Still, there were benefits. Her childhood had made her fiercely independent, and that was a good thing. Her parents left her to make all her own decisions, from what she wore to how she spent her time. She had no problems being alone because part of her had felt alone all her life. She’d learned to rely on no one but herself. The only person she’d allowed herself to be close to was Christy. The only person who really knew her and cared about her was Christy.

She ignored the little voice in her head reminding her that Zac knew her well, too.

That had been an accident. The result of a moment of weakness. It was her bad luck that he’d been the one to witness it.

“Christy mentioned that you’re head of marketing for a big toy company.” Robyn’s voice brought her back to the present.

“Aunty Alix has the best job.” Holly tried to stand up on the seat, and Zac grabbed the back of her coat and anchored her in place. His fingers brushed against Alix’s, and she moved her hand abruptly.

“Yes. Lucky me. I managed to turn play into my job.” She shouldn’t have snatched her hand away. She should have exchanged an amused glance with him, not behaved as if his touch had scalded her. “Sit still, Holly. You don’t want to fall out.” At least Holly hadn’t mentioned the kiss. Presumably that meant it was already forgotten.

“When I grow up I’m going to be like you.” Holly wriggled against Zac’s restraining grip. “Aunty Alix knows everything about toys. And she brings me lots.”

Robyn laughed. “Sounds as if you’re lucky, too.”

“I am. And she gives the best cuddles.” As if to prove it, Holly plastered herself against Alix. “I’m going to be her bridesmaid.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful. Congratulations! I didn’t realize.” Robyn glanced from Alix to Zac. “When are you getting married?”

Oh this was ridiculous!

Alix waited for Zac to respond, but he was convulsing with silent laughter, apparently unable to speak. He raised his hand—the one that wasn’t clamped on Holly’s coat—indicating that he needed a moment, and Alix glared at him.

Why didn’t he correct them? Why wasn’t he bothered?

Her exasperation was an ointment, healing the vulnerability she’d felt after his kiss. Any warm feelings she might have had after their conversation the night before vanished.

“We’re not getting married,” she said. “Holly desperately wants to be a bridesmaid and is currently looking for likely candidates.”

“But you were kissing.” Holly always loved to be helpful. “For a long time.”

Was there to be no respite from this?

“Well, we weren’t exactly—”

“You were like this.” Holly pursed her lips and made kissing noises. “And I had to say your name two times because you couldn’t hear me through the kissing.”

So much for hoping Holly would forget. She seemed to have absorbed every detail.

Robyn was probably wondering exactly what level of childcare Alix was providing in her friend’s absence. Would she have heard a fire alarm through the kissing? Breaking glass? An intruder?