“She wasn’t too bad, only a little fussy.” Rae gave him a tired smile. “So don’t you go feeling guilty about me being here with the kids. You know very well the Littles keep each other occupied.”
That did make Dylan feel a little better, but it didn’t relieve the ache he carried all the time now for something he couldn’t have.
“Would you like something to eat?” she asked, turning toward the kitchen.
“I just took someone to dinner, remember?” Dylan said. “I’m full.”
“Would you like some cookies?” She reached over to brush a strand of the baby’s hair aside and then surprisingly ran her knuckles down his cheek.
He glanced up, a rush of hope washing through him. It died at the flash of surprise and dismay that crossed her face. Her cheeks flushing, Rae turned and hurried into the kitchen, not waiting for him to say anything.
Dylan leaned back, Beth’s little face resting against his chest, and wondered if the look on Rae’s face meant what he’d hoped. Too often, since they’d shared that sleepy kiss, he’d caught himself wondering if he’d dreamed it. Or worse, maybe she’d been thinking it was Mike she’d kissed.
But Rae had been fully awake when she’d caressed his cheek—and it hadabsolutelybeen a caress. He heaved out a breath; he had to get a grip. It’d been a tough week, and he was tired. If he weren’t careful, he’d say too much. And hewantedto say too much, to get this over with.
Rae returned with a glass of milk and a few cookies on a plate.
“Whenever you do this for me,” he said, “I know what it must feel like to be Santa.”
She rolled her eyes and set the food on the table near his hand. He hoped she’d sit by him on the couch, but she took a chair instead.
“How did it go tonight?” Rae asked. “Is she girlfriend material?”
“You know I’m not in this for a girlfriend, any more than you’re looking for a boyfriend,” Dylan said with a flat look.
“I know.” She glanced everywhere but at him. What was with her tonight? “The community ed catalog came, and I was looking through some of the class offerings. A few of them look interesting.”
“Like what?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about taking up cake decorating again.” Rae shot him a sidelong glance. “Do you have your schedule yet for the fall?”
“Yeah. It’s the same as the spring, Monday and Wednesday nights.
“That’s perfect then. The advanced cake decorating class is on Thursday nights.” Rae rubbed her hands together like she was nervous. “It only runs for six weeks, so it shouldn’t be too big a deal for you to watch the children. I hope.” She looked at him then.
“What if we have Amelia watch all the kids?” he asked. “I’ve always thought it’d be fun to decorate cakes.”
“You?”
“Don’t look so surprised.” Dylan scowled. “You know I like to bake. I’ve done it enough for you.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you.” Rae rubbed her hands together again.
“You didn’t offend me.” What was bothering her? She’d seemed on edge the last couple of weeks, but when he’d asked her about it, she’d told him it was nothing.
Rae clasped her hands tightly. “I’ve never heard you mention interest in anything like that before.”
The feeling that something had to change struck Dylan again. His pulse quickened, and he knew he was done holding back, done pretending he wasn’t in love with this woman. She was already the center of his life, but he needed her to want him to be the center of hers too. It was time.
“It’d be fun because I’d be spending the time with you.” He gently moved Beth to the couch, and he stood. “I want to spend time withjustyou.”
“Stop right there.” Alarm flashed across Rae’s face, and she jumped to her feet. “Don’t say anything more, Dylan.”
“Ihaveto; I’m in love with you.” He said the words softly.
At first, she didn’t move, her eyes closed, her head shaking back and forth as though denying his words.
“Rae, please.” He took her shoulders, and she opened her eyes, meeting his gaze.
