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Felicity’s immediate instinct was to offer a hand. But she quashed the impulse. Wynn was a grown man. If he started to drown, he could beg for help. That image was gratifying.
Fifteen minutes later, Ayla sat on a quilt on the floor playing with blocks. Wynn and Felicity had taken seats opposite each other.
He folded his arms across his chest. “Well,” he said, “what do you want to know?”
Was he deliberately being obtuse? She tamped down her temper. “Babies do well with schedules. I have your sister’s binder. But you’ve indicated that you want to bond with Ayla whenever you’re home. Is that going to be a set time? What are you thinking?”
Wynn leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. For the first time that evening, his mask fell, and she saw the depth of his sadness and uncertainty. “I’d like to give her breakfast. I’m always up early. Then I’ll do my damnedest to be home by five, although honestly, that’s a long shot. My hope is to have dinner with her and be the one to put her to bed.”
“I see.” She shrugged. “That makes sense.” And what about after the baby’s bedtime?”
Perhaps Wynn was more in tune with Felicity’s mental state than she realized. He stared at her. “After she’s in bed, I’ll be out most evenings until late.”
“Work stuff?”
“Sometimes. But mostly social.”
The verbal slap in the face was delivered with a steady uninflected tone. But he watched her carefully. Was he expecting her to react?
Felicity swallowed the knot of hurt in her throat. “I understand. That’s helpful.” She paused. “You mentioned time off. I assume that will be weekends?”
For a split second he was taken aback. She saw it in his eyes. Maybe he didn’t like Felicity reminding him this was a business arrangement. He cleared his throat. “Ah...yes. Sundays for sure. And Saturdays after lunch.”
“Not all day Saturday?” She frowned.
Wynn sat back, his gaze flat. “Sometimes I won’t be home until Saturday morning.”
Felicity was ready to get up and walk out. He was intentionally being hurtful and petty. Friday night didn’t mean a business trip. Wynn wanted her to know he planned occasionally to sleep over at a lady friend’s place. Or maybe there were multiple lady friends.
Her hands trembled, but she wrapped her arms around her waist so he wouldn’t see. “I can work with that,” she said. “So, all day Sunday. Half a day Saturday. And I assume my other half day can be negotiable...and will include a night away from time to time?”
Dark brows shot up. “Where would you go?”
His glare didn’t intimidate her. “I’ve been a flight attendant for over a decade, Wynn. I have several friends in New York. I know the city well.”
“I see.”
It was clear her answer didn’t please him. That was too stinkin’ bad. “I think we’ve ironed out the details. Bring me the contract and I’ll sign it.”
“Um...” His cheeks reddened.
“What?”
“I don’t have a contract ready yet. I didn’t think it really mattered to you. Besides, we haven’t discussed your salary.”
She rolled her eyes. “If you’re so chummy with my boss, I’m sure you have a good idea what I make. I trust you to be fair.” She exhaled. “I’ll spend time this evening making a list of all we’ll need for Ayla. Should I email it to you, so you can sign off on it?”
“Not necessary.”
“I’ve never taken a baby in a taxi before. How does that work?”
“You don’t need to worry about taxis. There’s a Mercedes sedan downstairs in the parking garage for your use—car seat already installed. Martin, at the concierge desk, has the keys whenever you need them. And if you’re not comfortable getting around in the city, just call my driver.”
“But what if you need him?”
Wynn smiled faintly. “Ayla’s needs come first. I’m told it will be that way until she finishes college.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
