Page 127 of The Single Dads Club
“Hey.” Alexa’s hand on my forearm caught my attention. “I told her I was a friend of yours, and a nurse. I think she assumed…”
“That you were Lily’s nurse?”
“Something like that.” She shrugged and removed her hand from my arm.
I blew out a frustrated breath and pressed the heels of my hands over my eyes. Fuck I was exhausted and dirty from working construction all day. All I wanted to do was come home, shower, make dinner, and crash on the couch. I didn’t expect to come home to this.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to help,” Alexa revealed softly. “Stacey left only five minutes before you got here. And she did try to call your cell, but she couldn’t get through.”
I opened my eyes and met hers. Soft blue and wide with worry. Shit. I was being a dick. She came here to help, that much is obvious, and I was ranting and making her feel like shit. “Listen, it’s all right. Lily is safe and happy. I shouldn’t have blown up at you like that. Finding good help to watch her is hard, and I don’t think I’ll be using Stacey again, but that’s not your fault.”
“Don’t fire her on my account.” She pleaded. “I promise it was just a misunderstanding.”
“I’ll think about it. At the very least we’ll be having a little talk about safety and strangers at the door.” I sighed, not wanting to argue with Alexa. “Regardless, uh, thanks for working with her today.”
She pulled in a breath and her shoulders visibly sagged with relief. “You’re welcome.”
“I can’t afford a private nurse—”
“That’s not why I came. You don’t owe me anything.”
I cocked my head, studying her. “Then why did you come?” I honestly hadn’t expected to see her again, and now she was here, in my house, looking sexy in a pair of low-rise jeans and a fitted tank top that clung to her chest.
Alexa didn’t get a chance to answer my question, because at that moment, Lily came barreling down the hallway, her walker clattering against the wood floor. “I want Lexa!”
Alexa met my eyes and we both smiled. Lily’s enthusiasm was contagious. “Do you mind,um, staying with her for a few more minutes? I need to hop in the shower.” I looked down at my grimy jeans and T-shirt.
“Sure, not a problem.”
I kissed the top of Lily’s head. “Be good, okay?”
She nodded and lunged for me, wrapping herself around my leg in a hug. I winced, and bent over, moving her out of the way from clobbering my nuts. Alexa held in a laugh, realizing what I was doing. Then she headed back to her room with Alexa. I disappeared into the bathroom, completely confused at this turn of events.
Alexa was in my house, melting my damn heart by how sweet she was being with Lil.
Before I closed the door, I poked my head out and listened to the happy sounds of conversation and laughter coming from Lily’s bedroom.
“What does your brother like for dinner?” Alexa asked.
Lily took her time answering, and I held my breath, wondering what she’d say. “Um, usually he likes to eat ice cream. And I do too.”
“For dinner? You do, huh?” Alexa chuckled. “Well let’s find something healthy to make and maybe we can have ice creamafterdinner.”
I grinned and shook my head. The little brat had busted me. I do like ice cream, but not as much as her. I took my time in the shower, my mind momentarily at ease that Lily was in good hands. I let the hard spray of water beat down on me, and closed my eyes and enjoyed washing a crazy busy day down the drain.
After my shower, I threw on a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt and followed the amazing scent of garlic and tomatoes into the kitchen. It had been a long time since anyone had cooked for me yet now I had a gorgeous woman cooking for me and my baby sister.
I leaned against the door frame and observed Alexa wiping down the kitchen counter, and I suddenly felt out of place in my own home. I didn’t know whether to go in and help her, or see what Lily was up to, or continue to stand here and watch her, because damn she was a pretty sight to get lost in.
Alexa spotted me, and made the decision for me. “Dinner’s ready. Want to get Lily?”
I nodded and found Lily in the living room, playing with the ball from earlier.
“Come on munchkin, let’s eat.” I lifted her onto my hip, and carried her into the kitchen.
The table had been set with a big platter of spaghetti and meatballs, and a small cup of milk for Lily and a glass of ice water for me.
Lily stared in wonder at the place mats, napkins and dishes for two. Her stomach rumbled loudly and she slapped a little hand over her mouth and giggled.
