But if she did that, he’d find an excuse to stop her. “No.” He didn’t want that. Whether he liked it or not, there was no ignoring the truth. He liked spending time with Astrid. Holding her. Kissing her. Sitting across the table from her. Apparently, even standing in the kitchen and reloading the dishwasher made him oddly content. “You don’t have to do that.”
Her head cocked to one side. “You are a mystery, Charlie Driver.”
Did he want to be a mystery to her? He was overthinking. And oversharing. Enough. He shook his head. “I’m talking too much.”
“No, you aren’t.” Her hand rested on his arm. “I happen to like it when you talk.”
He shook his head. No one had ever liked hearing him talk. That’s why he rarely did it.
“Yes, I do.” She paused. “Shake your head all you want, it’s true.”
“Astrid.” Nova came running into the kitchen, Halley trailing after her. “It’s getting dark.”
“Are you really spending the night with us?” Halley’s gaze darted to his arm—where Astrid’s hand rested.
“I promised Nova I’d help her with her rat monster problem.” Astrid’s hand lifted from his arm to push the hair from her forehead. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
“See.” Nova pointed at Astrid. “I told you she was.”
“That’s really awesome, Astrid.” Halley shrugged. “Sorry I didn’t believe you, Nova.”
“It’s okay.” Nova was bouncing up and down, ecstatic. “You can sleep in my bed, Astrid.”
“I can bring my sleeping bag,” Astrid offered.
“Nova has the biggest bed in the house. I don’t know why since she’s so small.” Halley smiled. “I bet we could all fit in it.”
“We can share.” Nova nodded. “Halley and Charlie, too.” She looked at her sister, who nodded, then his way.
That brought Charlie up short. There was no way that was going to happen. “The bed isn’t that big.” Whenever Nova climbed into his bed at night, he was aware of her every sound and move. Add Halley and Astrid to that and he’d be exhausted.
“You have to.” Nova’s lower lip flipped out. “You have to keep us safe, Charlie.” Her big eyes filled with tears.
Tears. He didn’t do tears. “Nova.”
“Come on, Charlie.” Halley put her arm around her sister. “You could sleep on the floor. Or in the rocking chair?”
“Yeah.” Nova sniffed, wiping the back of her arm across her face. “Please.”
“Fine.” He’d rather sleep on the floor than have Nova sobbing. That was unbearable. “Before we go, let’s say thank you for dinner.” He steered the girls back to the dining room. Manners were important. After tonight, he wouldn’t have to impose on the Hills’ generosity anymore. Even with all the noise and chaos that was part of any Hill family meal, he was disappointed. But there was no delaying the inevitable.
This weekend was the reading of Rebecca’s will. Once he’d made sure his aunt’s wishes were honored, he and the girls would go home. Just the three of them. Life would get back to normal.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THEWHOLERIDEto Charlie’s place, Astrid was smiling. Kerrielynn had done a makeover on Halley after dinner, so she was in high spirits. Nova was excited over her new friend, Ginger, and Astrid’s sleepover. By the time they were pulling down the drive, even Charlie was relaxed. Astrid’s heart almost beat out of her chest when he reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.
“Bath time.” Nova ran into the house and up the stairs. “You coming, Astrid? I can show you my room first.”
Astrid laughed. “I’m coming.”
“Wow, Charlie, it’s, like, way cold in here.” Halley hugged herself.
“At least we know they fixed the AC.” Charlie closed the door behind them.
“That’s for sure.” Halley shrugged. “Can Kerrielynn come over tomorrow night? She wanted to introduce me to some of her friends. So, it would be Kerrielynn and her friends. Don’t answer right now, okay? Just think about it.” She climbed up four steps. “Please.”
Charlie nodded. “I’ll think about it.”
