Page 272 of The Billionaires

When Sydney looks up from the stroller, her gaze is icy again. “Bye,” she says to Adrian. To me, she doesn’t even deign to say anything, which is fine.

Turning on her heel, she strides into the elevator.

As the doors close behind her, Adrian visibly relaxes. He steps up to the stroller, and when he sets his eyes on Piper, the expression on his face is borderline worshipful.

This time, I don’t feel jealous of the baby. I’m glad she has so much love in her life.

Also, I’m very curious, so I tiptoe over and sneak a peek at her over Adrian’s shoulder.

“Gorgeous, isn’t she?” he whispers.

“Oh, I’ll say.” I grin at the chubby cheeks on display. “She’s the kind of cute they use in diaper and baby formula commercials.”

“I’m going to take her to the nursery,” Adrian whispers and slowly pushes the stroller.

Just as we enter the nursery, Piper opens her eyes and starts fussing.

“It’s okay,” Adrian croons. “Daddy’s right here.”

I feel a pressure in my chest, and my eyes are suddenly watery.

Meanwhile, Adrian takes Piper out of the stroller and rocks her from side to side, whispering reassuring nothings to her.

If I’m ovulating, can I sue the makers of my IUD?

“Do you want to hold her?” Adrian offers in a way that reminds me of when Mary says she’s willing to share the last of the chocolate ice cream.

“Just for a second,” I say and gently take the baby.

Dash it all. She’s so darn cute and smells so darn good. I already feel like I’m falling for her toothless charms. How crazy is that? The only other time I’ve felt this strongly toward a baby was when my sister was born.

It’s like a part of my brain already sees her as family. Maybe it’s because Adrian is my soon-to-be husband. Whatever passes for my spidey sense has gotten its signals crossed and doesn’t realize this marriage isn’t for real.

Adrian gets the milk out of the backpack, warms it, and brings it over.

Piper starts to fuss again.

“I think she wants you,” I say.

And who can blame her, right?

“I think she wants the milk,” Adrian says as he eagerly takes his daughter back.

With a tender smile, he kisses Piper’s chubby little cheek—which soothes her immediately.

Again, can you blame her? Also, is it possible to overdose on adorableness?

He sits in the nearby rocker and puts the bottle to Piper’s tiny lips.

Yep, adorableness overdose coming up—especially when he helps the little creature burp.

“Can you help me wash her?” Adrian says to me when the meal is over.

“Of course.” The offer swells my chest with so much pride you’d think he’s asked me to help him build a rocket to Mars.

When we get into the bathroom, Adrian removes his shirt.

Miss Miller doesn’t usually abide foul language, but deuce take it! A gentleman ought not to put a lady’s self-control to such a rigorous test.

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