He Who Worries Too Much

"Julie, I need to leave the country for a couple of days."

Those were the words that Duncan told me the following day.

He arrived before supper and I had just finished my work at the inn. He popped into the house carrying a grocery bag. He then proceeded to tell me to rest or have fun with the kids.

"I will be taking over your kitchen," he said.

As if he hasn't done it. For the past few weeks, no make it a month, he was the one to cook our meals in the evening. Since the kids would have lunch at The Belle, he would either join us or take them on a picnic.

Those little gestures of his gave me time to put down words in the new book that I have been writing.

I was not about to complain. I get free food, someone to cook for us, and he also knows how to clean after. For me, it was a good deal.

Besides, the kids adore him.

How could they not? He was an attentive person. He never let any single detail of their lives pass by him. He stopped buying them things.

He bought food instead.

My house has never been so full of food. Now the pantry was overflowing with snacks and other staples. He told me to keep the food, it would be better to have some extra than to have nothing.

Duncan did something that made me mad at him though. He actually had the gall to replace my fridge. I love that ridge! Okay so, it was causing my electric bill to skyrocket, but the fridge looked good!

I was not about to tell him that I loved the dual door he brought. There was more space for the cakes that seemed to be replaced the moment they were finished.

I never stored ice cream because the kids tend to eat too much. Yet judging by the look of the ice cream in the fridge, it wasn't even opened.

Duncan it seemed was teaching my kids some good manners when it comes to food.

He cooked vegetables for cripes sake, and my kids ate everything! Like EVERYTHING! Nicole, who doesn't like to eat bell peppers, ate all of the ones on her plate.

I was about to be amazed, then I saw Fall's tail under the table.

I wanted to laugh, but Duncan shook his head. He must have known what Nicole was doing. Because when he said that they can have a cookie for eating all their veggies, she did not get one.

He was teaching them about honestly, in a way they would understand.

"Why are you even telling me those things?" I asked. I was confused for one, I did not accept his proclamation that I am his, and second, we were not in any relationship.

With the meal done and the kids sleeping, we were once again alone. Fall was at its usually place while he and I were on the sofa. He took my feet and was giving me a massage that I needed.

"You overthink, lass, that is why I'm telling you I will be out of the county," he dryly replied.

"Point taken," I groaned when he worked the nicks out of my tired feet. "Damn that is good. Ever thought of being a masseur?" I asked him.

"No, the only body I want to touch is the one I am currently holding." His sexy grin was back, and by the way, his eyes darkened he could see that my body was reacting to his words.

"Smooth Duncan, really smooth," was my reply, a small smile was playing on my lips.

"Lass, both of us are adults. Should we even play that game?" He asked, as he looked into my eyes, then continued, "We are beyond the stage of playing. I, myself, would rather be direct than sway you with sweet words."

I was silent. He was right, we were both adults. And from what Jane had hinted, he had also been hurt by the past. I was about to say something but he beat me to it.

"You, however, have kids that need to be taken into consideration. They are your main priority. I cannot force myself on you. I want you not just in my bed, Julie, but in my life too." The way he said those words carried a heap of responsibility. Like he was not only thinking of his needs but mine too.

Damn, he really doesn't mince words.

"No, do not say anything. I am not trying to put words into your mouth. I am laying all my cards on the table. If ever I have a problem," he gave a deep sigh that even I felt it. "I might be telling you about them in the future."

"Are you anticipating any problems?" I asked. As much as I wanna say, 'Don't include me in our problems' I can't.

"I have a bad habit of anticipating problems. I am more of an over-thinker than you, lass," was his reply. There was a self-mocking tone in his voice.

A tone that I have never heard from another man.

Wow, a man that admitted that he was wrong, that was refreshing. I looked at him, under the glow of the table lamp beside him. There were lines on his face that were not there the first time they had met.

"Problems?" I inquired. He must have been stressed since last week. I remember the woods and the way he swung the ax. Duncan must have been pretty upset.

He did not say anything, and it caused me to prod him. "Duncan, what is the problem?"

"I need to visit South Korea for a week," he finally said. "Our time difference will be out of whack and I may not be able to call you."

"And you are worried about what?"

He looked at me, and pulled me across his lap, making me yelp. "The heck Duncan!"

"I am worried about you, Julie. Who else would I be worried about?"

"Your Aunt?" I asked flippantly.

The man let out a sexy laugh that made my lady parts wet and tingly.

"Ah lass, your honesty makes up all the boatload of shit I have endured."

"Me honest? Seriously? I have been lying..." I couldn't even finish my darn sentence.

"No, you haven't. I can tell, Julie. When you try to hide something, you hide to avoid people."

How the fuck did he?!

Like now, did he even know?

Should I give up? Not a chance. Duncan was peeling me layer by layer.

From the way he was looking at me though, it was just a matter of time before he could reach the core.