Twenty minutes later, Xander parked Alvarez’s truck in front of the two-story house just outside of Hudson Island’s quaint downtown core. He checked his phone, hoping for some sort of update from Esme, but so far nothing.
Quickly getting out of the truck, he approached the front door. It opened before he could knock.
“Hey,” Rebecca said. She stood with her infant strapped to her chest in some sort of wrap contraption and motioned him inside. “I talked to Bean. Any updates on Scarlet?”
“Nothing yet,” he said, closing the door behind him.
“I’m so sorry we can’t keep Daisy longer. It usually wouldn’t be a problem, but we’re heading over to Seattle in a couple hours.”
“No worries.” He peeked into the playroom. Daisy was seated at a miniature table with Rebecca’s son, Rocco, and they were coloring. “Have you said anything to her?” he asked, dropping his voice.
“No, but I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.” Rebecca gave him a reassuring smile and stepped into the playroom. “Daisy, look who’s here to pick you up.”
Xander smiled and waved when Daisy’s bright-blue eyes landed on him. For a second, she simply stared at him, then she lit up.
“Xandy!” Daisy shot to her feet, her little mini chair nearly tipping over, and she raced toward him.
His insides warmed as he crouched low. She launched herself at him, confident that he’d catch her. And he would. Every damn time.
From the moment he’d met the sweet tiny dynamo, the little girl had him wrapped around her pinky finger. She was a quiet and shy itty-bitty thing, but for some reason, she’d immediately felt comfortable with him. Which was crazy because he knew he looked somewhat intimidating. He was six-four, solid, was moreoften scruffy than clean-shaven, and had wild, unruly hair. But the kid had taken one look at his man bun, declared it just like her mama’s, and been his little buddy ever since. Then, as if he wouldn’t already do anything for the munchkin, she’d dubbed him Xandy.
Yeah. As far as he was concerned, the kid could do no wrong.
“Hey there, peanut,” Xander said, rising and settling her onto his hip. “Did you have a good day?”
“Peanut?” She giggled.
“Well, I called you popsicle last week and muffin the week before, so I figured I’d change it up again.” He bopped her on the nose. “Want to go to the playground with me?”
“Yeah!”
“Great. Let’s get out of here then,” he said, turning toward the door.
“But, Xandy, I gots to get Mr. Slothy!” When she wiggled in his arms, he set her down. She raced toward a set of cubbies on the opposite side of the room.
“Before you get Mr. Slothy, please go potty first,” Rebecca called out. “Then after you wash your hands, please get your jacket too.”
Xander chuckled, shaking his head. “Bathroom and jacket. I suppose those things would be helpful. I’ve babysat her before, but only at their house. Never where I drove her around or anything.”
Rebecca nudged him with her elbow. “You’ll be fine. She’s an easy kid. But you know, it wouldn’t hurt to remind her about going to the bathroom every hour or so.”
He frowned, his gaze going to the closed bathroom door by the cubbies. “She’s good to go by herself, right?”
“She is,” Rebecca said with a chuckle. “But if it’s a public bathroom, I’m sure no one will have a problem with you going inwith her and waiting outside the stall. Or you can take her into the men’s bathroom.”
Appalled, his jaw dropped. “Have you been in a men’s bathroom?” He shot a glance at Rocco, still coloring, and dropped his voice to a whisper. “No way in hell am I bringing her into one. They’re disgusting.”
Rebecca laughed. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”
He nodded with confidence he didn’t actually feel.
Daisy emerged from the bathroom, went to the miniature sink, and washed her hands. “We’ll make an afternoon of it. Besides, I’m not above bribery.” He shot Rebecca a grin, wagging his eyebrows. “I’m the fun uncle after all.”
“I’m ready!” Daisy announced from beside him. She had her beloved stuffed Mr. Slothy in one hand and her jacket in her other, dragging on the ground.
Dropping to one knee, he plucked her jacket out of her hand and helped her into it. “Can you say goodbye to Miss Rebecca and Rocco?”
She looked toward the table where Rocco still sat and waved. “Bye, Rocco! Bye, Miss Rebecca!”
