No matter how I’m feeling, I’ll keep it to myself today. I’m here for Claud, and Claud only, and my mind will stay focused on that.
Suddenly, my door opens, and I let out a small shriek. “My god, you scared me half to death.”
I was so lost in my head that I hadn’t realized we pulled up to the building.
“By opening the door for you?” Harrison asks sarcastically, letting out a low chuckle, then reaches to help me out of the car.He pauses in front of me, cupping my cheek. “Good morning, beautiful Juliette.”
“Morning,” I murmur, slightly dazed by his good looks and blue eyes.
He smirks playfully, then bites down on his lower lip as he rakes his eyes down my body, spotting my tight yoga pants.
This is weird…usually, he would be all over me.
He takes my bags from Robert, then interlocks our fingers and leads us to the front. “Good morning, Ms. Caldwell.”
“Good morning, Freddy.” I smile brightly at Harrison’s doorman. “I told you, call me Juliette. And I have something for you.” I grab one of my bags from Harrison and hand it to Freddy. “They’re for you and Suzette. I remember you saying she loved rose flavor, and I happened to have made rose macarons yesterday. I also added the pistachio and blackcurrant violet ones you love.”
He pats my shoulder in appreciation. “You’re a good kid. Thank you so much.”
“Anytime.” I wave goodbye as Harrison leads us to the elevator. He’s quieter than usual. “What’s wrong?” I ask, looking up to find him staring at me with bewilderment.
He cups my cheek again andagaindoesn’t kiss me. “You’re a good person is all.”
I turn into his palm. “Because I gave Freddy desserts?”
“Do you know how many people are allowed to call him Freddy?” He doesn’t let me answer. “Zero. Not one person, and I’ve been living in his building for fifteen years.”
Huh.
I shrug. “Being nice goes a long way.”
The elevator doors open, and he leads me in. “I never got to thank you last night for doing this. It means a lot. Be prepared. She just woke up, and it’s still early for her. Don’t be surprised if she’s shy or quieter than normal.”
“Okay.” I smile, imagining Claud, all sleepy and snuggly. She’s already cute as can be, but I’ll bet she’s even more adorable this early in the morning. “I never asked where your brothers were.”
“All are traveling overseas and would have never made it back in time. Rosa and Javier are in Spain visiting family. They go the same week every year, and Willa’s sister is giving birth today.” He pauses, his face growing serious. “She’s never slept over with anyone who wasn’t family or Willa, and even then, it’s very few and far between with Willa. Maybe once or twice ever.”
I rub his arm in comfort. “It’s going to be okay. You can FaceTime us every second you’re not in your meeting, and please tell me if there is anything I can do to ease your mind.”
“A lot of updates and pictures would be great. I’m not sure. This is all new to me, and I’m trying not to think about it. Otherwise, I might be staying home and blowing a huge deal for us.”
The doors open, and the highest, most excited screech I’ve ever heard rings through the penthouse. Then Claud is off the stool, running toward me.
I raise a brow. “Shy and quiet?” I mutter as Harrison shakes his head, amused.
“She’s comfortable with you.”
“Good morning, sugar plum.”
She barrels into my legs, hugging me tightly. “I’m so excited you’re here. We’re going to have the best girls’ day.”
Harrison’s body goes rigid beside me, so I glance over, giving him a questioning look. He shakes his head and looks the other way.
What the hell was that about?
Claud keeps chattering, unaware of her father’s mood change. “Can we have a tea party after dance class today? Or even a spa day? I went to a spa for a birthday party, and it wassooo fun. It was for little kids, though,” she giggles. “And Dad let me rent some new movies. There are so many cool things we could do!”
“Whatever you want to do, Claud. I thought we could make dinner together, too, since we normally bake together.”
