With the soiled diaper off and the baby cleaned up, Apollo said, “Hang on, I just have to get a fresh diaper.”
With one hand on the baby, he bent over to grab a fresh diaper off the lower shelf. Popi was about to say something when Apollo straightened and the baby peed—all over Apollo.
Popi couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing.
Apollo turned a frown in her direction. “You saw that, huh?”
“Uh-huh.” She stepped farther into the room and wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. “I should have warned you to always have a fresh diaper ready so that doesn’t happen. I can finish so you can go clean up.”
He shook his head. “I’ll finish changing him.”
Apollo dried off, cleaned up the little guy again and then put a fresh diaper on him before handing Seb off to her. Holding the baby in her arms felt so right—so natural. So did sharing this moment with Apollo. They seemed like—dare she think it—a real family.
And the sight of Apollo standing there in nothing more than his briefs—wow, it had grown warm in the room. She resisted the urge to fan herself as she took in the view of his muscular chest and his six-pack abs. There were a few scars on him that she longed to run her fingers over and ask him about their origin, but she resisted the urge. Those scars only added to his sexy factor. They definitely didn’t detract.
“We’ve got a lot to learn, little man.” Apollo’s voice drew her from her thoughts. “But we’ll work on it.”
When Apollo stepped forward to kiss the baby on the head, his lips came so close to hers. Was it her imagination or did he pause ever so slightly as though considering kissing her too?
Their gazes connected. The breath caught in her throat. She willed him to kiss her again.
If not for the baby in the crook of her arm, she would have looped her hands around Apollo’s neck and pulled him down to her level. And then she would—
Apollo’s head turned away. He kissed the baby good-night and headed for the shower. Popi was left standing there with her heart racing madly and the realization that she wanted this relationship to be more than two people sharing a space. She wanted the one thing she didn’t deserve—this family.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SHE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL.
Very special.
And it wasn’t just some pumped-up compliment to cover for all Popi had done by not only giving birth to his nephew but also her willingness to come here and make a home for the baby. Apollo really meant it. Popi was special. With every day that passed, he realized just how much Popi was changing his life, in big and little ways.
Most of all, he found that staying here in Athens was nothing like he’d originally envisioned. He found himself anxious to get up in the morning to seek out Popi and to hold Seb. He found that gardening was something he really enjoyed. He’d learned a lot about vegetation while he was off on his adventures from both the tour guides and the locals. And now he was able to put that knowledge to use.
He had a very special evening in mind for Popi. It was his way of thanking her for giving him a new outlook on life. And he’d worked on this plan all day, including a trip to the barber. His longish hair was now cut short. Everything had to be perfect for her.
As afternoon faded to evening, he rushed through the shower, shaved not once but twice and dressed in some dark jeans and a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He stopped in front of the mirror, which was something he seldom did, but tonight was different. Tonight he had to look decent—no, he had to look good. Really good. Popi deserved nothing less. He swept his fingers through his hair and then he was out the door.
He located Popi in the nursery. She placed the baby in the crib for a nap. Seb had a set routine. A nap before his evening feeding and then he’d stay awake for the late show and go down for the night, not waking up again until morning.
“I was looking for you,” Apollo said.
Popi put a finger to her lips. “Shh...”
Apollo mouthed sorry.
She nodded in understanding, but didn’t speak until they’d quietly backed out of the room. With great care, she eased the nursery door closed.
She turned to him. “What did you need?”