“If you had a girlfriend, would you marry her?”
“If the woman was someone special, then maybe I would.” I’d never get close to anyone for it to get that far. A vision of Alyssaenters my mind. The only woman who I’ve let past my walls. I brush my hand over the top of Lily’s head. “Are you feeling better?”
Lily smiles for the first time since coming home from school. “Yes.”
“If you have any more problems at school, you tell me, okay? Because your friends shouldn’t be teasing you.”
She nods. “Okay.”
I’m sure when she gets older, she’ll have more questions. For now, this is all she needs to know. Hopefully by then, she’ll be more mature and will be able to handle the truth. Although can anyone really handle the fact that their mother didn’t want them?
I give her cheeks a playful squeeze, making her giggle. The sound swells my heart. “Wash up, and I’ll see you in the kitchen for dinner.”
“I hope you’re not making lasagna again, because that didn’t taste good.” She screws up her nose in disgust.
I feign a shocked expression. I’d forgotten to boil the noodle sheets and the dish was crunchy. My culinary skills are lacking. “No, I’m making a big bowl of broccoli just for you!” I tickle her stomach, and she wiggles around, her laughter filling the room. God, I love this girl. Would die for her.
Rachel leaving her with me was hard, but damn if it wasn’t the greatest gift. I couldn’t imagine loving anyone as much as I love Lily. Again, Alyssa’s face flashes in my mind. I must stop thinking about her. Nothing can come of it. It’s a good thing she hates me now. After running out on her, and what I said about where she works, I doubt she’ll ever want to talk to me again—except for when it’s about Lily. I never meant to be such a prick. It’s like I’m mad I’m attracted and I’m taking it out on her.
Attracted to heris an understatement. I’m drawn to her. The air sizzles whenever she’s near. Just the thought of how I kissedher, touched her, causes my dick to twitch behind my jeans. Since the night in her apartment, it’s not the first time I’ve needed a cold shower and a hard-working hand.
Chapter Nine
ALYSSA
Sitting in Harper’s living room, I bury my nose in Avery’s neck and breathe in her precious baby scent. “If we could bottle this smell, we’d make millions,” I say taking a sniff.
“I know!” Harper smiles lovingly at her daughter. She’s curled up on the couch. Dark shadows from lack of sleep are under her eyes. She’s never looked happier. “I just want to eat her.”
I giggle. “Can we do that?” I nibble on Avery’s foot. “Can we eat you?” Avery makes gurgling sounds that make my heart swell.
If I weren’t chasing the Broadway dream, would I want a family? I’m young and still have years ahead of me, but is this something I want? I’ve never given it a thought because I’m so focused on making it. I can’t see myself living this kind of life. Not any time soon.
“A baby suits you,” Harper says like she’s reading my mind.
“I love being an aunt. That’s all. I’m happy to give her back,” I joke. I lift Avery into the bassinet.
“There are days I’d like to give her to someone.” Harper chuckles around a yawn. “Then I look at her squishy face and I melt.”
“Is Finn not stepping up?” I know she’s joking about giving her baby away, but maybe he’s not doing what’s needed of him.
A smile lights up her face. “He’s amazing. He fights me for more time with her.”
“Where is Finn?” It’s not like him to not be hovering over his daughter.
“He’s with Hayden and Lily, picking out ballet stuff.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Ballet stuff?”
“Mirrors and barres. Hayden is turning a guest bedroom in their house into a dance studio for Lily. Apparently, after you told her she has talent, she wants to practice all the time.”
Well…It’s no surprise Hayden would do that for his daughter, he has a sweet side. I witnessed it the night I’d fallen. I also know that underneath that sugary coating is a rotten core. One I won’t take a bite from again.
Like we’ve conjured them up, their voices drift from the front of the house. They’re home. Shit! I wasn’t expecting to see Hayden here. Since Finn and Harper moved in together, I’ve never run into him. It’s just my luck that the last person I want to see is about to stroll into the living room.
Damn my injured ankle. Sprinting for the back door to make a getaway is not an option. I’m lucky to hobble to the edge of the room. I will have to suck it up and try my hardest not to blast his ass. Better yet, I won’t talk to him. Pretend he doesn’t exist.
The trio walks into the room. My gaze zeroes in on Hayden. His eyes widen when he sees me. Obviously, he wasn’t expecting to see me either. Dressed in faded jeans that wrap snuggly around him, and a navy t-shirt that molds his toned body, I’m finding it hard to pretend he doesn’t exist. In fact, his presence fills the room and I want to drink him in.Damn it! Stop it. Youcan do better. And you don’t have time for men. Especially hot and cold ones.
