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He was nothing like she thought. His egotistical and self-absorbed personality was just an act. After tonight she was sure of that. She wanted to get to know Adler better and find out all there was to know about him. He’d pushed his way into her heart, and there was nothing she could do.
Her phone’s video call ring sounded. It was eight o’clock. Who could be calling?
She reached for her phone, and warmth flooded her. It was Adler. She took a deep breath and answered.
His handsome features filled her screen, and his smile lit up her world. “Hey, beauty.”
She willed tears to stay away. “Hey.”
“Is the little one there? Can you put her on the phone, or is she sleeping?”
Leila laughed. She couldn’t help it. Tears filled her eyes. He wanted to see Skylar. After meeting her once, with no reason to be attached to her at all, he asked to see her. She turned the phone toward Skylar and wiped away the tears that fell.
“There she is. Hey, little beauty.”
Skylar let out a high-pitched squeal and hit the phone with the koala.
“She seems to like that koala.” Adler released a deep laugh that made Leila relax.
“Yep. She’s had it with her all day and cuddled it last night.”
“She’s lucky. I wish I had something to cuddle.”
Leila’s breath hitched, and their gazes held each other through the phone. “I wish I did too.” Her voice came out thick with emotion as a lone tear fell down her cheek.Shoot. She brushed it away quickly.
“What’s wrong?” Adler’s brow creased.
Leila shook her head. She didn’t mean to cry. Damn tears. “Nothing. It’s just been . . .” She sighed back more tears that welled in her eyes.
“What? Leila, do I need to come there?”
He would drive the twenty-minute drive for her, to what? She shook her head.
“Leila, don’t do this. You’re upset. Something happened. Don’t lock me out. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
She took some deep breaths to calm herself and sat Skylar on the floor with some toys. “Everything’s fine, I promise. Nothing’s wrong at all.” She took in a deep shaky breath. “If you really want to know, I’m just overwhelmed by how lucky we are.” She shrugged it off. “I gotta go. Skylar needs to be changed and fed. It’s almost her bedtime. Good night, Adler.” She blew a kiss into the phone and hung up.
Leila picked up Skylar and got comfortable on the couch as she prepared to nurse.
There was a knock on the upstairs door, and Diane came downstairs. “Do you mind if I join you?”
Diane was so sweet. Of course Leila didn’t mind. She waved her down.
“I don’t mean to pry, but who were you on the phone with?” Diane held up her hands. “You know what, don’t answer that. It’s none of my business.”
Leila chuckled. “It’s not a big deal. It was Adler. You met him at the carnival.”
“Adler, which one was he?”
“He wore faded jeans and a faded red T-shirt. Dark hair.”
“Really handsome?” Diane added.
“Oh, my, gosh.” Leila’s mouth dropped as her face lit up and a blush crept up her neck. “Diane. He’s a little young for you. Don’t you think?”
“Of course, I’ve got your dad. But he’s about perfect for you, isn’t he? And from what you say, Skylar’s already approved.”
Leila changed the subject and filled Diane in on the pregnancy center’s fundraiser. The last thing she wanted to talk about was her feelings for Adler. She couldn’t put them into words anyway, so she took up some time with all the details of the silent auction and the live auction.
