Page 25 of Restricted List

See you soon then, Rory

Sage squeals in delight as Cole lays on his back in front of my sofa, using his feet to prop up her body and his hands to hold onto hers. He’s moving her all about, Sage lighting up in laughter each time he dips her.

The dear little girl I nanny hasn’t wanted anything to do with me since Uncle “Coe” showed up. And Cole is, of course, loving all the attention.

I’ve always known Cole likes kids. I’ve seen him with Sage so many times now.

He’s so good with kids.

Why does he have to be so good with kids?!

I’m trying to get past this damn crush, but watching him with Sage has my ovaries on overdrive.

“You’re staring at me,” Cole says matter-of-factly as I come back to reality.

“I’m watching Sage,” I lie, trying to save face.

His smile in response is mischievous. “That’s interesting because Sage is down by my feet now, playing with her blocks.”

Goddammit.

“Fuck off,” I say, fire blazing over my cheeks.

“Duck!”

“I have to get better about that,” I grumble.

Cole laughs as he gets up, coming to sit by me on the sofa. He doesn’t say anything; he just looks at me smugly.

“What?” I ask even though I already know the answer.

“You can just admit you were looking at me, Rory. I know I’m hot.”

“Wow,” I laugh. “Can your ego even fit in my apartment, Pierce?”

“You still haven’t denied it, you know,” he smirks.

“Can you shut up, please?” I toss a throw pillow at him as he laughs like my embarrassment is hysterical.

“You’re cute when you’re all flustered.”

I groan, throwing my head back as it rests on the back of the sofa. “I hate you.” Sage comes to my rescue, finally climbing up in my lap and rubbing her eyes. “Are you sleepy, Lovebug?” She doesn’t reply, just snuggles into my chest.

“Uncle Cole isn’t good enough now, I see,” he says in faux offense.

“Nope,” I reply, popping the p in amusement. “Aunt Rory is her favorite person, possibly even above Lane.”

“Can’t say I blame her,” he smiles. “You’re one of my favorite people, too, Starlight.”

I can feel myself blushing as I say, “Starlight?”

“Yeah,” he says surely, like it’s an obvious nickname.

“How the hell did you come up with Starlight?”

“Rory > Aurora > Night Sky > Stars > Starlight. Not that hard.”

I can’t help but smile. “I like that. It’s cute.” My only response is the wide grin Cole is now sporting. Sage lets out a little yawn as she nuzzles deeper into my chest. “I should get her down for the night.”

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