Read Online Perfect Partners by Carly Phillips - Free Book Online

downtown.”
    Relief overwhelmed him, even though what she did with her free time was none of his concern. But he wondered at her initial reticence to discuss the subject. Helping others was nothing to be ashamed of, and it enabled him to rethink his opinion of her selfish nature, something he wasn’t yet comfortable doing.
    He cleared his throat. “I have no intention of interfering with your life. I appreciate the help, however much or little you can give. Your tour of duty will be over before you know it,” he said, forcing a laugh.
    She didn’t laugh with him, testament to how difficult this entire situation had become for both of them.
    “Before we make this definite, think about what you’re asking,” she said. “What happens when you decide Alix is doing well enough that you can throw me out of her life again? ” she asked.
    He winced at the blunt way she’d phrased her thoughts. Had he been that callous with her? Of course he had. “You’re her aunt. Why don’t we take things one day at a time, as you said?”
    Chelsie shook her head. “She’s a child. One who’s lost both parents,” she said gently. “You can’t toss people in and out of her life and expect her to adjust.”
    Again he’d underestimated her. When Chelsie cared, she clearly cared deeply. No one had ever focused that sort of emotional attention on him, and Griff had little time or understanding for deep-seated affection. Ryan’s constant friendship and, until recently, Griff’s relationship with his brother’s family were the only exceptions. Thanks to his guardianship of Alix, he’d been thrown into the fire, but it was impossible not to give back to a little girl who gave everything and needed even more. But children were different, unjaded—until they grew up and learned to manipulate.
    But here was Chelsie, fighting for her sister’s child, showing love Griff hadn’t even known she had in her. Glancing over, he wondered how it would feel to be the recipient of such unconditional love. Wonder all you want, buddy. You’ll never know. He’d been trampled on twice. Only a fool set himself up for a third time.
    Still, he admired Chelsie’s foresight. He had only thought as far as bringing her into their lives, not edging her out. For some reason, he didn’t want to dwell on the end of a relationship they hadn’t even begun. “We’ll work things out,” he heard himself say. He had no idea how.
    She leaned forward, gesturing with her hands as she spoke. “People aren’t made of stone, counselor . They can’t suffer loss upon loss and be expected to cope. You can’t dictate how they live their lives.” She sat back against the couch and crossed her arms over her chest, the defensive position just daring him to argue.
    “I won’t deny you future visits once this situation resolves itself,” he assured her.
    She nodded slowly. “That’s good. But if I’m going to have any part in this, I need to know I’ll have a say in how things end. That when I stop coming by on an almost daily basis, she won’t think she’s been abandoned again.” Her voice cracked under the strain of her emotions.
    He sensed she was talking about herself as well as Alix. Even so, he could understood her point and managed a nod.
    But deep down, he knew her request wasn’t that simple. What if he wanted to end their arrangement before she felt it was time? Worse, what if he and Alix weren’t ready when Chelsie decided to call it quits? His mother had walked out. So had Deidre. He looked at the woman sitting across from him, her angular jaw set, her fists clenched, and her dark eyes full of emotion. She already affected him on too many levels. How in the hell had he gotten into this mess?
    Alix cried out in her sleep. Griff jumped to his feet, but she’d quieted again. He’d need to check on her in a minute.
    “So we’re good?” Chelsie asked.
    Leaning against the mantel for support, he focused on the ever-present picture of Jared.