Her nephew used to Love cantaloupe too.
Even the way he ate it, the way he handled the fork, reminded her so much of Barlow.
The thought threatened to overwhelm her.
She quickly composed herself.
With a forced smile, she encouraged Carlow to enjoy the fruit before turning and heading back to the kitchen to busy herself.
Karina hung up the phone with Jack and rejoined Carlow on the sofa.
âHere, have some fruit,â he offered, extending a fork with a slice of pear.
âThanks.
â Karina casually took a bite.
As she swallowed, a thought struck her.
Was this man being a little too forward?
âYou seem to have your hands full,â Carlow began.
âDo you have to handle everything for your artists, all the time?â He waited for her answer before offering another piece of cantaloupe.
âI can manage,â Karina said, declining politely.
âYou can keep the cantaloupe.
â
Carlow raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes.
He placed the fruit back on the plate.
âBeing an agent is a lot of responsibility, like being a mother,â
Karina explained.
âWe take care of everything for our artists.
â
Carlow nodded in understanding.
âSo, do you think that attracts men with mommy issues?â
Karina almost choked on her fruit.
Carlow, with a teasing smirk, offered her a tissue.
Karina snatched it, her expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance.
âWhat exactly are you implying?â
Carlow chuckled, a hint of curiosity lingering in his eyes.
He dropped the topic and asked, âAre you Haleighâs niece?â
Karina tossed the used tissue into the bin.
âNo,â she replied curtly.
âThen what is your relationship with her?â
âHaleigh is my boyfriendâs aunt,â Karina explained.
âShe is like an aunt to me.
â
Carlowâs gaze intensified.
âSo, youâre looking after Haleigh in his memory?â
âYes,â Karina confirmed without hesitation.
A flicker of respect lit up Carlowâs eyes.
âWell, kind and beautiful women like you are hard to come by these days.
â