Page 12 of A Real Alpha
When I opened the door, Connor froze as though he'd been caught doing something wrong, even though all he'd appeared to be doing was sitting on the couch and watching TV while Roscoe wiggled on the floor.
“He needs some baby stuff,” I observed as I entered, taking a seat next to him on the couch and handing him his coffee. “Toys and such.”
Conner took the cup without arguing and shrugged uncomfortably. “He's fine.”
“Oh, he is. He's lucky to have such a good daddy. I just meant it would be nice for him to have a few things.”
He snorted, turning his gaze back to the TV but I could feel that all of his attention was still on me.
“What kind ofstuffdo you have in mind?” he asked, sipping his drink.
“I don't know. When is he supposed to be able to sit up?”
Connor blinked and glanced over at me.
“Pretty soon, I think. I mean... he's three months now so that makes sense, right?” he said.
I was given the distinct impression that he wasn't sure. Maybe he didn't know about a lot of the milestones. The thought gave me a weird feeling. For someone who appeared to be a wonderful dad, how did he not know?
“Do you have a phone?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No. I did but it got taken—uh,I meanbroken...”
Wow. He was a terrible liar. His cheeks were bright red, and he wouldn't look at me.
It probably wasn't the time to keep prying, but ideas were racing around in my head and I couldn't stop myself.
“Is there somewhere you two were planning to go before I stopped you?” I asked.
Again, he shook his head. “I was kind of planning to figure it out along the way.”
I'd assumed as much, but it was good to have the confirmation. I kept my mouth shut after that, aside from grabbing lunch and asking if he wanted anything. When he said that he'd already eaten some cereal, it felt like a win somehow. Like him making himself at home meant he was staying a bit longer—which was a silly thought really.
When my break was over, I went back downstairs.
“It's quiet today,” I said to Sage. “I'm going to run some errands and then head home. Give me a call if it gets too busy for you.”
“I'm sure I can handle it,” she said, but her gaze pierced me. “Where do you suddenly have to be?”
“Nowhere that has anything to do with you,” I informed her.
My first stop was a book shop, which was quiet, too. It was a typical Wednesday afternoon all around, so I took my time browsing the baby section before choosing a book. I knew nothing about baby development, so as far as I was concerned, this book was a good purchase even if they left tomorrow.
The baby seat I picked up at the next shop, I couldn't justify quite as easily. Nor the toys and clothes that I simply couldn't leave without. Roscoe was adorable with a surprising amount of dark hair and bright blue eyes. He needed some cute outfits to go along with that equally cute face.
I couldn't wait to get back to my apartment and deliver the gifts. Maybe I could even finally give Roscoe a bit of attention—if Connor was comfortable with that.
My phone rang and I saw the cafe's name pop up, forcing the thoughts from my mind.
“Hello?”
“There's a line around the block,” Sage said in greeting. “Are you nearby?”
Luckily, the baby store was only around the corner. “I'll be there in five minutes,” I replied.
I'd been planning on going straight home to avoid any questions, but instead ended up beelining through the customers, to get behind the counter and start making the drink orders.
Sage glanced down at the bags I set of the floor, her thin dark brow arching dramatically.
