I’m not sure if I went at her too harshly, but pink color rushes up the woman’s neck and into her cheeks. She turns and opens her mouth as if she’s about to tear into me. Our eyes lock, and she closes her mouth, keeping silent.
Wow. She’s gorgeous.Rude, but gorgeous.
This is the first really good look I have of her face. Her beautiful face, made of delicate feminine features. Except for her blue eyes. They’re large and expressive. Endless pools of determination that I didn’t expect to see.
“Thank you.” She takes her time inhaling, and I hold my breath, preparing for what comes next. “I shouldn’t have asked like that. I must have sounded so callous.” I don’t bother to respond. “It was nosy and inappropriate.” I wonder if I should stop her. Her apology was enough for me, but I’m interested in hearing what more she has to say. “I do apologize, It’s just.... I’m Gemma’s mother, and she’s dating this boy. Your nephew,” she’s quick to correct herself, “who I know nothing about. I’m sure you can understand. You want to know who your child is spending time with and what their family life is like, don’t you?”
“Agreed. If I had children, I’d want to know all about who they were dating.”
Her eyes fall from mine and study the ground. Looks like a dose of humiliation settled in. That wasn’t my intention.
“That’s him, number five.” Gemma points to the field as Teddy is about to be tackled.
Once my nephew is on the ground, he throws the ball backward. His teammate catches it and is unable to make any forward progress before throwing the ball behind him again for the next guy.
“Why do they keep throwing the ball back? Shouldn’t they throw it forward to keep possession?”
“This is rugby,” I snap, “Not football.”
Chapter 5
Eve
“Sorry I asked. Won’t happen again.”
“What’s with the attitude?”
What the fuck is with this guy? He said to ask if we had a question. I do, he acts put out, and now I’m the one with the attitude? What a world-class asshole. Just like my husband.
“Your tone made it obvious that my question annoyed you. I shouldn’t have asked. I’ll figure it out eventually.”
He sighs before answering. “I’m sorry.”
Yeah right. His response says he’s anything but.
“You know what? Take your phony apology and shove it—”
“Mom!” Gemma screeches.
“Where your mother doesn’t kiss you.” I finish my thought.
“You’re ruining my life!”
“No, Gemma, I’m teaching you to stand up for yourself. Just because he’s a good-looking man,”howdid that slip out?“You don’t have to put up with an ill-tempered—”
