Page 115 of Playing the Game

“Not me,” Ewen said. “I can hold her. That’s about it. Anyway, what do you need a babysitter for? We’re off today.”

Goran placed his son on the island and joined Ewen. He chucked Olive under the chin and was rewarded with a smile.

“Nice,” Ewen said. “She only stared at me.”

“She’s probably never seen anything so ugly. So you’ve been busted?”

Adam nodded. “I trust him.”

“Well?” Ewen asked. “Where are you off to? If it’s golf, I’m coming with you.”

Adam caught Goran’s eye.

In for a penny, in for a pound, I suppose.

“I’ve got something else to tell you. If I do, you have to listen and not speak until I say. Promise?”

“You’re scaring me but I promise.”

Adam proceeded to tell Ewen everything that had happened with Jonas. Halfway through he had to insist that Ewen hand Olive over to Goran. He looked as if he might drop her at any moment as his eyes widened.

“Fucking hell, Skipper,” he said when Adam had finished.

“Have I shocked you?”

“Kind of,” Ewen replied. “Anyone with a brain can see there’s something between you and Jonas. Ever since he got a hundred grand out of you. Most of the lads think it’s Jonas fancying you and not the other way around. Does Jen know?”

Adam nodded. “She’s always known I’m bi. And yes, I’ve told her about Jonas. Not that there’s a great deal to tell at the moment.”

“Does he know about Olive?”

“Nope and it’s got to stay that way. For a little while longer.”

Ewen frowned. “Don’t you trust him?”

“I do. As for that loudmouth he lives near, not so much.”

“I agree with that,” Ewen replied. “You think Jonas would blab?”

Adam wanted to fully believe that Jonas wouldn’t and about ninety-five percent of him did. The five percent of doubt made him stay quiet.

“We’re on and off more than a red light in Amsterdam,” Adam explained. “He’ll run a mile if I say my ex turned up with my illegitimate child.”

Ewen frowned. “Jonas doesn’t seem the type to react like that.”

“Oh he has a temper. Believe me. What if he freaks out and needs someone to talk to?” Adam asked. “I can’t risk him knocking on bloody Tito’s door. If Jen doesn’t feel safe here, she’ll go permanently.”

“Keeping him in the dark isn’t fair either,” Goran said. “He’s cut up about it all, you know.”

“I know. I just need to talk to him. Try and stall him until Jen gets back. Once I know she’s stable, he’ll know everything.”

Ewen took Olive from Goran. This time he handled her with much more confidence.

“No time like the present. We can take care of this one. Goran’s on nappy duties and I’ll…well I’m entertainment.”

Adam chuckled. “Thank you. The both of you.”

Adam waited for Jonas in a car park near to his apartments. He didn’t want to risk going there and bumping into Noah or Tito.