Tammy's tiny fingers coaxed a cookie from the package, giggled as she handed it to Lisa.
Giddon entered the room, his chagrined gaze immediately seeking Lisa. His smile was so disarming that she couldn't help smiling back. He was such a contrast of emotions, and yet so masculine. Even now, as his eyes sought her forgiveness, his chin stayed up proudly. He was willing to admit he was wrong, but he wasn't going to grovel.
"Daddy!" Tammy hurled herself across the room into his arms and started lavishing him with kisses and hugs that he returned with equal enthusiasm.
Lisa took a frying pan from the cabinet and started preparing lunch while father and daughter went into the living room to play. It was a cozy family setting, and she soon forgot the argument.
After lunch, Giddon's offer to help Lisa with the dishes was met by a raised eyebrow from Sarah. She looked as surprised as Lisa felt. Obviously it wasn't something he often did. Sarah made an excuse of putting Tammy down for a nap and left them alone.
Lisa tossed Giddon a towel and plunged her hands into the soapy water in the sink. Perhaps his offer of help was born of guilt. She glanced up to find him watching her with masked emotion. Their gazes met and it struck her how extraordinarily handsome he was. A rush of excitement sent color to her cheeks, and she tore her gaze from his, focusing her attention on the dishes. Like Dracula, he was putting her under his spell again. This was the same man who treated her so coldly earlier today, and she'd do best to keep that picture in her mind.
"You're an uncommonly beautiful woman, do you know that?" His voice was low and gentle.
She glanced up quickly, feeling the color deepen in her face. "Thank you," she said flatly. What else was there to say? It wasn't as if she had any part in becoming that way, nor did it make her a better person.
He was silent a moment, and then his tone had a stern edge. "You need to be careful around men."
She gave her attention to a glass she was washing. Obviously his remark was merely a prelude to a lecture. "You mean I should try to cover up that which any man might find attractive." Her voice was intentionally cool.
His response was instant. "No, I mean you're too trusting."
She glanced up at him sharply. "Like taking a job at the home of a stranger?"