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Her brother focused his eyes on her. “I’m not blind, sis. The man’s interested. He’s not a bad guy, but he’s not what he appears to be.”
“There’s nothing going on with us.” Why was she defending herself? She and Alex talked occasionally, but that was it. She didn’t... like him. Jackson didn’t have to tell her he was no good for her. Zoe knew. Why did he think she was that naïve?
“I know men, sis. As soon as he sees a way in, he’ll go for it.”
“That doesn’t mean I’ll accept.”
“I know.” He reached for her hands. “I love you, okay? You’re doing well now and I don’t want you to backtrack. Would you rather hear this from me or Mom?”
Zoe sighed. Jackson had been her confidant for years. He always defended her when it came to their parents. Her chest tightened the night of the accident. Her brother had hung his head low with disappointment in her. She couldn’t do that to him again. Not when he was in her corner cheering her on.
“Nothing’s happening between us.” Tenseness increased in her muscles. She could keep her promise to Jackson.
He kissed her forehead. “I’m only thinking of you.”
She gave a slight smile. Once he left, she grabbed her phone and purse and headed to Lisa’s home. She only listened to the engine hum as she drove. She didn’t want the radio playing. Next thing Zoe knew, she pulled into Lisa’s driveway. Her phone buzzed with a text.
6:15 P.M. Lisa: Alex stopped by so I left Celine w/ him. Thanks again!
Zoe rested her head against her headrest. He was here. Great. Just great. She rolled her shoulders back, cut the engine, and slid out of the driver’s seat. This was her job. He wouldn’t distract her.
Her heartbeat quickened. So what she liked him. She knew the outcome. Jackson thought he wasn’t good for her. Zoe went further. She wasn’t good for him. Her track record proved her mistakes. Even if Alex had good intentions, she would only leave him broken. Just like Jayden.
Using her key, she opened the door. She paused, seeing Alex with Celine on the couch. The baby gurgled and giggled as he bounced her on his knee.
“Hey.” His eyes beamed once he saw Zoe.
She forced a smile and closed the door behind her. “Looks like you two are having fun.”
He then put Celine down on her play mat. The baby reached for her brown Teddy bear, grabbing at the ears.
“Lisa was in a hurry, so I told her I would keep an eye on Celine until you got here.”
Zoe set her purse to the side. “Thanks for your help.”
“I don’t mind.” Did his eyes soften?
“You don’t have to. It’s my job.”
He blinked, as if taken aback by her words. “Okay. Are you hungry? I think Lisa has some—”
“I’ve eaten already. I’ll find something or order takeout later,” she said.
Alex nodded. His eyebrows furrowed. “Okay.”
Zoe cleared her throat. “If there’s nothing else, you can go. I’ll be fine with Celine.”
His lips parted, and he lowered his eyes to the floor for a moment. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”
Zoe moved to the kitchen. “I’m sure it can wait.”
Alex followed her. “No, I wanted to talk to you before I leave.”
Zoe opened the refrigerator for a bottle of water. Heat spread over her back. Alex was close. She swallowed.
He whispered her name. “Zoe.”
“Don’t,” she said.
