Page 104 of Tempt Me Forever

“I left all the bottles in the dishwasher in addition to those that are already in the drawer."

"You already told us, remember? I've memorized everything. And you have a list on your fridge," I replied. “Don’t worry.”

She smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry. This is doubly unnerving. Meeting Lawrenceandleaving my son at home."

"You can call us anytime if you’re feeling uneasy," I said.

She nodded, kissing the baby on his head, then my cheek, and then Drake's. He gave her a tight hug.

Baby Michael wiggled in my arms. I kissed his head the way his mom did before, and that seemed to calm him down instantly.

"Wish me luck," Suze said before leaving the house.

Drake looked out the window as she got into her car and left.

"She's in good hands with Declan, trust me,” I said.

"It's nothing against your cousin. He's a great lawyer, but he doesn't know my sister, how to put her at ease or just be there for her."

"Well, no, that's your task, and you're going to do it brilliantly—as usual—once she's back. But right now what she needs at her side is a kick-ass lawyer. Lawrence won't dare intimidate Declan. But he might try if it were just you and her there with him."

Drake frowned. "I can't be intimidated."

"Maybe. But if someone finds your weak spot, they can use it against you.”

"You sound as if you’re speaking from experience."

I shook my head. "Not mine, Reese's. Her ex knew how much family meant to her, so he basically threatened to drag the family name through the mud."

“I hope he got what he deserved.”

“Oh, he did.”

Michael's breaths softened. "I can't believe it. He’s asleep," I murmured.

Drake smiled at me. "You'd be a good mom."

I tensed, glancing up at him. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I've seen you with him.”

“Twice," I said.

"I know, but that's enough for me. And I've seen how you are with your family. Don't for one second doubt that you'd be a great mom."

His words went directly into my soul, warming me from the inside. "Thanks. I think I should put him in his bassinet. He's grown a bit since the last time I held him, and he's heavier now."

"Yeah, he is. Suze says you don't realize it when you're with him all the time because you get used to the weight."

"Good theory, huh? It has merits." I was always in awe that Tate could pick up Paisley easily even when she'd been eight or nine years old. She'd seemed so heavy to me. I'd tried lifting her once and felt like my entire back might crack open.

I regretfully put him down in the bassinet, realizing it was better for him to be in his bed; I might interrupt his sleep with all my yapping and moving around. I watched him for a few moments to make sure he didn't wake up. He was sleeping soundly, and a weight of disappointment filled my chest. Secretly, I’d been hoping he would wake up, needing to be carried again. I truly was an oddball.

When I went back to the living room, I found Drake sitting on the couch. He patted the space next to him.

"Giving orders already?" I teased.

"No, I was planning to take care of you a bit, but if you'd rather fight...."

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