“Sounds good.”
After hanging up, Quinn called the salon and booked a full day of appointments for herself and Evie. Luckily, there was a makeup artist on-site so she didn’t have to go anywhere afterwards for a makeover.
She blew out a breath and sighed. There, she thought. She was getting back to taking care of herself.
Tapping a pen against the desk, she picked up her phone again and this time dialed her cousin. “Amy? How’s Jenny?” she asked, unable not to worry about the little girl who wasn’t hers.
* * *
Quinn had left for her spa day to get ready for tonight, and Jenny had fallen asleep again after her bottle. Austin lay down on his bed and groaned just as his cell rang and his mother’s name flashed on the screen.
As much as he was glad his mom was home, he couldn’t ignore the disappointment that flowed through him, knowing it meant the end of his time with Quinn.
He tapped on his mom’s name and took the call. “Hi, Mom! How was your trip?”
“Oh, honey, it was wonderful. Seeing all those old friends was truly so much fun.”
“As if you’re old,” he said with a laugh. But at her nasal tone of voice, he narrowed his gaze. “Are you sick?”
“That’s why I’m calling. I have the worst cold known to mankind. You know those ships with the close quarters. Bugs and viruses travel fast. I woke up with it this morning and I have no idea how long it’s going to last.” At that, she coughed and he knew for sure she wasn’t coming around Jenny.
“Feel better, Mom. Rest. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, honey. Give that baby a kiss for me. I heard from your sister and she said that you and Quinn are managing well. That takes a load off my mind. Love you.” She disconnected the call, and though he hated that his mother was sick, a slow smile took hold because Quinn wouldn’t be going anywhere after all.
At least not yet.
Chapter Seven
Quinn soaked her toes in the warm, soapy water as the massage chair behind her pressed into her tight muscles. Beside her, Evie did the same. She’d already had her hair trimmed and blow-dried, her nails were done in a French manicure, and after her pedicure, she’d have her makeup done.
Though she had a book opened on her Kindle, Evie was not going to let Quinn read. Or ignore the conversation she wanted to have. She’d been peppering Quinn with questions since she’d explained the situation with Austin.
“So you’ve been living with your boss?” Evie asked, not moderating her tone.
Quinn’s friend had long dark hair, olive skin, a beautiful complexion, and a very loud voice. The women doing their toes glanced up at Quinn, but neither said a word and they went back to work.
Quinn leaned closer to Evie’s seat. “Shh. Yes, I am staying with Austin. Just to help with the baby.” And sleep in his bed, don’t forget that, she thought, keeping the personal information to herself. Evie would have a field day lecturing her if she let it slip.
Evie narrowed her chocolate-brown gaze. “So let me get this straight. The boss whose kiss you liked now has a baby, and you’re helping to take care of her while living in his house.” Thank God she’d decided to whisper. “You, Quinnlyn Stone, who swore off children and any jobs dealing with kids and babies? Have I got my facts straight?”
Quinn gripped the armrests harder in her hands. “You know you do. So why are you repeating everything I already told you?”
“Because it’s insane, that’s why. I don’t understand. Why can’t the rich man just hire a nanny?” Evie glanced at her toes and wriggled them before looking up at the nail tech. “Excuse me. I hate to do this but can we switch to a brighter coral?”
The woman nodded. “I’ll go get a few colors for you to choose from.”
“Thanks.” Evie smiled in gratitude.
“You’re a pain in the ass.” Quinn had chosen a pale pink. She didn’t need her toes standing out at the event tonight.
Evie shrugged. “I like bright colors. So sue me. When does this part of your job come to an end?”
“Later today,” she said, ignoring the pang in her chest. “His mother is back from her cruise.” She and Austin hadn’t done any talking last night, and she’d rushed out this morning so she didn’t know Christine’s plans.
“But things settled in this week. He hired my cousin Amy to babysit so we had someone during the day. Work got easier. I’m not wearing Jenny hanging from my chest anymore.” She smiled at the memory of the sweet baby smell when she’d lean down with the baby tight against her. “And Amy will watch her while we go to the banquet tonight and…” At the dumbstruck look on Evie’s face, Quinn’s voice trailed off. “What’s wrong?”