Page 18 of Bear In A Bookstore
“Do you want to hold him?”
His throat moved slowly as he swallowed, his eyes tracking from the baby to hers. “He’s so comfortable in your arms.”
She smiled.
“You’re a natural. I don’t want to disturb him.”
Ha! Nothing was further from the truth. “Sure, as long as he’s not screaming or filling his diaper.”
Desi seemed to snap out of whatever daze he was in. Just then, Allie came from the back.
“Desi! I’m glad you’re here. I was going to the police station next to get a copy of the report. Everything seems to be in order. Did the officers say anything else to you about last night?”
“Nothing except a false alarm. I checked your security system and couldn’t find any reason for it to trip unnecessarily.”
Her face scrunched. “That’s odd.”
Desi looked around. “Where’s Dax?”
Baby Jack began to fuss. Allie gently pulled him from the sling and handed him to Desi. “He was in the shower when I left. I told him I’d take the babies myself so he could get some quiet time. He’s meeting me here soon.”
“That’s why he told dad he couldn’t work this morning? Because he had a date with the shower?”
Desi settled his nephew easily in his arms. Kora frowned. He made it look easy.
“Well, that, and the twins have check-ups at eight this morning as soon as the clinic opens. I’m not doing that by myself. In fact, I’m not sure how I succumbed to momentary insanity and brought the babies here . . . alone . . . oh my god. I really need some sleep.”
Desi pressed his cheek against the baby’s soft face. Kora shifted uncomfortably as a strange, warm, and syrupy feeling went through her. Christ, she’d never seen anything so sexy in her life. A huge, strong man cradling an infant with such tenderness. He kissed Jack’s pudgy cheek and Kora was pretty sure her ovaries exploded.
“Thanks for your help last night,” Allie said. “I’m glad you were still around when the police showed up.”
Police?
“What happened?”
Desi shifted the baby from one side to the other. His muscular arms bulged inside a long sleeve blue tee shirt. His jeans were worn and stained, work boots scuffed and scarred. Golden stubble dotted his chin and jaw, giving him a rugged, outdoorsy vibe. He looked deliciously masculine and strong. Kora let out a breath. He probably smelled great. Like soap and outside.
“The bakery alarms went off and the cops came. Luckily, Desi was nearby so he checked it out.”
He turned eyes on her. “The police said they’ve had a series of mysterious alarms at businesses in the past few days. I’m tied up today, but we need to get going on your security system. When can I come take a look at your house?”
The baby squirmed in his sleep. Watching him, Kora smiled as he stretched and made fists with his tiny fingers. A strange feeling rippled through her middle, overwhelming her with its intensity and unfamiliarity. Desi and this baby were making her feel weird. She could easily picture him as a family man. A dedicated husband and father. A fabulous lover. Some woman would be incredibly lucky to fall into his lap.
If she were in a better place . . . maybe . . . maybe.
But no. She was in Colorado for a break. She’d promised herself that she’d work on the things she hadn’t been able to in California. Like, getting her anxiety under control. Getting out more. Engaging with people again. And using the tools her therapist had given her to get her life back. This man, and especially this baby, were not going to help her do that. They were distractions. Sweet, sweet distractions.
“I’ll text you in the morning and we can set something up.”
“You don’t have my number.”
Allie darted to the counter and hurried back with a slip of paper, handing it to Kora. “Here. You do now.”
Desi didn’t look amused.
Gently, Kora transferred the baby to Allie and stood. It had been really nice meeting her and getting to hold the baby. Kora had been so focused on work that she hadn’t talked herself into getting out and making connections in town. It was just easier to work and go home where a glass of wine and new episodes of her favorite zombie apocalypse show were waiting.
“Nice to meet you, Allie. Thank you for letting me hold Beau. I’d better get to work. I’ve got some deliveries coming today.”
