“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“I didn’t have time to tell you sooner. We’ve been so busy, but...”
“But what?” Both of her hands gripped the wheel.
“Your brother talked to me.”
Zoe sighed. “What did he say to you?”
“If I hurt you, I’ll deal with him.”
She smiled. Trust Jackson to always protect her. “I love him.”
“I understand your brother’s reservations about me. We play together in the band, but I’m closer to Tommy. He’s seen some things with me that I’m not proud of. I’ve told you my past, but it won’t affect us—never.”
Zoe heard the conviction in his voice. “I believe you.”
“Good,” he said. “And I still haven’t forgotten our date.”
“That is if I don’t have to work.”
“I’ll ask Celine if I can borrow you.”
Zoe giggled once more. She’d missed the baby girl herself these last few days. “If she says no, it’s final.”
“She’ll take my side. She’s known me longer, and she owes me for my ruined t-shirts she spit up on.”
Zoe laughed. “You’re going to make an infant pay you back?”
Alex’s humor never failed. “I’m tallying it up so when she graduates, I’ll have a list of the expenses.”
Zoe shook her head. “You’re too much. You know that, right?”
“Too much for you?” he asked, his tone had turned serious.
Zoe’s chest heaved, and she licked her lips. “It’s not that.”
“What then?” She heard the wonder in his voice.
Zoe blew out her cheeks. “I... I hope I’m not too much for you.”
Silence. Zoe’s eyebrows furrowed. Her honesty was too much. What man wanted to hear her insecurities?
“Zoe?”
Her mouth went dry, but she answered. “Yes?”
“You’re more than enough. You’re everything I ever wanted and more.”
Zoe’s chest expanded with warmth. His words touched her soul. “Are you trying to get me to fall in love with you?” Did that just slip out of her mouth? Love? It was too soon. Zoe bit her bottom lip.
“Is it working?” he asked.
What? He wanted her to fall in love with him? “We’ll see.”
“Such a tease.” He chuckled.
Chapter 16