Axel’s arms brush against mine when he lifts Luca, and the contact sends something electric through my skin. I step back too quickly. I hate the ache in my chest when Luca is missing.
“Don’t drop him.”
“I won’t drop my son.”
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks.”
“I bet.” Axel holds Luca awkwardly.
“And, uh, be careful with him…”
Axel readjusts his grasp. His expression shifts to something close to panic. “Did I hurt him?” He looks down at Luca. “Was that awkward, Luca? Daddy’s not an expert.”
Something tightens in my stomach. “You’re doing fine.”
Axel’s gaze is focused on Luca, and his face goes soft.
I jerk my gaze away. I can’t process this version of Axel.
That’s another socially unacceptable thing I wish I could do: Axel’s face is definitely stare-worthy, though it’s probably Axel’s expression of wonder that is captivating Luca.
Or maybe it’s a primal recognition that Axel is his father. Some sort of blood bond. The difference between father and uncle written into cells.
“Who’s my big boy?” Axel says. “Hi Luca!”
Luca is silent.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Axel says. “Welcome to the East Coast. I, uh, guess you had quite a long trip.”
Luca remains silent.
“And, uh, I hope you had a nice trip coming to New York.” He glances at me. “That’s why your uncle was late.”
“The person flying with him was late to show up,” I admit.
“Ah,” Axel says absentmindedly, his gaze still focused on Luca. “You like flying, Luca?”
My throat tightens. Luca doesn’t speak. He doesn’t want to be pressured to speak. I’ve seen him with enough nannies to know that.
Luca screams, and Axel’s shoulders slump. He turns to me, and I hold out my arms.
“Sorry. I-I don’t know anything about kids.” Axel’s cheeks are red.
I bounce Luca’s writhing, clinging body in my arms.
“What do you need?” Axel asks.
“Everything is taken care of.”
Axel nods. He knows Gaby was my only family, and I’m glad he doesn’t ask me about aunts and uncles who don’t exist.
“I’m sorry, Enz.” His expression is so tender that my heart lurches.
“I-I should go.” I hurry toward the door, blinking rapidly.
“Wait! Enzo!”
I leave his room.
