Page 7 of Baking With A Rockstar

I’m afraid either would be rather telling.

Hannah gives me a big smile that I return easily. “Charlie is one of the very best.”

My heart swells from her statement, but that’s only short-lived when I realize both of their gazes are on me, openly studying me. Since I’ve never been a big fan of being scrutinized by others, I quickly grow uncomfortable, relieved when they finally snap out of it.

I decide to push the rent topic again at a later time. Right now, other matters are more urgent—such as Mirabelle’s sucking noises that become louder by the second. I flinch a little when I look at the big, wet stain on Hudson’s T-shirt she’s been working on this whole time. His gaze follows mine, and I’m mortified. “I’m so sorry about that. I should’ve warned you that she puts everything in her mouth right now, especially when she’s hungry. Let me feed her quick, and then I can wash your shirt.”

Hudson doesn’t say anything, and I turn to Hannah. “And then I’ll start those cupcakes I promised you.” Maybe focusing on baking will help me feel more like myself again.

She grins at me. “Sounds perfect. Let me take a quick shower, and then I can help you.”

I silently watch her leave the kitchen, trying to swallow away the nerves that bubbled up the second I realized she’s going to leave me alone with Hudson—Mira doesn’t really count yet.

Despite the fact that I’m not into the whole celebrity world at all, even I’ve heard of Hudson Mitchell and know he’s a big deal.

There’s no reason to be nervous.I mean, Mira has been sucking on his T-shirt, for goodness’ sake. If that isn’t the ultimate test of a prissy person, I don’t know what is. Let’s just pretend he’s a normal guy—albeit a very attractive one.

Most importantly, he’snotSebastian. That unwelcome thought brings me back to reality faster than anything else ever could. Rationally, I know not all guys are bad, I just need to remind myself of that. Plus, he’s Hannah’s grandson, so he at least deserves the benefit of the doubt right now.

After taking a moment for another silent pep talk, I close the distance between me and my newly acquired—and very temporary—celebrity roommate, so I can take Mirabelle from him.

When I start to hold out my arms for her, Hudson shakes his head. “I can feed her if you want.”

“Really?” This man keeps catching me off guard. Surprised by his offer, my arms are still halfway up in the air. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. But I really don’t mind, I promise.” He shrugs before turning to look at Mira, who’s so delighted by all the attention that she starts hitting her little fist on his chest. “I mean, look at her. I might even be willing to change a diaper for this cutie. It’s okay though, if you don’t want me to, I get it. No hard feelings.”

Oh dang, this beautiful man. His words and actions hit me right in the rib cage.

There really aren’t a lot of things that are more heart-melting—and also incredibly sexy—than a man and a baby. Match made in heaven right there. And who am I to deny the handsome rockstar what he wants—at least with this simple request of feeding Mira.

Willing to give him a chance, I nod. “All right. If you really don’t mind. But don’t complain about your shirt later on.”

“My shirt?” His eyebrows draw together.

Looking at his confused expression, I can’t hold back a quiet chuckle. “Maybe you’ll be fine. We’ll see. On the other hand, Mira has already done a job of getting you messy anyway.”

He only shrugs. “It’s just a shirt.”

Interesting. “Do you want me to put her in the highchair?”

“No, I’ve got it.” He looks over to the big dining room table where Mira’s chair is pushed against the wall. “Or maybe you can do it quickly?”

The pleading look on his face is adorable, and I can’t help but smile. “Of course.”

I take Mira from his arms, cuddling her to my chest, since it’s one of my favorite things to do. She faintly smells of Hudson even after such a short time, and I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t just take a deep whiff. No one should smell this good—woodsy with a hint of fruit. It’s a very masculine and rather memorable scent I’m sure I’ll start to recognize from now on.

“Sweetie pie, your new friend Hudson is gonna feed you some yummy food now, okay? Be good for him, will ya?” I buckle Mira into her chair while she keeps patting my cheeks with her little hands. After giving her a quick kiss and a toy to keep her occupied for another moment, I turn around to walk back to the kitchen to get her food. I stop short when Hudson stands only a few feet away, watching me intently with those chocolate-colored eyes of his. “Thanks again for helping.”

“Don’t mention it. I like kids, so I really don’t mind.” He smiles at me, one dimple popping out—almost daring me to look away. I briefly wonder if he has issues being under a microscope too, but then I remember he’s probably used to people staring at him all day long.

I finally snap out of my daze when he walks around me to pull a chair out from the table, so he can sit in front of Mirabelle.

Almost on autopilot, I go back into the kitchen and start whipping up Mira’s meal—a small portion of oatmeal mixed with some mashed banana, and a few little pieces of soft pear for those little fingers to pick up.

The two of them are playing with some blocks when I walk over, but the second Mira sees me, the toys are forgotten and her focus is completely on me—more importantly—her food. She wiggles her arms and legs as much as the highchair allows. There’s no doubt this girl likes to eat. She’s squealing, already trying to reach the bowl and plate that I put on the wooden dining table next to Hudson.

“What is that?” He wrinkles his nose and points at the bowl.

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