Page 44 of Daycare Santa

“You’re going to spoil me rotten, aren’t you?”

“I might, if you let me,” was his response as his eyes smoldered over the cup of lemonade. “But I can tell there’s something on your mind.”

“The issue has to do with work.” She wiped her mouth and laid the napkin on the sandwich box.

“Care to share?”

She shifted in the seat and stared at him. “Can I be honest?”

“Of course. We agreed to be one hundred percent open with each other.”

“I’d prefer not to tell you.”

Frowning, he leaned in. “Why not?”

“You were good enough to introduce me to Lizette when I dropped off Luca.”

“News flash. You’d have met her anyhow.”

She held up one finger to keep him quiet. “I realized you were there early to do the intros yourself, although you didn’t have to be since she’s back at work.”

His grin was contagious. “I give you that, but it’s no biggie. Lizette loves kids, and Luca is a charmer.”

“I still don’t know how I feel about leaving my child with a stranger.”

“My sister isn’t a stranger,” he insisted. “If you’re a friend of mine, you’re all right with her. Plus, in case you haven’t noticed, nobody is a stranger to Luca for long.”

“True.” Gina sighed and poked at the napkin. “It still doesn’t sit right to me, to be really frank.”

“That’s because you always lean on family.” He mirrored her earlier gesture with one finger to stop her from speaking. “And there’s nothing wrong with that. I get that you’re not used to accepting help from people outside your circle, but this is a small thing since the event won’t run that late.Andyou won’t have to worry about Luca. He likes Lizette already.”

Gina could see why he did the moment she met Lizette, who resembled Zack but had softer facial features. She also had a ready smile, and Luca warmed to her instantly. Zack’s raised eyebrows reminded her of the issue she’d been dodging.

“You’re helping me already. I don’t want to bog you down with my problems.”

“Iasked you.”

His emphasis made her smile, and knowing he wanted to help made her happy.

“And I thank you, but I can handle this issue. It’s nothing major.”

His dubious expression said exactly what he was thinking. Zack didn’t believe her, but he said, “Okay, but if you need help, I’m here.”

She nodded and gathered the lunch containers. After throwing them in the garbage, she returned and scooted closer to the desk. “Let’s talk about Thursday.”

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