Claiming Nina Read online

  “Yes, but my father and I don’t exactly get along.”

  “Right, I vaguely remember you saying something about that last night.”

  “Maybe the rest of your memory will come back too,” I tease her.

  She flushes. “I hope not,” she grins.

  Our food arrives, and Lily offers to let the kids eat theirs in the playroom. I know what she’s doing, but I don’t argue because I’m enjoying the time I’m getting to spend alone with Amanda.

  We continue our meal, whilst getting to know each other. She doesn’t like talking about herself, but I pretend not to notice how often she redirects the conversation back to me. She asks me about what I did back in Chicago before we moved here, and I’m honest, because I see no point in hiding anything from her. Whatever this is, I want us to start on the right foot. I know from previous experience that you can’t build anything on a foundation of lies.

  “Wow, that’s pretty heavy,” she mutters when I’m done.

  “I’m not proud of the way I was back then. That’s why I’m so invested in being here and having a second chance with my family,” I say. “I’m determined to fix things with both Mason and my father.”

  “What happened to your mother?” she asks softly.

  “She died last year. Cancer. I was too busy to be much help, and by the time I realized how serious it was, it was too late. I didn’t even get back here in time to say goodbye.” My voice cracks. I swallow, forcing the emotions back deep inside me where they belong.

  It still feels so raw. What kind of son puts work ahead of his dying mother? The night before she died my father called me and begged me to come and see her. I said I’d be there as quickly as I could, but before I left, I finished off something I was working on. It set me back an hour. Forty-five minutes before I got there, she died. I keep thinking that if I had left the second he called, I would’ve made it there in time. I’ll never forgive myself for that.

  “My mother died when I was young,” Amanda admits. “During childbirth.”

  “That’s rough,” I mumble. “I can only imagine the kind of effect that would have on you.”

  “I blamed myself for a long time,” she agrees. “I guess in some ways I still do. Nothing compares to losing a parent.”

  In that moment, our ten-year age gap feels like nothing. She’s more mature and centered than some people I know who are years older than her. This girl has been through a lot, and the last thing I want to do is put her through anything else.

  Seven

  Nina

  “Thanks for tonight,” I say, smiling shyly at him.

  We’re standing out the front of the restaurant preparing to say goodbye, while the kids amuse themselves at the playground next door. I pretend not to notice Lily and Amber through the glass. They stand over near the kitchen, waving madly at me as I try my best to focus on Adam.

  “Anytime,” he says. “I just wanted to make you feel less alone, being in a new place and all.”

  “You didn’t have to do that,” I say, my voice soft.

  “I wanted to. Besides, it was nice to have some adult company for a change.” He makes a face. “Speaking of which, I should probably get these guys home and to bed.”

  We stand there for a second, until I nod and step back toward the door. I hate it when things feel awkward, like they’re starting to at the moment. The problem is that even though I know the timing is wrong, I really want him to kiss me. My heart skips a beat as I look away, flustered.

  “I guess I’ll see you around, then,” he says, his lips twitching into a grin.

  “I guess you will,” I agree.

  He yells out to the kids and starts walking toward his car, and a twinge of disappointment hits me. I wave him off and then go back inside to get my things. I’m barely through the doors when Amber comes running over, squealing like a toddler. She throws her arms around me, laughing as I try to push her away.

  “Amber, shut up,” I hiss, laughing. “I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”

  “Aww, poor baby,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I wish I had a guy who’d do that for me. You get paid for a whole shift you didn’t work and you get a free meal. Not to mention spending time with that hottie.”

  “You’ve got one, remember? Wait, I get paid?” I gasp when I process what she said. I glance over at Lily, who nods, her eyes twinkling.

  “Yep. He covered your shift because he was worried about leaving you short for the week,” she grins devilishly. “So…” She raises her eyebrows suggestively. “You and Adam, huh?”

  I groan. “You’re as bad as each other,” I huff.

  They follow me back to the staffroom, making kissing noises the whole way. Laughing, I toss my apron at Amber. She catches it and throws it back to me, poking her tongue out.

  “Have fun working,” I call out, walking out. I laugh as she gives me the finger.

  Unlocking the door to my room, I walk inside and kick off my heels. I smile and sit down on the bed, thinking about Adam. I’m still stunned that he would do that for me. It was such a sweet gesture to invite me to dinner, and then to top it all off, he wanted to make sure I still got paid? Every interaction we have leaves me wanting to get to know him more, but in the back of my mind, I’m questioning how close I’m getting to him. Is spending time with him a good idea?

  I like him a lot, but I’ve clearly proven I can’t trust myself around him. I cringe, thinking about that kiss—or at least his version of it, since I can’t remember it at all. What did it feel like? Is his mouth as soft and amazing as it looks?

  I fish through my bag to put my phone on charge. I’ve all but given up on hearing from Michael, so when I see a missed call from a number I don’t recognize, my anxieties kick in. Nobody—other than Michael—has this number, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Like my father got to him. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he leave me a message?

  I stare at the screen. It’s just a single missed call. What if it was my father? Calm down. There is absolutely no reason to believe that my father has found me, other than my paranoia. The only plausible explanation is that Michael has finally contacted me. Should I call him back? I decide not to risk it. If he wanted me to call him back, he would’ve said. I pull back the covers and climb under them, then I put my phone on loud and set it on the nightstand. If it was him, he’ll call again soon. Yawning, I peel off my work shirt and shimmy out of my skirt and then switch off the light.

  My thoughts drift back to Adam and his kids as I lay there in darkness. Sadie is absolutely adorable. I don’t think I’ve met a cuter kid in my life. Mason has barely said a word to me, but that’s not surprising, considering what Adam told me about his adjustment issues.

  That poor kid. In some ways, being abandoned is worse than losing a parent, because his mother had a choice. Mine didn’t. How could anyone leave their kids like that? I feel bad, judging her when I don’t know her situation, but I don’t understand how any parent could not want to be a part of the children’s lives. It didn’t make sense to me.

  Sighing, I roll over, my eyes heavy as I fight to stay awake. I glance at my phone again and frown, thinking about Michael. Why didn’t he text something, just to tell me that it was actually him calling? I place it back on the nightstand and roll over. Just relax and stop worrying until you actually have something to worry about. I know the voice in my head is right, but I just can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

  I’m awake by five the next morning, despite how tired I still am. I’ve never been a morning person, but apparently my body has gotten used to the early shifts Lily keeps giving me. The only problem with that is today I’m not on until twelve. I think I prefer starting at six.

  Michael still hasn’t called me back, which has me worried, but not enough to bite the bullet and actually call the number that rang. Instead, I roll over and try unsuccessfully to go back to sleep, eventually giving up. Just after seven.

  By eight, I’ve had bre
akfast, read the complimentary newspaper, and done a small load of washing by hand. Now, I’m sitting on the floor, staring at a tiny crack in the ceiling, bored as hell.

  There is only so much I can do to amuse myself in this cramped motel room, so I decide today is the perfect day to sightsee. I’ve been here for nearly three weeks now, and my life consists of work, sleep, and worrying. Thank God I have work to distract me, or I don’t know what I’d do.

  Throwing on a pair of jeans, I pair it with the blue sweater that I splurged and bought myself after receiving my first paycheck. I finger the soft fabric, loving the way it feels against my skin. It cost me a fortune, but buying this made me feel like things are normal, something I haven’t felt since I got here. I tie my hair back in a loose bun, grab my purse, and head out the door.

  I make my way down the street and head in the opposite direction than I usually go to get to work. It’s a beautiful day out, which lifts my mood. The sun is shining, and the cool breeze tingles as it hits the back of my neck. I look around, surprised at how many people are out and about. It’s impressive, considering how small the island is.

  “Morning.” I smile, as I pass an old lady I’ve made coffee for every morning for the last three weeks.

  “Morning, Amanda. Nice to see you not working for once. Enjoy yourself,” she says, patting me on the arm.

  Her gesture makes my heart swell. Back in Chicago, when you walk down the street and smile at someone, they clutch onto their purse just a little bit tighter and cross the road. I didn’t think I’d like the small town dynamics where everybody knows everybody, but I do. I really like it. I’ve become a familiar face where people actually know who I am. Which is exactly what you’re supposed to be avoiding.

  When Michael gets here, things are going to change, and I’m not looking forward to that. He’s overly cautious and paranoid about everyone. He wouldn’t tell me anything other than I’d be waiting for him here. He said the less I knew, the better. Maybe he’s right, but I hate living in limbo, not knowing what is coming next.

  I pass a law firm and glance through the window, doing a double take when I see Adam standing behind the desk. He’s staring at some papers in his hands, a perplexed look on his face, but when he looks up and sees me, he smiles. He motions for me to come inside. I bite my lip, my heart racing as I push my way through the heavy glass door.

  “Hey. You’re up bright and early,” he observes.

  He rubs his jawline, drawing my attention to the light peppering of stubble covering it. I shiver, wanting nothing more than to drag my fingers through it.

  “I start later today, but I couldn’t sleep. I’m so used to getting up early that I was up at five,” I admit with a rueful smile. “Anyway, I thought I’d go out and see the town.”

  “Ah, that’s where we’re different. If someone gave me the chance to sleep in, I’d jump at it. I don’t think I’ve slept in since Mase was born,” he chuckles.

  I laugh. “Yeah, I should be making the most of it while I can, I guess. Being young and free and all that,” I tease.

  “Ouch,” he chuckles, wincing. “Way to make me feel old.”

  “You probably do a good enough job of that yourself,” I jibe. I look around and see his name on the door. “So, you work here then?” I ask curiously.

  “Yep. This is my practice,” he nods. He eyes me with amusement. “Why do you look so surprised?”

  “I guess I never had you pegged as a lawyer,” I admit.

  “Really,” he smirks. “Dare I ask what you thought I did for a living?”

  “I don’t know,” I shrug. “Fishing. Or goat farming.”

  He bursts out laughing. “Goat farming? Dear God, please tell me you’re joking.”

  “Nope, you’ve got that rugged, handsome, goat farmer look down perfectly,” I giggle. “All you’re missing is a pair of overalls and a hat of some kind.”

  “Tell me more about this handsome trait you think I have,” he murmurs. I blush, which makes him chuckle. “God, I love that you’re so easy to embarrass.”

  “So, law, huh? What kind of law do you practice?” I ask, shifting the focus off me.

  “These days it’s mostly family and property law,” he replies. “Back in Chicago, it was criminal law.” He sits down and I do the same, taking the seat across from his desk. I stuff my hands underneath me, trying to ignore how nervous I am.

  “Criminal law must’ve been interesting,” I comment.

  He nods. “It was an eye-opener, that’s for sure. Part of the reason for moving here was to get away from all that.”

  “You didn’t like it?”

  “I loved it in the beginning, but then it became my only focus. It’s such a high-pressure environment that I lost sight of what was important to me. It changed me, but I realized it too late.”

  “Is that why your wife…” I flush, realizing what I’m about to ask. His personal life is none of my business. “I’m sorry, you don’t need to answer that.”

  “You’d have to finish the question for me to answer it, anyway,” he chuckles. “Were you going to ask me if that’s why my wife and I divorced?”

  “Yes, but it’s none of my business,” I mumble.

  “No, but I don’t mind talking about it.” He shrugs. “That was a big part of it, but really we just fell out of love. We had different ideas of what we wanted and by the end it was too hard to get things back on track. We thought about staying together for the kids, but honestly, things are better now than they ever were when we were together.”

  I stare at him and think about his relationship with Mason. Is that even possible?

  “Even with how bad things are with Mason, things are better,” he confirms, reading my expression.

  “Where is she now?” I ask softly. I can’t believe some of the questions I’m firing at him, but I can’t seem to stop them from coming out.

  “Traveling, I guess,” he says. “She’s been overseas for the last year. She doesn’t call or contact the kids at all. Honestly, I have no idea when—or if—she plans to come back and be their mother.”

  “That must be so hard for the kids,” I say softly. “There is no faster way to crush a child’s heart than to make them feel abandoned.”

  “I never thought of it that way,” he murmurs with a frown.

  “Sadie seems pretty well-adjusted, but you mentioned Mason has issues. I’m not surprised, he’s probably feeling quite vulnerable and alone.” I shake my head and cringe. “Again, this is none of my business, and I should really just shut up.”

  “No, I welcome your opinion. What you’re saying makes a lot of sense.” He studies me for a second. “Hey, we’re having a barbecue on Sunday, on the beach at my place. Would you be interested in coming? It’s just a family thing, so nothing big…”

  I hesitate and press my lips together. I want nothing more than to jump at the chance to spend more time with him and his family, but my head is telling me to cool it. I can feel myself getting way too close to Adam, and I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I open my mouth to make up some excuse, but instead I find myself saying something else entirely.

  “I’d love to come.”

  He smiles at me, looking satisfied and relieved.

  “Good. I look forward to it.”

  Eight

  Adam

  “So, I have the right place then?”

  I look up and see Amanda standing at my front gate, smiling shyly at me. As I stare at her, I lose my train of thought. She’s wearing a white sundress that cuts off mid-thigh, her long, lean legs going on forever before they reach her delicate sandals. I swallow, my mouth dry, not sure where to look. She looks incredible. As she glances at the ground uneasily, I realize I’ve been staring at her in complete silence for way too long.

  “Wow,” I mutter. “You look stunning. I wasn’t sure you’d actually come.”

  “I said I would,” she replies, a ghost of a smile on her lips. She looks around. “I love this place. Is this where y
ou live?”

  “Yes, home sweet home.” I nod. “I wanted something near the water for the kids to enjoy, and when I saw the views this place offered, I couldn’t pass it up.”

  She looks around again and smiles. “I can see why.”

  “I’ll take you up on the roof later and show you something really impressive,” I say. Her eyes widen, and I cringe. “That wasn’t a proposition,” I mutter. “I can assure you I’m a gentleman.”

  “Too bad,” she says, biting her lip, her eyes sparkling.

  Before I can respond, Sadie comes barreling up to us from out of nowhere. She embraces Amanda in a tight hug, nearly knocking her over.

  “Mandy,” she cries, jumping up and down excitedly. “You came.” She takes her by the hand and drags her down the path. “Let me show you my room. You can meet Anna and Belle. They’re my two favorite dolls. Do you like dolls? I have others, but I don’t like them as much.”

  Amanda chuckles and lets herself be led across the driveway and inside our house. I watch them together, my heart pounding as I try to decipher what I’m feeling.

  I can deny it all I want, but I like this girl. A lot. Every time I see her, I turn into a mess. I’m surprised she hasn’t run the other way. Hell, if she knew what was good for her, she probably would.

  “What are you doing?”

  I turn around to see Mason scowling at me. Aside from the fact that he always scowls, I’m not surprised, considering I’m standing in our front yard staring at our house like a moron. I’d be wondering what the hell I was doing too.

  “I’m just thinking,” I say defensively. “Are you looking forward to Grandad coming around?” I ask him, changing the subject. He shrugs, as if he couldn’t care less.

  “Whatever,” he mutters. He stalks off inside, and with a sigh, I follow him. That kid is hard work, but I know I need to keep trying.