“That’s not fair.”
“I know you, Dad. I know what you’re like.”
Michael hated that Natalie was right. Three years since he had met Paula, and he still hadn’t said anything. He was an idiot.
There were footsteps on the stairs, and Michael felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Paula was awake. Michael felt his heart miss a beat, and he spun around quickly, fumbling in the cupboard for mugs.
“Dad?”
“I’m okay. Just go back and eat your breakfast.”
“Are you sure?”
“Natalie…”
“Fine, I’m going.” Natalie giggled. “I’d like a coffee as well. Mine’s pretty much finished.”
Michael didn’t respond, concentrating on making the coffee. He needed something to do with his hands and focus on a task that wasn’t Paula. God, he was a fucking idiot. A grown man behaving like a lovesick teenager. It was embarrassing.
He was aware of voices in the living room as he finished the coffee, carrying both mugs into the room. Paula was sitting on the sofa beside Natalie. She looked just as tired as Michael felt, her face clear of makeup. The t-shirt and shorts she was wearing were a little big on her, but they just made her look adorable. Michael swallowed and tried not to stare.
They were his pyjamas, and they just made her look even more attractive. That should not have been allowed.
He handed a cup to Natalie before taking a sip of his own, taking a seat at the edge of the cushions. Being around Paula at training was something he was used to; he could cope with that. But she was in his home now, wearing his clothes, and Michael felt like he was floundering.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. “Did you manage to get any sleep?”
“I think I did.” Paula brushed her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ears. She looked pale. “I still feel like crap.”
“Given what happened, I’m not surprised.” Michael paused. “When do you think you’ll head back home?”
He ignored the look Natalie was giving him. Paula bit her lip.
“I’m not sure. I called Charlie, and he said Marley was looking for me. She is probably camping outside the house. I don’t want to deal with her.”
Michael got that. He wouldn’t want to go home knowing that was possibly waiting.
“So, what are you planning?”
“I don’t know. I need to figure out my next steps.” Paula shrugged. “Maybe I should stay with Charlie. He’s furious with Marley right now, but she would just go over there to speak to Jason.”
“The groom?”
“He’s just as mad. Apparently, he didn’t know the extent of my discomfort as Marley didn’t tell him the truth.”
That was something, although not much.
“Well,” Natalie said suddenly, “you could always stay with us?”
Michael’s head snapped up.
“Natalie!”
Paula stared at her.
“What? Stay here?”
“Why not? I’m only here on the weekends, and Dad’s alone during the week. So there’s plenty of room.” Natalie grinned. “And Dad says you’re at the same swimming club as well? You’ve got someone to give you a lift. Plus, there are plenty of shops close by.”