And oh my, the sight took her breath away.
Broderick stood by the soaring window overlooking the water, Fleur in the crook of his arm as he fed her the last of a bottle. Kota snoozed on the sofa with an unrepentant air. The whole tableau had such a natural look, the epitome of so many dreams she’d had for her life back when she was married to Gage.
Except right now, she was having trouble remembering her dead husband’s face. All she saw was Broderick’s tender expression as he talked to the swaddled infant.
“Shh, little one. Let’s not wake up Glenna. She’s been taking such very good care of you. She needs her rest.” He set aside the bottle and eased the baby to his shoulder, and a rag draped over his shirt. He patted her back a little awkwardly still, but was becoming better and better with practice. A tiny foot in a pink bootie slipped free from the blanket and Broderick ensured the little leg was well covered.
His attempt touched Glenna deeply. She leaned against the door frame, tilted her head to the side as Broderick continued, “You know, one day I’ll help you with homework. We’ll discuss y=mx+b and other mathematical equations that will blow away the rest of the class. And I’m sure you will be the smartest kid in the room. Hey, probably even the whole school—”
Then he stopped short, as if feeling Glenna’s gaze. He turned on his bare heels, a sheepish grin on his face. “She seems to like math.”
Glenna laughed softly and padded closer, her heart warmer than her toes curling inside the fleece slippers. “So much so, you put her right to sleep.”
He ducked his head to peer at Fleur’s face. “Well, what do you know? She’s out like a light.” He softened his voice. “It’s mind boggling how much babies sleep. Seems like she just woke up.”
Glenna extended her arms, wanting a turn, hungry to feel that tiny weight curled against her. “Thank you for taking her so I could sleep in this morning.”
“We’re a team here. For the new family order.”
Broderick placed Fleur in her arms, his hands brushing hers in the process. Little sparks of electricity danced in her stomach, awareness building.
Her gaze flashed up to his. Any question about whether or not he felt the same way was answered in that heated look. Her heartbeat quickened; her breath caught.
How long could she pretend that attraction didn’t affect her? From the look in his eyes, pretense was drawing to a close.
Glenna gingerly walked to the crib and set Fleur down, caught in a dream of what this life might be. After smiling down at the baby, she kissed the top of Fleur’s head. The moment her lips touched skin, she realized those test results would be back soon. The business merger would begin. And this idyllic time away would end.
Sooner rather than later.
She didn’t know if she wanted to accept Broderick’s offer of a serious relationship. But she knew she wanted him. And she didn’t have much time left here with him. This was her chance. She intended to take it. Well, as soon as she brushed her teeth. And wasn’t that a silly thought?
She sprinted into the bathroom, afraid if she took too long the baby would wake up again. Was this what being a parent felt like?
As quickly as the thought tickled at her mind and tempted her bruised heart, she pushed it aside, before it could distract her. Hurt her.
She stepped out of the bathroom in winter silk pajamas, checked on the baby again and made her way back into the living room. Broderick stood facing the window, his shoulders as broad and strong as ever. Before she could second-guess herself, she walked across the thick woolen rug and slid her arms around his waist. Wrapping herself around him.
Only for a moment did the muscles along his back ripple with tension, with awareness. Then he placed his hand over hers.
“Glenna, you have to know if we do this, it won’t be a one-time deal.”
His words unnerved her even as the reverberation of the sound of his voice rumbled over her skin where she lay her cheek against him.
Still, she also knew those words were very likely true. “I hear what you’re saying.”
She wanted him, and yes, more than once. Her body ached for a deep and sensual meeting and mating with this man. He felt so good against her, his muscled body, his callused fingers that were still so gentle.
“Good. I’m glad we have that cleared up.” He turned and faced her, brushing her hair back with his hands as she linked her arms around his neck.
She trembled against him, her whole body attuned to his and the way they seemed to fit together so naturally. Her breasts tightened against the fabric of her silk winter sleepwear, the tips aching for his touch, for his mouth. It didn’t help that his fingers teased a path down the back of her neck and along her half bared shoulder, making her skin tingle in anticipation.