AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I haven’t brought that up either. I’ve chalked it up to either an impulsive moment, or something I’ve made up entirely in my head. He was just helping me move, and he wanted to make sure my ankle was okay and that my stuff got put away. And that pizza stain on my shirt, that was normal too. He just wanted to help. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, not two people with chemistry. Hell, maybe he didn’t think about kissing me at all.
I don’t take it personally that he’s avoiding me. I understand why that would be hard, in his mind. First you save a woman—I’m sure he thinks he saved me—then she moves in, then she basically tries to kiss you. He’s probably afraid that I’m in love.
Well, he doesn’t have to worry about that. I definitely won’t be falling in love with him. I’m just here to do my job, save my money, and move on.
“Did you have a good time at school?” he asks Violet. He ruffles her dark hair before setting her back on her feet.
She nods her head silently, rushing back into the living room.
I hear her book bag unzip and the rustling of papers, then the tiny padding rhythm of her footsteps as she runs back into the kitchen.
“Look what I made,” she says. Her excitement is barely contained in her movements.
Sean picks her up so she can sit on one of the kitchen stools.
“It’s our family.” She rolls out the paper for us to look at. “This is you,” she says, pointing to the tall skinny figure holding a stick. “And this is me.” She points to a woman in the corner, “and that’s Mommy.”
Oh no. I realize why she’s so excited to show us, and I can’t stop it from happening.
I’m mortified.
“And this is Astrid.” She points to the stick figure next her dad.
My gaze snaps to Sean who’s already looking at me.
Shit.
“Oh, oooh, that’s— that’s so nice, Violet.” Sean looks at me as if I’ll have an explanation. “Did you help with this project too, Astrid?”
I narrow my eyes at his tone. So much for thinking things were going better.
“No Dad,” Violet laughs, like it’s obvious. “We did this in art class today, I told you.” Her little hand traces the people on the page. “Do you like it? Can we put it on the fridge?” She bounces in her seat.
Sean stares at me, then his eyes soften on Violet. “I love it, princess. Of course.”
CHAPTER 9
SEAN
Ilace my running shoes. I don’t know why I’m doing this. Astrid hasn’t been running much since she got here. I don’t think she’s been running since the day I met her, actually. Maybe that’s why I find myself in the kitchen at five in the morning in my sweatpants and t-shirt instead of fast asleep like I should be.
She told me at dinner last night that she planned to get in a quick workout before school. I’m not sure what her version of a quick workout is, but I don’t like the thought of her going out, early morning, wearing headphones. It’s not bright enough outside at this time of year. She wouldn’t be safe.
That’s why I’m here.
“What are you doing awake?” Astrid asks, walking into the room, hiding half a yawn behind her hand. Her long blonde hair is pulled back in braid, the loose ends falling in her face.
“I’m going running,” I gesture to my outfit. This is obvious.
“You’re going running?” she asks incredulously, as if the idea is absurd.
“Yep,” I say, trying to sound as casual as I can.
“Why?” she laughs, moving past me to get a drink of water.
“Because if you get hit by a car, Violet will be really, really sad.” I point to the family portrait that she insisted I put on the refrigerator last night. “What’s your mile pace?” I look at my watch to reset the goal.
It has been a while since running itself was my workout. A long while. Usually, Coach uses it as a form of punishment.
