She straightened up, rolling her shoulders. “Yes?”
“You don’t have to worry about our professional relationship at all. Nothing’s changed.”
“Oh, Iwasworrying about that.”
“I figured so. We’ll continue as if nothing happened.” And because I was a greedy bastard, I moved closer. I had a few more minutes with this woman, and I didn’t want to waste them. “I promise you that. But when it comes to the personal aspect…”
“Yes?”
“All bets are off.”
“Oh!” She licked her lips.
“I don’t like to make promises I’m not sure I can keep.”
“I appreciate your honesty.” Her playful smile was back.
I walked to the front door, opening it. Damn it, I wanted her to stay, but I knew it wasn’t right.
I was a single dad. I needed to drill that into my thick skull. I didn’t have time for anything else in my life. Correction: I didn’t want tomaketime for anything else. It was just a recipe for disaster.
I looked at her right until she got into the elevator and then closed the door.
Charlotte was still asleep when I checked on her. If she didn’t wake up for another feeding before I went to bed, I’d sleep here on the couch. Transferring her to the crib in the bedroom didn’t work. She always woke up.
Taking out my phone, I snapped a picture of her and sent it to Isabeau.
Beckett: Sleeping like an angel thanks to your tips. Very grateful.
She called me, and I moved a few feet away before answering even though I didn’t think Charlotte minded my talking. She certainly hadn’t earlier.
“Dinner over already?” Isabeau asked.
“Yes. Piper went home.”
“How did it go?”
“Honestly, I’d hire her in a heartbeat. She’s very efficient.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
I knew that, but I wanted to keep her on her toes.
“Whatdidyou mean?” I asked, faking complete innocence.
“Something happened, didn’t it?”
“Isabeau, you’ve never been so nosy… with me.”
“I didn’t want to ask about your previous entanglements because there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to any of it.”
“And you think this is different?”
“I thinkyouare different. Something changed in you the moment you returned home with Charlotte.”
“Of course, Isabeau. My previous lifestyle was not conducive to raising a child. I only want the best for my daughter.”
“See, that’s what I mean. You’re putting her first. That causes a person to change fundamentally. Maybe you’re ready for true love as well.”
