Perfect Partners by Carly Phillips

rubbing the potatoes and whatever else had been made for dinner into her high-chair tray.
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot. Mr. Stuart, Miss Russell is here to see you and Alix.”
    “I realize that now.” Griff smiled at the older woman, putting her at ease. “Why don’t you call it a day?” He spoke to Mrs. Baxter, but looked at Chelsie. “Miss Russell and I can take things from here. Can’t we?”
    His direct gaze unnerved her. Alix’s antics had distracted her from the purpose of this visit, but Griff brought her smack into reality. The man had a way of doing that to her in more ways than one.
    Mrs. Baxter hesitated. “If you’re sure.”
    “We’re sure,” they answered in unison. Chelsie didn’t want an audience for round three with Griffin Stuart.
    After kissing Alix good night, the older woman headed for her room.
    “Let’s see what you’ve got.” He handed Chelsie a sticky bowl and gestured to the child in the high chair.
    She accepted the challenge in silence. As the evening wore on, Chelsie not only coaxed Alix to finish her meal, but got her to behave in the bath. A silent agreement had been reached. All that remained was for them to work out the details. Regardless of the specifics, however, she intended to draw an imaginary boundary, one she wouldn’t cross no matter what the circumstances.
    This seemed like a good place to start. She stood in the doorway to Alix’s bedroom. Under the glow of a small Elsa and Ana night-light, Chelsie made out Griff’s large form leaning over the little girl’s crib. Though lost in shadows, his movements were brisk, sure, and gentle.
    Without warning, he glanced over his shoulder, meeting her gaze. Locked in an understanding they themselves had created, Chelsie found herself unable to look away. The currents in the air changed suddenly. A frisson of awareness invaded her body, and she turned away in shock and embarrassment. When she’d centered herself, she turned back, but Griff’s attention had refocused on Alix. Having such a heated reaction to his glance, Chelsie couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be the sole focus of his gentle attention. A longing so strong, it threatened to choke her.
    “Say good night to Chelsie.” Griff’s deep voice penetrated her need.
    The little girl mumbled something unintelligible and Griff tucked her in. Chelsie laughed, but tears blurred her vision as she watched from a safe distance. She refused the urge to aid in the nightly ritual of placing Alix in her crib, covering her with an old blanket, ruffling her dark curls, and kissing her good night. Motherly gestures invoked motherly feelings. If she helped, she would be lost—lost in a past she couldn’t change, and a future she would never have.
    Chelsie drew a steadying breath. Talcum powder, shampoo, and other baby smells permeated the air. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off a sudden shiver. An empty and fruitless gesture, since the chill came from deep inside her heart.
    Griff walked to where Chelsie stood. He placed a hand on the small of her back. She knew he only meant to lead her out of the room. But his touch set off hundreds of tiny explosions in body parts she’d long forgotten existed… and in parts she’d never been aware of before.
    What was happening here? They’d begun as adversaries and were now unwilling allies. She wondered if they’d ever get past the uneasy distrust that plagued their relationship. Perhaps it was best they never did. Friendly adversaries might be all she could hope for. At least, then, she’d stand a chance of keeping her heart intact.

FOUR
    “S orry to have kept you waiting.”
    Chelsie turned, startled at the sound of Griff’s deep voice. He’d excused himself to clean up and she’d retreated to the living room. She’d gotten lost in a file she was reading on her iPad. No sense in wasting valuable free time, and what better way to tamp down unwanted emotions than by burying herself in