“You’re very dedicated to your job,” he concluded.
“I love it. Ever since I took my first marketing course, I knew it was all I ever wanted to do.”
Beckett was still finishing his coffee, so he brought his cup with him. As we sat down at the table, Charlotte started to fuss. I thought she might fall asleep again, but she didn’t. In fact, she started to cry.
“I’ll take her.” Beckett immediately rose to his feet and practically yanked her out of my arms. Not with force, I realized—with desperation. He held her protectively against his chest and began bouncing with her, shushing in her ear.
“For someone who’s only been doing this for a short while, you’re a pro.”Ah, crap.He was a potential client. Why wasn’t I behaving in a more professional manner?
He gave me a strange smile. “I’m doing my best.”
“Well, life with babies is learning by doing,” I said quickly. “It’s usually easier when there are two parents.” And there I went putting my foot in my mouth again. Why couldn’t I seem to get my bearings together?
“Yes, I assume it is,” Beckett said in a deadpan voice.
“Sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I didn’t want to make you feel bad or put you on the spot.”Oh. My. God! Shut up, Piper!
He moved Charlotte onto his shoulder, which she seemed to love, as she was instantly calmer. “No problem. I assume this topic will come up every now and then. I’m not even sure how word got out about my little girl.”
“Spoiler alert, but your family is quite well-known in the city.”
Beckett laughed. “Yes, we are.”
Charlotte started to fuss again, and he repositioned her and started bouncing her in his arms once more. I made a huge effort not to check him out as he walked away. Then he suddenly turned around, and I glanced up at him.
“Piper, I’m sorry. Tonight isn’t working out. I don’t think she’ll settle anytime soon.”
I pressed my lips together. “I think you’re right. You should focus on your little girl.”
“I thought I could multitask, but…”
“No worries! You don’t need to explain.” I immediately got to my feet. “We’ll find some time when it works for you.”
I didn’t want to be too pushy. Josh wanted me to sign this account, but Beckett had far more important things going on right now.
“Let’s meet up tomorrow at the Lucky Bar in the French Quarter,” he suggested. “My parents want to spend some time with Charlotte, and that should work out perfectly. But… in case Little Miss Princess here doesn’t want to let me go, I’ll message you.”
“Sure. Why the bar, though?”
“I’m meeting my brothers there, but we’ll get the pitch out of the way first.”
Yep, the pitch. That’s it. That’s why you’re meeting him at the bar. The guy isn’t trying to ask you out.
“Does that work for you?” he asked when I didn’t respond.
I nodded. “Yes, sure. I don’t have any plans in the evening.”
“Perfect. I’ll walk you to the door.”
“No need. You quite literally have your hands full.”
He flashed me yet another smile. I couldn’t get enough of them. “I’m going to make her a bottle. See you tomorrow, Piper.”
I sighed as I walked away.
“And Piper?”
I quickly turned around to see Beckett and Charlotte, and oh what a picture!
