A Perfect Distraction. Anna Sugden

the custody agreement gives him the right to see her three times a year.” A shiver ran through her. “I knew this would be a problem. I didn’t want to agree, but Samantha said it would work in my favor if I showed I wasn’t trying to keep Emily from him. The courts are very keen for a child to have contact with both parents.” Her throat closed, so her voice was barely a whisper. “I can’t stop him from seeing her.”

      “He’s made no effort to see Emily in nearly a year. I can’t imagine why he’d suddenly feel the need to play daddy dearest.” Tracy passed her a chunk of chocolate. “I’m sure it’s just another stupid mind game. Don’t give him that power over you.”

      Maggie inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. “You’re right. I’m probably worrying over nothing. I’ll wait and see what Samantha has to say tomorrow.”

      “That’s the Maggie we know and love.” Tracy smiled.

      “I’m glad you’re on my side.”

      “Hey, it’s you and me against the world.” Her sister got up to make some tea. “Speaking of which, are we any closer to finding what Bad Boy wants?”

      “I’m hopeful we have a winner.” Maggie explained about the newly listed Victorian and their appointment the following morning. “He seemed pleased.”

      Her heart jolted as she recalled the moment when her eyes had met Jake’s as they’d read the online property sheet. For that instant, the connection between them had felt almost tangible. Seconds later, he’d blanked her—the fire in his eyes extinguished. She should have been relieved, but his obvious desire to get away had left her feeling oddly disappointed.

      Her complicated reaction to Jake made her glad this project was nearly over. If he liked the house, the number of times she’d see him again would be limited. The rest of their business could be conducted by phone or email. And, though the house was in the same town, the chances of them running into each other would be small.

      Her life could return to the simpler plan she’d intended. She’d focus on her daughter and her role at Making Your Move and forget about Bad Boy.

      Maggie’s chest twinged. Must be indigestion. It certainly wasn’t anything to do with the thought of not seeing Jake again.

      She ignored the laughing voice inside her, which disagreed.

      * * *

      “IT’S ALL RIGHT,” Maggie reassured her friend Janice the following morning. “I can make other arrangements for Emily. Your mum needs you. I hope she gets better soon.”

      Unfortunately, finding another babysitter wasn’t as simple as she’d thought, and there was no activity camp. Tracy was meeting the new Swedish player, so Maggie had no choice but to take Emily with her.

      Her stomach twisted nervously. Jake wouldn’t mind. Would he?

      The house visit wouldn’t take long. She’d keep Emily out of his way. Besides, Mimi would be there, too.

      The real-estate agent was on her phone, dealing with a client, when they arrived. Maggie was surprised to see Mimi fighting to keep her cool. Though her lemon pantsuit and elegant hairdo were still immaculate, the older woman’s lips were pinched and her cheeks flushed. How did she manage to sound polite when her client was giving her a horrid time? Maggie would have lost patience long ago.

      Rolling her eyes, Mimi mouthed an apology and waved her inside.

      As Maggie and Emily toured the house, her daughter’s attention was caught by the turret bedroom that reminded her of a princess room. She begged to be allowed to stay there and play with the black cat lounging on the four-poster bed. With strict instructions not to go wandering while Jake was being shown around, Maggie left Emily there and continued to check out the house.

      The gorgeous Victorian more than lived up to its billing. The bright, spacious rooms were filled with charming period features: gleaming parquet floors, carved ceiling roses with brass chandeliers and stunning fireplaces with oak mantels.

      “Not a fishpond in sight.” Mimi laughed, as she joined Maggie in the master bedroom. “Sorry about that call. Some clients can’t stand not being in control of every stage of a negotiation. Hopefully I stopped him from making an ass of himself.”

      “I don’t know how you keep your cool with people yelling at you like that.”

      “Years of experience.”

      While they walked around the house making notes, Mimi regaled her with tales of some of her worst clients. Even as Maggie laughed, she was relieved she wouldn’t have any more client contact once she got Jake sorted out.

      The real-estate agent’s phone rang again as Jake’s SUV pulled up in front of the house.

      Mimi checked the display, raised her eyes heavenward and muttered, “Give me strength.” She gave Maggie an apologetic smile. “I have to take this. I’ll join you shortly.”

      “No problem.” Maggie tried to calm her jittery pulse. “Jake’s looking around outside, so you have time.”

      As Mimi left the room to return her call, Maggie watched as Jake walked down the driveway, taking in the large front yard, complete with requisite trees. Even from up here, she could tell he liked what he saw. She let out a silent sigh of relief.

      “Kitty!” Feet thundered down the stairs.

      “Not outside,” Maggie called out.

      The screen door slammed. Too late. Turning toward the window, she saw Jake stop and face the noise. She tried to move, to go after Emily, but her feet were frozen in place.

      This time, the hitch in her pulse had nothing to do with the appeal of the bad-boy hockey player. It was pure dread of how he’d react to the seven-year-old charging toward him. Interrupting him. Being there without his permission.

      Memories of another time, another place, hammered into her brain. She had to get to Emily. To protect her. She would not let him lay a hand on her daughter.

      Her nails bit into her palms as she forced her body to get past the foreboding that chilled her inside. She broke free of the grip her fear had on her and raced out of the room.

      Please, God, keep my daughter safe!

      CHAPTER FIVE

      THE OLD VICTORIAN was perfect.

      Jake stood on the sidewalk looking at the house. Strong and solid, its elegance was a proud testament to its history and a promise for its future. Not just somewhere to live, but a home.

      The neighborhood was quiet. The big yard was mainly grass, with flower-filled borders and lots of mature trees. Dark green shutters and gingerbread trim offset the white siding and the multipaned windows. Who could resist that wraparound porch? If the inside was half as good as the outside, this would be the perfect base for his new life.

      A shadow in an upstairs window reminded him that Maggie was waiting.

      His heart jumped. Despite his determination not to think about her, she’d been on his mind and in his dreams all night. He may have decided Maggie wouldn’t be a distraction anymore, but his brain and body seemed to have other ideas. It hadn’t helped that his mom had badgered him this morning to invite Maggie to their annual Labor Day barbecue.

      “Kitty! Come back.” A child’s voice cut into his thoughts.

      A little girl barreled down the front steps, a determined expression on her face. A flash of black streaked past him and over the road. The kid followed as fast as her short legs could carry her.

      At the edge of his vision, a silver Lexus turned into the street. He frowned. The driver was on her cell phone.

      The little girl hurried past. Fear shot through him as he realized she hadn’t spotted the car; her attention was fixed on the elusive cat.

      In a move that