“You’re not expecting anyone, are you?”
“No. Are you?” Natalie frowned. “I don’t think Mum said she was coming over.”
“She would have said. Could you see who it is? I’ll just sort everything here so we don’t burn the place down.”
“What’s the magic word?”
“Now.”
Natalie laughed, and she left the room. Michael turned off the hob and lowered the heat on the oven. Everything was pretty much ready, so even if this sudden visitor stayed for a while, he just had to shove it all together.
Knowing Natalie, it was probably one of her friends who had suddenly decided to turn up. They were doing it all the time, and Michael found himself dealing with quite a few teenage girls.
Not how he planned to spend his Saturday, but it was better than spending it on his own looking at his work after promising himself not to touch it at all.
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“There’s someone here for you.”
“I’m coming.”
Who could be here to see him at this time? Michael hadn’t heard anything from his neighbours, and he doubted it was his ex-girlfriend. God, that woman had been a pain. Besides, Natalie wouldn’t have let her in, and Michael could hear someone in the other room.
He left the kitchen, stopping short when he saw the auburn beauty in the green dress hunched over on the sofa, looking like she was freezing. Natalie hovered nearby, her expression saying she wasn’t sure what to do.
For a moment, Michael didn’t know what to do, either. He hadn’t expected this at all.
“Paula?”
Paula looked up, and Michael was stunned to see that she had been crying. Her green eyes were shimmering, tears streaking her cheeks. He had to fight the sudden urge to pull her into his arms and not let go.
Much like he had since he met her three years ago.
“I’m sorry, Michael.” Paula wiped at her cheeks with a shaking hand. “I didn’t know what to do, and I thought of you.”
“What on earth’s happened?” Michael crouched in front of her. “What’s going on?”
Paula swallowed hard. Even with the makeup smudged on her face, she still looked beautiful. This was actually the first time Michael had seen Paula wearing something like this. The dress was perfect for her, and it certainly knew how to show off her lithe, athletic frame.
He had seen her in a swimming costume, much less than this, and this was still incredibly erotic.
Michael pushed that aside. Now was not the time.
“You…you remember I said that I was at a wedding this weekend?” Paula’s voice was still shaking. “Just down the road?”
“Yes, I remember. You were a bridesmaid for your best friend, you said.”
“Well, let’s just say they had something planned.”
“What?”
Paula bit her lip and glanced up at Natalie.
“Do you want your daughter to hear this?”
“Like hell am I leaving!” Natalie snorted.