Page 81 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
I shake my head. “About?”
“Girl.” The look she gives me is stern, like I’m about to be in big trouble.
“What?” I ask, nervously.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was practically a male model?! That was rude.”
I dissolve into a fit of giggles like I’m a teenager.
“Are you guys back together?” she whispers.
“No.” I run one hand through my hair. “I don’t know.”
“Cool. Glad that’s cleared up.” Her tone drips with sarcasm.
Rolling my eyes, I give her a look. I truly have no idea what to think about me and Hart right now. I only ran into him last night after the gala. Why he agreed to a cross-country flight to be here today is beyond me. Unless he really does have business in California this week ... who knows, maybe he’s heading back to his grandparents’ winery.
“You guys are cute together. I can see how much he likes you. And he’s probably the one man who could keep up with your lifestyle. If you think about it, maybe he’s a perfect choice.”
The perfect choice ... does she actually hear herself? “Are you okay? Because I’m pretty sure you’ve been the one cautioning me this entire time. Now you’re telling me he’s the perfect choice?” I throw up my hands in a gesture of giving up.
Scarlet only smiles knowingly. “Now that I’ve seen you together, I’m allowed to change my opinion, aren’t I?”
I know what she means. Other times, in the past, when I tried to date, my schedule didn’t exactly work with someone who had a regular nine-to-five job. I’d set off for Africa for months at a time—or London or New York—and the distance would usually end things. With his family connections and money, Hart would have no problem keeping up with my travel schedule.
But I don’t give Scarlet the satisfaction of being right about this. “I just left your infant son in the arms of a person I’m pretty sure has never even held a baby before. Unless you have anything else to say, I’m going to go check on them.”
She waves me off like she’s not worried in the slightest. “You know I’m right.”
“Blah, blah, blah,” I say, walking away.
When I walk into the den, I’m unprepared for the sight before me.
Hart is on his feet, holding the baby in one big hand while the other rubs small circles along his back. He’s bouncing him slightly and whispering softly, “There ya go, little man.”
Emotion slams through me at the sight of them, and my ovaries flip-flop.
That’s not good. I’m pretty sure ovaries aren’t supposed to do that.
“You’re a natural,” I say, interrupting possibly the sweetest moment I’ve ever seen.
Hart grins. “Were you worried?”
I give him a soft look. “Maybe a little.” I take a seat, still watching them. I can’t tear my eyes away.
“Do they need help setting up for the party?” he asks, sitting down beside me. I expect him to try to hand the baby back, but he doesn’t.
I shake my head. “Scarlet wanted to gossip.”
“About me?”
I nod, fighting off a smile.
“Well. Don’t leave me in suspense, woman. Did I pass inspection or not?”
I laugh. “You did, actually. It seems she doesn’t have the same reservations I do about our ages.”
Hart frowns, looking down at the baby and caressing one hand along his round tummy.
