Page 70 of Tempt Me Forever

"No," he murmured. "You're adorable."

I was caught off guard by the vulnerability in his eyes. I lowered Michael into the bassinet, and although he fussed around a bit, he ended up falling into an even deeper sleep.

"Oh, I like him. He's a great baby," I said as Drake sat next to me at the kitchen island. I took a forkful of veggies; they were cooked perfectly. "Yum, this is good. It's a bit sweet. What is that, sugar?"

"No. Honey. You didn’t see that?”

“Nope.”

“You were too busy looking at Michael," he said with a wink, taking a few bites.

I felt myself blush. "I like kids."

"Do you want any?" he asked.

I swallowed hard. "Yes, I think so."

He didn't say anything, then frowned. "What do you mean, you think?"

“I've always liked children, but I never could picture myself as a mom. I can't even remember my mom, and it pains my heart. I’m sorry if it sounds cold.”

"Kimberly, you don't have to apologize. You're entitled to whatever you feel." He gently touched my face, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You’re a strong woman, and you’re full of affection. It's normal to be reticent, given your family situation growing up. Things like that do leave scars, or at least leave us with fears."

I tilted my head, leaning into his touch. "What are your fears?"

"A good question. I never thought about that." He caressed my cheek with his thumb. God, I loved him touching me, and I wanted him to touch me even more.

Down, girl. There's a baby near you. Behave. You can't be shameless.

Once we finished, I decided to leave Michael in his bassinet for a while longer. The guy cooked, so it wasn't fair for him to also clean up all by himself.

***

Drake

The second we movedto the couch, Michael started fussing even though Suze gave him a bottle before we arrived.

"Maybe we should put him to sleep in his bed," Kimberly suggested.

"Good idea." I still couldn't believe that she'd offered to come here.

She took Michael up in her arms. It was endearing to see her with my nephew.

"Can you show me his room?" she asked.

"Sure."

My sister had set up the nursery right next to the master bedroom. There was also a single bed next to the crib. Kimberly lowered Michael into the bed, and he immediately started moving around. "Oh, now that he’s in his bed, he starts to be fussy, huh?"

"He does that sometimes. I'll take care of him now and just stay here for a bit. I think he's going to calm down."

She gave Michael a finger, and he squeezed it with both of his tiny hands. The sight stirred something deep inside me.

Kimberly would be an amazing mother.

The thought popped up out of nowhere.

I heard the front door open. "My sister's here.”

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