Alex smiled. “I think Zoe can handle it.” A sudden flush of warmth spread over him. He never felt this powerful pull before. At least, he hadn’t felt it in years. He stared down at his free hand. Who was he kidding? He knew who he was dealing with. He dated long enough to know the difference between casual and long term women. Zoe screamed long term.
“Alex?” Aunt Pam said.
“I’m here. I’ll talk to you later.” He hung up and stood on the porch of Lisa’s home. Ring the doorbell. His mind shouted to stay away. It wouldn’t do either of them any good. Yet, his hand reached for the doorbell. Did Alex dare to go in?
***
Zoe reclined on the couch with Celine asleep on her chest. She was fuzzier tonight, but it was understandable since she was growing in some new teeth. Zoe gave the baby her teething ring, rubbed her back, and Celine fell asleep. Zoe did too. She’d forgotten what it was like, but she loved taking care of kids.
Celine jerked in her sleep and Zoe patted her back. The baby relaxed once again. Then a knock sounded at the door. Zoe rose from the couch, careful not to wake Celine.
The baby whimpered. Zoe’s nostrils flared. Whoever it was, it was too late for a visit. Checking the clock, it was only eight thirty at night. Zoe looked out the peephole. Alex? What did he want?
Though she pressed her lips together, Alex was Celine’s cousin. He could visit when he wanted. It wasn’t as if it was after midnight. Was it only for Celine? Did he come... Zoe rolled her eyes. She opened the door, refusing to entertain the thought anymore.
Alex smiled. “Bad time?”
She motioned to the sleeping baby in her arms. “She’s knocked out.”
“Looks like she’s waking up to me,” he said.
Zoe looked down. Celine’s eyes were open. She sighed. She hoped she could use her sleeping as an excuse to get rid of Alex.
He reached out and stroked Celine’s cheek. “You awake, princess?”
Zoe’s heart rate picked up. He was so sweet to his cousin. Was that cologne? She took in his fitted jeans and shirt. She could not deny his broad chest. His eyes. Why did his eyes make her stomach flutter? It was as if every time he looked at her, he saw past her walls.
How could he? Zoe had been a train wreck. She’d been irresponsible, because of her actions, someone she cared about suffered for it.
Would Alex understand? Her eyes prolonged on him. She gave Celine to him, and the baby rested her head on his shoulder. Was this even the real him? Was this all to impress her?
Zoe rubbed at her eyebrow. Who was she kidding? She’d seen how Alex acted in public. The women flocked to him. He couldn’t be the one-woman man type. Zoe wouldn’t settle, so it was best to keep things the way they were. What were they? Nothing, and she intended to keep it that way.
“How’s it going so far?” he asked. He rubbed Celine’s back and kissed the top of her head.
Zoe folded her arms over her chest. “So far so good. Why? You’re checking up on me?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m used to coming over.” Alex cleared his throat. His expression looked pained for a moment. “I hope I can still see her.”
“Why wo
uldn’t you?” Zoe asked.
“With the band taking off, I know we’re going to be busier.” He cradled Celine’s head. “I don’t want her to forget me.”
“She won’t.” Zoe’s heart melted. Why he was sharing, she didn’t know, but she reached out and touched his shoulder. “She knows you love her. Lisa’s grateful for all your help.”
Alex walked over to the couch and sat down. “It still bothers me sometimes that she’s a single mom. She tries not to complain, but I know she didn’t plan on this.”
Zoe sat next to him. “She’s doing an amazing job. Give her credit for that.”
“I know.” He rocked Celine. “I’m sorry.”
Zoe shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Maybe you needed someone to listen.”
His eyes met hers. “Thank you. For helping my cousin.” He looked down at Celine. “Both of them.”
Her breath caught. “You’re welcome.” She touched her throat and swallowed. “Can I um... you want something to drink?”