His brow furrowed. “Is that how you see me?”
“Isn’t that how you see me? As somebody from another world? Somebody different.”
“No. I just see you as a person.”
She laughed merrily. “Probably because you’re not privy to the inside of my life the way I am yours because I’m living at your house.”
He inclined his head. “Makes sense. So what would I see if I went into your house?”
“First of all, it’s an apartment. Small. Bright. Not much there. But if you went with me to work, you’d really see the difference between our stations in life. I have a boss. She owns Wedding Belles. Four of my friends do the actual wedding planning. We have an assistant, Julie.”
“The one getting married?”
She nodded and smiled, obviously pleased he’d remembered the detail. “And then there’s me. I’m the background person.”
“You’re their accountant. You’re hardly background.”
“Really? Is your accountant out front?”
“Yes! He’s our chief financial officer and he’s even on the board—”
“Maybe in a bigger company the guy who manages the money is high profile, but not a little one.”
“Your function is still important.”
“I know that. I’m just saying that’s another difference between us. You’re an out-front person. I’m background.”
“Ah, so that’s what this is all about. You’re showing me how different we are because of that kiss.”
She blushed. “Did it work?”
“No.” Yes. Not because he wasn’t interested but because he suddenly saw how he could hurt her. She had met him at the door with a happy baby, had the cook prepare his favorite meal and joined him for dinner, not for any reason but to be kind, considerate. She was a sweet person. And he liked her. It was hard not to. He wanted to spend time with her, date her, probably even sleep with her. But that’s all he wanted. Once their affair had run its course, he wouldn’t exactly toss her aside. But his calls and invitations would slow until eventually they stopped. And she would be hurt. Very hurt.
Only a complete idiot couldn’t see that; and only a complete bastard would pursue her knowing he’d ultimately hurt her.
He tossed his napkin to the table and rose. “You know what? I think I’ll get my things together and go. Thank Joyce for the wonderful dinner, but I really don’t have time to eat.”
Dominic used the day he was away to strengthen his resolve about keeping his distance from Audra. But when he returned from his trip on Friday night, just the sight of her undid all his hard work. His heart lurched in his chest and he felt more alive than he had the entire time he’d been gone. He didn’t realize how lonely he’d been until he experienced how good it was to have someone to come home to.
She, unfortunately, seemed to believe that he was happy to see Joshua, and handed the baby to him as soon as his topcoat was removed.
He was happy to see the baby, and gratified that the little guy seemed very glad to see him. Not just because it took his attention off his feelings for Audra, but because it proved he was making progress in being a good dad.
“Hey, there, little man.”
The baby screeched and hollered, slapping Dominic’s cheeks with his chubby hands.
“He’s been moody the whole time you were gone.”
“Really?”
Audra laughed. The joyful expression in her eyes filled him with pride. She was thrilled he and Joshua were bonding, and anything that pleased her pleased him.
“Yes. I could tell he missed you. He’d probably like nothing better than to play, but it’s time for him to go to bed.”
“I’ll get him ready.” The words popped out of his mouth naturally, but once they were out, Dominic didn’t regret them. He could do this. Thanks to Audra. “Why don’t you watch TV in the entertainment room…or make yourself some cocoa?”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” He stepped back, away from her. It felt wrong to exclude her. He loved having her in the room with them, even if he did the baby things himself. Yet he didn’t want to hurt her.
“You want to do a solo flight?”
He nodded, backing away again. “Yes.” His needs didn’t matter. Hers did. She’d done so much for him that he couldn’t hurt her.
The next morning when Dominic got out of bed, he immediately made the trip to the nursery to say good-morning. Determined to keep his distance, he put his focus on Joshua. But the baby was in a frisky mood and he splashed and played, causing Audra to laugh. The sound seeped into him, making him feel silly and wonderful. At ease in a way he hadn’t felt in a long, long time.