Page 100 of Time To Learn

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Kristian

“So,Kristian, you’re in love with my daughter, aren’tyou?”

Well, shit.

We haven’t even been on the road for ten minutes, and already Wenn is proving to be a very perceptive woman. And a nosyone.

Trying to prevent the panic I feel in my gut bubbling to the surface, I choose my words carefully.

“I care about her, yes.”

Her snort takes me by surprise, and I raise my eyes in question.

On a shake of her head, she looks back to theroad.

“Okay, I’m not going to give you the third degree, lad, but let me give you some advice about my daughter.”

Squirming in my seat, I glance at her profile, waiting for her to continue. I have a really bad feeling aboutthis.

“Don’t bullshither.”

I wait, but when she doesn’t elaborate, I can’t hold my tongue.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What, exactly, do you mean bythat?”

Her lips twitch with amusement, and I narrow my eyes at her. She’s enjoying this way toomuch.

“Only that I want you to be honest with her, Kristian. Nothing more, nothing less. Don’t fluff around, making promises you don’t intend to keep. Her heart was shattered and it hasn’t quite healedyet.”

I grit my teeth but tamp down my irritation.

“I wasn’t planningto.”

Satisfied, she nodsonce.

“Good. That’s all I wanted to hear. Now we can enjoy the rest of the drive, and you can start by telling me all about yourself.”

I breathe softly as I groan on the inside.

Then I do as she says, telling her about my past life—full disclosure seems to be the way to go with this woman. My instincts tell me that even though I don’t know Wenn, I know she won’t betray my trust. When I’m done rehashing much of my life, without going into too many details, she turns a wide stare myway.

“Whoa. You’ve got as much baggage as my daughter has, haven’t you? I wish you good luck. You’re going to need it if you’re to break down that stubborn girl ofmine.”

I smirk and shake my head as she stops in front of Alex’s home that he shares with hisdad.

Something tells me that she’s right. But I also know that I’m the right man for thetask.

* * *

Laura

“Trish,please tell me what to do,” I beg as I drive home. The moment I told — goodbye at her friend, Cat’s house—and made sure that her Mum had my mobile number—I knew I needed to talk with my best friend about everything that’s happened.

“Babe,” she chuckles gleefully, “you already know what to do. You don’t need me to tell youthat.”

I frown as I turn on the indicator.