Then he felt his temper flare.
This woman was not going to turn her considerable charm on his children then walk out of their lives without a second thought.
He started to move around the kitchen counter saying, “Isabella, I’ll show you to your room.”
“I’ll go too!” Sally announced, grasping Isabella’s hand.
“No, baby, you go put your books in your room,” Prentice ordered.
“Daddy,” Sally whined.
“Now, Sally. I need a word with Isabella.”
Sally sighed with aggrieved exaggeration and then stomped to the stairs.
Prentice headed to the back hall that led to the backstairs that led to the guest suite that was removed from the family areas. It was a suite he’d designed because Fiona said guests needed privacy and when she’d been alive, with her many friends and huge family, it had been occupied frequently.
Since her funeral, it had never been occupied.
Isabella followed.
When she walked into the room, she looked around and Prentice closed the door.
Then she turned to Prentice.
“You have a beautiful home,” she said softly.
Prentice ignored the compliment.
“There are sheets in the wardrobe in the bedroom. Towels in the cupboard in the bathroom. This room,” he indicated the small but welcoming and cozy (Fiona had made it the latter two) sitting room, “has its own phone line, broadband and television so you can have privacy.”
“Thank you.”
Prentice decided it was best if he made his wishes very clear and he didn’t delay.
“I expect you to be in here as often as possible when you’re in my house.”
He could swear he saw her body lock.
“Sorry?” she asked, again with that odd, soft voice.
“I think you heard me,” he replied.
“Prentice –” she started but stopped when he shook his head.
“I’m sure you’re aware that my children lost their mother a year ago. Sally’s obviously looking for anyone to fill that feminine gap and it isn’t going to be you.”
Her face didn’t lose any of its composure as her eyes stayed unwavering on his.
“Prentice –” she started again but he kept talking.
“This is a holiday for you but it’s their life.”
“I wouldn’t do –”
Prentice cut her off and his tone was biting. “Wouldn’t you?”
She looked to the floor immediately and stated, “I deserved that.”