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“Knock, knock.” Her father walked down the steps.
So much for her usual quiet solitude.
“Sorry to interrupt, but there’s someone here who says he’s a friend.” Tom walked down the rest of the steps as Leila adjusted Skylar over her shoulder and fixed her shirt.
She froze. Adler was there. Her heart leapt. “Adler. What are you doing here?”
“You looked upset.” He sat next to her. “I know you said you were fine. But . . .I was worried. I hope you don’t mind.”
He left her speechless. She shook her head.
He winked, then smiled at Skylar. “Hey, Sky.”
Skylar gave him her wide toothless smile, and he took her from Leila and bounced her on his knee.
“You two have fun.” Diane smiled and pulled Tom up the steps.
He was here, on the floor now with her daughter. She watched as he stacked the blocks and had the koala knock them down. Skylar waved her arms and bounced in response.
Liela laughed. It felt good to laugh. It took a huge weight off her shoulders. “She really seems to like you.”
“I don’t know. She seems to like everyone.” Adler built the blocks up again and made the koala knock them down.
“Maybe.” Her voice was soft.
Adler glanced up and caught her eye just as a small tear escaped, again.Seriously Leila?He jumped up from the floor and wrapped his arms around her.
“See. I knew something was wrong.” His voice sounded irritated, and he pushed her back. “Talk to me.”
Just at that time, Skylar started crying.
“She’s getting tired.” Leila picked her up and walked her to the bedroom. Adler followed. Leila changed Skylar’s diaper and got her ready for bed before laying her gently in her crib with the koala. She watched her for a little bit as her sweet girl settled in for the night.
She gestured for them to leave and watched as Adler stood over Skylar’s crib and a small smile filled his face.
“Goodnight, little beauty,” he whispered, so low Leila almost didn’t hear it. She watched as he kissed his hand and placed it on Skylar’s head. Skylar’s eyes followed Adler as she chewed on the koala.
A lump formed in Leila’s stomach. As soon as the door was closed, tears silently fell. Adler saw and placed his hands on her arm. The heat from his touch calmed her. She was so glad he was here. She melted into his gaze, her eyes shining.
“Tell me what’s wrong, and don’t say nothing. I can tell there’s something. You left me happy at five thirty, now it’s nine o’clock and you’re in tears.” This time when he held her arm, he didn’t let go.
Leila shook her head. “Trust me, nothing’s wrong. Everything’s just about perfect. Us living here with my dad and Diane, and you.” Her gaze met his. “I don’t understand how you could possibly want to be a part of us when you could have anyone you want, yet you want me and someone else’s kid? That doesn’t make sense.”
Adler brushed the tears from her cheek with his thumbs. "Leila…"
She held up her hand to stop him. She needed to say it all while it was top of mind. “You’ve totally surprised me, and you’re so great with Skylar. When we danced at the wedding, I never thought this would be a thing. I never thought you’d be here.” She rested her hands on his chest, and warmth radiated into her hand and throughout her body.
He closed his hands over hers. “I’m here because I have to be. Something inside me came alive when I saw you at the wedding. I can’t explain it, and yes, I’m surprised that Skylar didn’t scare me off, but she’s just as amazing as you are.”
His eyes searched hers. She could feel them embedding into her heart.
“I’m here because I want to be, and I need to get to know you better. I care about you, Leila.”
Her heart soared. She gripped his shirt and pulled him closer. They held each other’s gaze, millimeters from their lips touching. Her breath picked up, and her hand caressed his face.
“I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for coming over,” she whispered. She could feel his warm breath on her face.
His eyes searched hers, and he combed his fingers through a strand of her hair. “I’m glad you want me here.”
