Chapter 18

Something was troubling his fiancée. Liya had been unusually quiet since the morning.

Had she overheard his conversation with Andrew? His heart raced at that las thought. No, she couldn’t have.

He sipped his drink slowly while discreetly eyeing her. The woman his daughter had introduced him to had an infectious chirpiness and a radiant smile that lit him up from the inside out. Liya’s smile reminded him of a warm, summer morning. Her eyes had lost some of their sparkle, as well. Where was the vibrant young woman he’d met hiding?

Unless she was having second thoughts about their engagement. Had she started having doubts? Was that why she avoided making eye contact with him? What if Liya doubted his intentions? After all, he’d really sprung his proposal on her quite suddenly. His heart raced at the possibility. If Liya walked out now, he wouldn’t be able to do a damn thing because he was as guilty as hell.

How would he feel if he were in Liya’s place? He’d be furious if he were being lied to. He’d tried to give her every reason to believe this engagement is real. What if it hadn’t been enough? If Liya walked out now, Alicia would have enough reason to prove to the courts this engagement was a farce just so she could retain custody of Sophia. It would make him look even worse in court. He had to do something that wouldn’t give Liya any reason to doubt him. Women loved romance, didn’t they? He made a mental note to search for ideas for romantic evenings as soon as he got home. He didn’t plan on giving up Liya that easily. The waiter arrived with their food interrupting his thoughts.

Mrs. David was off this afternoon, he remembered once the waiter left.

He’d surprise Liya and cook for her. Perhaps he could surprise her with a home-cooked ranked high on most women’s lists of romantic afternoons. Home-cooked dinners with the family was also something he’d yearned for as a child. Painful memories of his childhood drifted to the surface of his mind. He’d promised himself no child of his would go through life without the security of a family. And look how close he’d come to losing Sophia. Alicia wasn’t cut out to be a mother. Blake shook his head as if to dispel the unpleasant memories of his past.

They left for home immediately after lunch. Liya didn’t talk much despite his numerous attempts to start a conversation.

Sophia took her afternoon nap almost as soon as they got home. Blake insisted Liya nap, as well. He was surprised when excitement fluttered in his tummy. Was this how fathers felt when they wanted to surprise their families? He smiled. It wasn’t such a bad feeling after all. Maybe if he hadn’t been such a busy man he’d have taken time to get to know Liya, maybe make her a permanent part of his family. They were compatible, after all. His daughter loved her. What else did he need to have a successful marriage? Love didn’t exist in Blake’s world when it came to women. He had to admit there was something special about Liya. She was the total opposite of Alicia — smart, sexy, and carefree. Alicia, on the other hand, would always be a vindictive, cold-hearted socialite who only cared about money and material comforts. She respected him and his little girl.

He knew little about Liya’s past. Blake made a mental note to get to know his fiancée a little more. What if there was a boyfriend he hadn’t known about? Blake shuddered. Well it was a little late for Liya to go back to her boyfriend, if there was one; now that she’d accepted his proposal. Still he could not stop the sudden wave of jealousy washing over him before his body went cold.

What did it matter whether or not Liya had a boyfriend if this engagement is a farce? Liya would have said something, wouldn’t she, if there was a boyfriend lurking in the background? Liya didn’t strike Blake as the type of women who’d accept one man’s proposal while she strung another along. Her effect on Sophia had been nothing short of magical. Sophia’s sudden transformation from quiet and withdrawn to carefree and bubbly was something he’d dreamed about ever since he’d first met his little girl. He changed into more comfortable clothes and headed for the kitchen.

He should have been honest with her from the beginning. It would have made things so much easier for him. He hadn’t considered how his daughter would react when Liya left. What if Sophia never forgave him? How would he live with himself then? He concentrated on chopping peppers when his thoughts became to much for him to handle. Chopping vegetables was far more therapeutic.

“Are you cooking?” Liya asked.

Blake adjusted his apron and made a show of checking the bubbling food on the stove.

“Yeah, smells good, doesn’t it?” he said.

The sound of her laughter warmed his heart. What he’d give to hear her laugh like every day.

“If burned is what you’re going for then definitely, yes, it smells good.”

Blake’s face reddened. Damn, how did that happen? His mutton curry paste had formed a thick, black crust at the base of the pot. He smiled brightly. “Round two is always better.” He turned off the stove and began preparing the ingredients all over again. Lucky he’d anticipated a disaster and bought extra ingredients.

“I could help,” she offered.

“Nope.” Blake lowered his voice. “This is my treat.” He lingered on her legs exposed by her tiny, denim shorts.

“Okay.”

“See you at dinnertime. Dress is casual.” He grinned. “Drinks are on the house.” His stomach tightened when Liya’s eyes sparkled. Seemed like he was on the right track. His mind lingered on her long after she left. Her denim shorts and baby T-shirt certainly did justice to her shapely curves. His mouth watered. And it wasn’t his spicy dish that tantalized his appetite. His engagement was only as real as he made it out to be. He planned to woo his fiancée with all his heart later this evening.