The Daddy Dilemma. Kate Denton
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Название: The Daddy Dilemma
Автор: Kate Denton
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
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“That’s it—time to go,” Gordon said, signaling for a check. “She always starts clearing the table when she’s getting restless.”
Once they were back in the car, Gordon said, “In answer to your question at the restaurant—after being married to Beth, I’ve pretty much cooled it on socializing with the opposite sex.”
Mackie was surprised, and strangely elated, that he’d bothered to explain. So Gordon Galloway was not only single, but available. She tried to squelch the pleasure she felt at that bit of information, deciding it was safer to keep feuding. “Some people would say you’re a cynic.”
“And some people would be right. Since news spread of my inheritance, the number of women lining up to be the next Mrs. Galloway is enough to make any man cynical. I never had to beat off women with a stick before.”
I find that hard to believe. Money wasn’t Gordon Galloway’s main draw. Not with that killer grin and those clear blue eyes that called to mind a mountain lake. Mackie caught herself, appalled by her own thoughts. This was totally unacceptable...engaging in such musings about an opponent. An opponent who was the biological equivalent of pond scum according to his ex-wife. “So why beat them off,” she persisted. “Don’t you think Ashley needs a mother?”
Gordon gave her a chiding, “Tsk, tsk.” “And here you’ve been telling me she already has a mother, a dear loving one, in Beth. Or was your question whether I plan to remarry? Ms. Smith, you’re getting very personal. Are you interested?”
Mackie fought back an embarrassed flush. “Don’t flatter yourself. I couldn’t get interested in you even if I wanted to. Ethically you’re a no-no. Besides, I’m not one of those predatory women who favors a man solely because he happens to have a big bank balance.”
Gordon chuckled. “So a man’s money doesn’t appeal. What would it take to get you to the altar?”
“I’ll pretend you didn’t ask that.”
“Oh I see, your personal questions are acceptable, mine aren’t.”
“OK, if you must know...marriage really isn’t on my agenda.”
“Not concerned about your biological clock?”
“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. The truth is the only clock which concerns me is the one which wakes me up in the morning. I like my life. Among other advantages, it’s nice to sleep through the night without being awakened to tend to someone else’s needs. Now take your best shot.”
“What’s that?”
“Accuse me of being selfish and self-centered.”
“Actually there’ve been a few nights when I’d probably agree with you. But what about a lover awakening you to cuddle?”
“I thought we were talking about children.”
“You were the one bringing up sleeping undisturbed. Sounds like someone used to sleeping alone.”
“Who I sleep with is—”
“Out! Out!” Ashley shrieked, rescuing Mackie from completing her answer. The baby’s rebellion against the car seat and tearful whining and crying consumed Gordon’s attentions during the rest of the drive.
The crying didn’t abate until they arrived back at Mackie’s. Worn from her tantrum, Ashley settled into her makeshift crib, stuck her thumb into her mouth and fell sound asleep. Mackie stared down at the little girl, amazed this could be the same impossible child of moments ago and thinking how enchanting she looked in sleep, how lovable. For the first time in ages, Mackie fantasized about having a baby of her own, then quickly shook her head, disowning such craziness.
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