We just closed the restaurant.”

“If you’re not too tired, why don’t you come here for dessert and coffee? Did you try any of the Scottish biscuits before you brought them to me?”

“No, they were packed when I received them from the pastry chef; he didn’t have extras.”

“Well, lass, you’re in for a treat. Will you come and keep me company for a while?”

The thought of my dark, lonely apartment with the TV projecting the voices fromThe Real Housewivesof wherever is not appealing. He only wants to chat over coffee and cookies… or biscuits. This isn’t a hook-up; the guy must be lonely too.

“Yeah, I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

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