Falling for the Billionaire Wolf and His Baby (Blood Moon Brotherhood 1)

“Your snack is almost ready, Oscar,” she said, speaking softly.

Her voice, soothing, entreating, made him calm. While he hoped his response to Jessa was based on her caring for his son, it was no less alarming. He didn’t just want to take her to bed, he wanted to be with her. Better to take a long cold shower and put some space, and sanity, between them. Instead, he strode into t

he kitchen.

“A snack sounds good to me, too.”

“Mr. Dean.” She jumped. “I thought you’d gone out.”

“Where would I go?” He glanced at her, curious to hear her answer.

She shrugged. “Wherever single people go?”

He grinned. “You’re single, aren’t you, Miss Talbot? Surely you have some ideas.” But he couldn’t imagine her frequenting the clubs he did. Or trawling for one-night hook-ups at a bar, for that matter.

She shook her head. “I don’t have time to date, Mr. Dean.”

Which was a huge relief. He frowned, wishing he had a better rein on his emotions. “I was here. Working,” he said, opening the refrigerator. “What did Augustina make this evening?”

“Oh, coq au vin. It was incredible,” she said. “She’s an amazing cook.”

He put the plate in the microwave and turned it on. “But not much of a conversationalist.” He glanced at Jessa.

She wrinkled her nose. “Not exactly.”

He laughed. “That’s okay. I don’t pay her for the conversation.” The microwave beeped.

Oscar squeaked then.

Finn glanced at her before carrying his plate to the table.

She prepared a bottle, shaking it, while still bouncing Oscar, on her way to the table. She sat, crossing her leg and propping Oscar on her lap. “Thomas has the crib set up but I’ve put Oscar in the portable bed in my room for the first few nights. Just so he doesn’t feel alone—I hope that’s okay?” She waited for his nod before continuing. She smiled at Oscar then said, “We received an email confirmation from the nanny agency. They’ll begin working on a list of candidates and send files over in the next few weeks. So, I’ll be able to start the weeding process quickly and be out of your hair.”

His relief vanished, quickly replaced by something close to panic. Would she find someone who smiled at Oscar the way she did? Or hum to him? Or cradle him close, as if he were precious, not unwanted or…damaged? “You’re very good at…that,” he said between bites.

“You met one of the reasons why today,” she replied. “Shelby, my sister, and Harry, Landon, and Nate. Each of them gave me a sort of hands-on internship.” She had the most beautiful smile, the most brilliant eyes.

“What made you want to work for Dean?” he asked.

Her eyes widened. “Well, it’s a noble company, doing good in a world that needs it.” She paused. “But, honestly, there was definitely a financial component. Your company has a progressive advancement track, excellent insurance, some tuition perks, regular bonuses… All things a woman like me needs to take care of four siblings. They’re smart, involved, but there’s no guarantee they’ll get scholarships or financial aid.”

“So you gave up your dreams to take care of your family?” he asked, curious.

“I’d like to think I can do both. I blame you for that.” She said, burping Oscar with ease.

“Me?” he asked, finishing his dinner and sitting back in his chair.

She nodded, shifting Oscar and getting him settled with his bottle before answering him. “I went to a seminar you gave at my campus. It was all about dreaming big and letting nothing stand in your way. Listening to you, I knew my dreams would never give my siblings their dreams. I’m their sister, but in a lot of ways I’m also their mother. Seeing them succeed is important.”

“Do they know?” he asked.

“Know what?” she asked, her large green eyes finding his.

“Do they know you gave everything up for them?”

She frowned. “I didn’t. Working for Dean Industries isn’t a sacrifice. I feel lucky to be working for your company. And, no, I’m not just saying that because you are Mr. Dean. Is this where I thought I’d be now? No. But I didn’t give everything up. And I wouldn’t want them to think I had.” She paused, smiling down at Oscar. “Besides, you—Oscar, needs me.”

She’d been right the first time. “Where did you see yourself at this point in your life?” he asked.