“Yeah, I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with Tali during the season so I like to soak it up while I can.”Jamie nods his head.
“We assumed you didn’t really want to spend time with us.”Smithy shrugs.
“You know, we’ll be a support system to you if you let us.We’d come over here and hang out or do stuff at our own houses.You know Wyatt and Cord aren’t going out as much since they have little ones on the way.Man, they’d probably love to be able to chill at someone’s house and have everyone together still.”
“I didn’t want to take away your fun.”Jamie shrugs his shoulder.
“The starting lineup is quickly moving into the phase of marriage and kids.You’re not the outcast, Schmidt.Others have families too.Let us be there for you.Let us get to know your little girl.”Smithy smiles sadly.
That man has the biggest heart and I'm sure it’s hurting him to a certain extent to know Schmidt’s been hiding this from him.From what I know, the two of them are fairly close.
“I'm sorry, Smithy.I just… I couldn’t do it.Winnie made me see how ridiculous I was being.”Jamie smiles over at me.
“Yeah, she has a way of doing that.My girl is the most amazing woman in the world,” Wheeler says with a bit of a warning in his voice.
I narrow my eyes on him, but I don’t say a word.I don’t want to argue with him in front of Tali, but we will be having words.
“I’d like you all to officially meet my daughter, Tali.”
Everyone says hello to Tali and she smiles at each one of them.When Tali reaches for me a few minutes later, I'm stunned for half a second before I happily sweep her into my arms and rest her on my hip like this is a normal day for me.
“How about we get everything unloaded, then I can order something for dinner?”Jamie rubs his hands together like he’s excited to get me moved in.
“That sounds great, thanks, Jamie.”I place my hand on his forearm before motioning to Liliana to follow me into the house.
“That’s why you wouldn’t tell me who you were working for,” Liliana says softly as she moves down the hallway with me.
“She wasn’t my secret to spill.”
“You’re a good person, Winnie.Schmidt’s lucky to have you.So is Tali.I know you’ll be good for them.He needs someone to pull him out of the darkness and I think you’re the perfect woman for the job.”
“I'm not dating him, Lils.”
“I didn’t say you were.”She grins.
“No, but I can see it in your eyes.You’re already scheming.This isn't Smithy.Jamie and I don’t have years of history together.He’s my boss and friend, nothing more.”
“Whatever you say, Winnie.”
Chapter 9
Schmidt
“Ican'tbelievemygirl will be living right down the street from me.”Wheeler smiles to himself.
Though his features appear relaxed and calm, I don’t miss the way he’s gripping the boxes a little tighter than necessary.
This is the second time he’s referred to Winnie as his girl in the last few minutes.I don’t know what game he’s trying to play, but I don’t want any part of it.I haven’t done anything to make Wheeler think more is going on between Winnie and me.
Winnie’s my nanny and nothing more.I know that and Winnie knows that, maybe I should make it clear to Wheeler too.
I open my mouth to put him in his place, but Smithy shakes his head.He knows Wheeler better than I do and I know he’ll explain later.I nod and grab another box to carry inside.I want to know what Smithy’s thinking though.
Leading the way, I show the guys where Winnie’s room is.We drop the boxes in the living room of her quarters and then Smithy and I head back out to the truck while Wheeler moves further into Winnie’s space.
“What’s going on with him?”I glance over at Smithy as soon as we’re far enough for Wheeler to not hear us.
“He’s been in love with Winnie since we were in college,” Smithy sighs.“He wants to date her, but she’s constantly turning him down.They have an odd relationship.”
