“Because I’ve put your daughter in danger,” Denver said evenly from the bedroom doorway. “Maybe you two as well.”
Noni jumped as all gazes swung toward him. He’d showered all the makeup off, and his dark hair curled wetly around his ears. In a dark T-shirt and faded jeans, he was the epitome of danger. His blue eyes studied them all, softening when his gaze landed on the sleeping baby. “I’ll get you to safety while I take care of the threat.”
At least he didn’t try to ease them into the truth. Noni cleared her throat. She tried to smooth over his rough edges and calm her aunts. “There’s a dangerous faction from Denver’s past that now knows about us.”
“So?” Franny asked just as the baby started to fuss. She raised Talia to her shoulder and patted her lower back, her movements natural and gentle. “What about us?”
“They might use you to get to me,” Denver said, leaning against the doorjamb, his tone gentle. “I want to reassure you I won’t let that happen.”
Verna scoffed. “Listen, dickhead. We don’t need your help.”
Noni grimaced. Apparently her aunts weren’t ready to forgive Denver.
Denver’s lips twitched. “Actually, you do. I’m sorry I hurt Noni when I left. I’ve regretted it every second since.”
Noni straightened. He regretted leaving? Or he regretted hurting her? Those were two very different things. “What are you saying?” Her voice rose.
“Oh, for pete’s sake,” Verna groused, her full lips pursing. “You’ve slept with him again.”
Noni’s mouth dropped open.
Franny turned her way. “You didn’t. I mean, after everything, you did not.” She turned a stink eye on Denver. “You’re cute and all. The muscles are nice. But I just don’t see it.”
Heat flamed into Noni’s face. “Auntie,” she murmured.
Denver blushed.
The man was blushing? Actually blushing? Noni could only stare.
He eyed the door with what looked like longing. Then, drawing himself up, he moved into the room to take a seat on the only remaining chair. “Ladies, I understand you’re angry, and you have every right, but we have to think about Talia and the hearing tomorrow.”
Verna glanced at Franny.
Franny lowered her chin. “All right. Talk.” Her voice had softened, as had her eyes.
Denver detailed the court proceeding, how they all three might need to testify, and explained what documents he’d hand to the judge.
About halfway through his explanation, Franny stood without warning and moved to hand him the baby. “Your turn.”
The panic crossing Denver’s face filled Noni with a glee she probably shouldn’t have felt. Yet she couldn’t help it.
Denver gingerly reached out and cuddled the baby, looking down at her with unease. She looked right back up as if fascinated. “I don’t want to break her.”
“Then don’t,” Franny said simply, returning to her seat on the sofa.
Denver held himself stiffly, the baby watching him. She reached up a chubby hand and slapped his chin. His eyes widened, but he didn’t even twitch. She smacked him again. He laughed, the sound free and quiet, but he didn’t move as if still afraid to jostle her. “She’s got a good right cross.”
Okay. It was absolutely adorable. Noni’s ovaries actually swelled inside her. She cleared her throat and settled back against the cushion. He was trying so hard to be gentle with his huge body and hands. How could anybody not see the sweetness that lived in Denver?
“I guess he’s not that bad,” Franny said grudgingly.
Talia giggled, apparently in agreement.
Quieting his voice, Denver continued playing out what would happen the next day, his body naturally relaxing and starting to rock the baby. When Talia started to fuss, he instinctively stood and rocked her more, not pausing in his explanations. His big hand, so gentle, covered her entire back in absolute protection.
Yep. Noni watched him with the baby, her heart turning to goo. Game over. She wanted that with him. Long-term.
Franny watched her with sharp eyes. “Just so you know, you’re sleeping on the couch tonight, Denver.”
