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Zoe patted Celine’s back. “You seem good with her.”
“She’s my princess.” He heard a burp. “That’s my girl.”
Zoe rocked with the baby in her arms and Alex stared. Celine took to Zoe well, but then again, his little cousin loved seeing new faces. His body temperature increased seeing Zoe this way. The maternal factor only made his insides flutter.
Did Zoe want children of her own? She’d make a wonderful mother. Alex rubbed the back of his neck. This wasn’t his style.
He never thought long term. A serious relationship? Love had torn his family apart. First with his father, Lisa’s husband left her, and not to mention his... he didn’t want to remember. It didn’t change the situation.
“You don’t have to stay, Alex,” Zoe said. “I’ve taken care of babies before. I used to take care of twins.”
His eyes widened. “Twins? I can barely manage one, and that’s not even full time.”
Zoe giggled. “I developed a system.”
“Was the family disappointed when you left?”
She nodded. Her features softened. “It’s hard not to care. I grew to love the kids. Their parents were great too. I’m glad they were supportive of my decision.”
“Why did you leave?” he asked.
Zoe was quiet for a moment. Celine squirmed in her arms and reached for him.
Alex took her in his arms and settled her on his lap. “I didn’t mean to sound nosy.” He did, but he wouldn’t tell her that.
She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll put Celine’s things away in her room.” She rose from the couch and left him alone with the baby. Celine raised her chin to look up at him.
“What do you think, princess? Will she ever like me?” he asked.
Celine gave no expression. She grabbed his hand and gnawed at his fingers.
“Thanks for your help,” he said. Zoe would be a hard one to crack, but there was something about her he couldn’t shake. Alex wouldn’t give up. Not yet.
Chapter 5
Zoe yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Focusing her eyes on the coffee table, she spotted a baby monitor. She regained her bearings. She was still in Lisa’s duplex. What time was it?
Checking her phone, it was almost midnight. Though she didn’t hear any unusual sounds, she checked Celine’s room. The cracked door squeaked as she pushed it further open. Dim light shined from a lamp in the corner. A colorful mobile danced above Celine’s crib and played a soft sleep-time melody. The air had a mix of air freshener and baby powder.
Zoe inched closer only to see the baby on her stomach, her bottom in the air. She smiled. Celine looked so peaceful. Her tiny lips puckered as she slept.
She breathed easier when Alex left for his place. His smoldering looks were too intense. What color were his eyes? They weren’t green but not full blue either. Whatever shade they were, it only made her stare.
So, she insisted he leave, assuring him she could care for Celine on her own. Did he frown? Why would he? She was only doing her job, and he’d only be a... distraction. She wouldn’t make the same mistakes twice.
Zoe heard the front door open and hurried to the hall. She spotted a petite woman in scrubs. Her pixie haircut fit her round face. Zoe cracked Celine’s door and walked to meet her mother.
“You must be Zoe. I’m Lisa.” She extended her hand.
Zoe returned the gesture. “Yes. Nice to meet you.”
“Late shift again. Is she asleep?”
Zoe nodded.
Lisa’s face fell. “I hate being away from her, but I have to make a living.”
“I can only imagine,” Zoe said.
