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‘They have impressive references.’
‘From whom?’ Millie put the empty bottle down. ‘Not the babies they looked after, I’m sure.’
His eyes narrowed. ‘Delivering smart remarks seems to have become a new hobby of yours.’
Realising that for once she hadn’t felt too intimidated to say what she thought, Millie gave a little smile. ‘It wasn’t a smart remark. It was the truth. I’m simply pointing out that what pleases a mother or an agency might not please a baby. This nursery is immaculate—everything in order—but they obviously haven’t done anything to build a relationship with Costas.’ She curved her nephew closer, lowering her voice. ‘He was very upset. But he’s settled down now. I think he was hungry.’
‘The nannies weren’t capable of giving him a bottle?’
‘He wouldn’t take it from them.’
‘He seems to be taking it from you.’
‘Perhaps he knows I’m on his side.’
‘Perhaps.’ He gave her a curious look, watching her with the baby, and she looked at him questioningly.
‘Why are you staring? Do you want to hold him or something?’
‘Not at the moment.’
‘Of course. Sorry.’ Millie flushed. ‘I’m sure your suit cost a fortune. Baby sick on designer menswear isn’t a good look.’
Leandro strolled over to her. ‘I have more important things to worry about than the state of my suit. I do, however, care about disturbing an otherwise contented baby when I want a conversation. He’s clearly comfortable with you at the moment and I’m wise enough to leave him where he is. If I take him, he’ll protest, and neither of us will be able to talk.’
As if to signify his agreement, Costas nestled close to her, practised his smile again and then hi
s eyes drifted shut. Millie felt a warm feeling pass through her and a fierce stab of protectiveness.
‘There’s nothing to talk about. You’re not the right man to look after a baby. You spent the first thirty-two years of your life avoiding babies. He needs someone who is going to forget the questions about his parentage and just love him.’
‘And that’s you?’ Leandro studied her for a moment, incredulity lighting his dark eyes. ‘Unless I’m misreading your extraordinarily expressive face, you still believe this baby to be the child of your husband and his lover.’
‘That isn’t relevant.’
‘Most people would consider it relevant, Millie.’ With a sardonic lift of his eyebrow, he studied her and then shrugged. ‘Make whatever decisions you like about hiring and firing,’ he said smoothly. ‘Appoint whoever you want, but I do want him to have a nanny. You can care for him if you’re willing to do that, but not at the expense of our relationship.’
Millie licked her lips. ‘We still have to talk about that part.’
‘Then talk. You had plenty to say for yourself a moment ago so don’t expect me to believe you’re suddenly short of opinions.’ Leandro glanced at the Rolex on his wrist. ‘Are you staying or going?’
It was her turn to look incredulous. ‘How can you be so emotionally detached about the whole thing? This is our marriage you’re talking about, not a corporate takeover. But I get the feeling I’m just another task on your ridiculously long “action” list! “Find out if Millie is staying or going.”’ She mimicked his voice. “‘Tick that box.’ ”
He gave a faint smile. ‘You’ve changed.’
‘Well, I’m sorry, but—’
‘Don’t apologise,’ he drawled. ‘I like it. If you’re going to speak your mind, I might have a chance of knowing what’s going on inside it. Why didn’t you ever do this before?’ ‘Because you’re scary.’
Leandro sucked in a breath and looked at her in genuine amazement. ‘Scary? What do you mean, scary? I have never threatened you in any way.’
‘It’s not what you say or what you do, it’s just who you are—’ She broke off. ‘I don’t know. It isn’t easy to describe. But next time you’re being really scary I’ll point it out.’
‘Thank you.’ The irony in his tone wasn’t lost on her and she looked up at him, wishing he wasn’t so insanely goodlooking. Every time she looked at him she lost the thread of the conversation. It made it worse that she knew exactly what was underneath that sleek designer suit.
‘All right. Let’s get this over with. You want to know my decision, but it isn’t that easy.’ She glanced down at Costas, now sleeping quietly in her arms. ‘I need some time to think about it.’
He leaned against the wall, tall handsome and breathtakingly confident. ‘I’ve given you time.’
