The children were bundled up in coats and hoodies, playing their games and running back and forth, shrill voices raised. A few adults lounged on park benches, some of them engaged in casual conversation. Their lack of activity was a counterpoint to the exuberant youngsters.
“I wonder where they get their energy,” she remarked. It was such a long time since she had watched kids playing. She had forgotten that it was normal for children to run and jump and scream with laughter. A pang of infinite regret gripped her heart. She had left Chloe comfortably settled with Vicky to watch over her until she got home, but she would have given anything in the world if Chloe could have been on that playground instead. It went without saying that Vicky would have none of the problems associated with an over-active child. She’d even settle for being told, when she walked in the door, that her daughter had torn up the apartment or refused to go to bed on time.
“I see some fathers over there. That’s good.” Michael’s voice rumbled in his chest behind her.
“Yes,” she agreed. She shifted in his embrace so that she could turn her head and look up at him. She was surprised by the somber expression on his face, and suddenly she wondered about his childhood and upbringing. “Was your father around for you?”
He shrugged. It was an easy lift of his shoulders. “Oh, yeah. He did the whole Little League and Boy Scout thing with me. He died of a heart attack a few years back.” A smile tugged at his lips. “He was a great guy. I was lucky to have him. Some kids aren’t that lucky.”
“You’re right. You were lucky.” Winter turned back around and leaned against him. Her ex-husband was only her daughter’s biological father. He had steadfastly refused to have any other role in Chloe’s life. He had even refused to try to help save her life. Cathy didn’t know whether she could ever forgive him for that.
There must have been some telling inflection in her voice because Michael’s arms tightened around her ribcage. “You’re thinking about your ex.”
“Yes.” Winter was surprised by his perception, just for a moment, but then she wondered why she should be. She had never considered Michael to be stupid. He was intelligent and passionate and engaged in his life and career. Of course he was aware of what was going on around him and with other people.
“Ironic. I was just thinking about a business associate. He has a family member who is going through a tough time because the father of her child abandoned them both.”
“I know exactly how they feel.” She tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice, but it was difficult. She sensed the shake of his head.
“I just don’t get how someone could turn their back on a kid. Or hurt one, either.”
Michael felt her turn completely around in his embrace and looked down. She wore such a brilliant smile that he blinked. She lifted a hand to curve her fingers warm against his jaw. “You’re a very nice man, Michael.”
Michael was riveted by the tenderness in her clear hazel eyes and the softened look on her face. He was suddenly assaulted by unexpected emotions. Shame, deep shame, burrowed up through the layers of his cynicism. What was he doing? What the fuck was he doing with someone as decent as Winter Somerset? She should be spending her time and energy with someone who could give her love and security and a future, not wasting her time with someone like him. A man who paid for a companion and sex because he was too selfish and too wounded to share his life. Coldness pitted in his stomach.
He loosened his arms from about her and eased back a step. He returned her smile and kept his voice casual. “Come on. You’re getting cold. I’ll walk you back so that you can head home.”
Confusion clouded her expression. She searched his face. “Michael? Is there something wrong?”
He shook his head, retaining his smile. He took her arm and turned with her to start back in the direction they had come. “Nothing’s wrong. I just have a few things left to do tonight for work. Are you okay with that?”