“The question is, does she have yours?”
He shook his head. “What is it with people asking me how I feel about my assistant?”
Paul lifted an eyebrow. “So I’m not the only one who noticed how your eyes follow her wherever she goes.”
Austin ignored the words, his fingers toying with the material on his slacks.
“You and Ian are seeing things,” he said at last. As was his mother, but he wasn’t about to make things worse for himself by admitting even the astute Christine had nailed his feelings for a woman he couldn’t have.
Paul’s concerned gaze rested on his. “Son, life is short. I, of all people, know that. I came close to not getting that kidney because I didn’t want to risk the secret I’d agreed to hold years ago. It was your mother who convinced me to talk to all of you.”
Austin’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of losing a man who’d treated him better than his own father had. “I realize that.”
“Then you should go after what you want. Just because you hadn’t planned on a family doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one. Can’t have one. Or don’t deserve one.”
His uncle’s words settled him somewhat. “I hear you. It’s just … there are a lot of pieces that have to fall into place and I’ve barely adjusted to the possibility of any of them. But I appreciate your wisdom and I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Good.” Paul rose and placed a hand briefly on Austin’s shoulder. Then, picking up his drink, he walked to the bar and poured it into the sink, causing Austin to laugh.
“Point taken. Less cranberry juice.”
Paul grinned. “And now I’m going for lunch with Ron.” He started for the door and turned. “I love you, Austin.”
Austin swallowed hard. “Love you, too.”
He stood and walked his uncle to the door, opening it in time to see and hear Quinn pat Jenny on her back and the infant let out a large, loud burp.
He laughed, causing Quinn to look his way. “Give her to me. I’ll put her down,” he said, picking the little girl off Quinn’s shoulder and gently placing her into the carrier.
She was already asleep, full and completely satisfied, he thought, as he stood up.
Paul looked from Austin to Quinn and back again. “You two make a good team.”
She blushed and Austin wanted to strangle his uncle.
“I love my job here. But I could really use a breather, so if you’ll watch Jenny, I’m going to pick something up for lunch.” In a frenzy, Quinn gathered her purse and some other items. His uncle’s words and innuendo had obviously rattled her.
“Sure thing,” he said, understanding she needed time to herself. She’d been at his beck and call since Friday night.
He waited until Quinn had walked out of hearing range before turning to his uncle. “Does that look like a woman who’s ready for a relationship, let alone a built-in family?”
Without waiting for an answer, he picked up the carrier handle and walked into his office, closing the door behind him.
* * *
By the time they were ready to leave work, Quinn was exhausted, and when they arrived at the house, she was only too happy to let Austin give Jenny a bottle. She had other things to handle around the house. But when she walked into Jenny’s room with the intention of gathering her laundry, she discovered his housekeeper had been there and washed the baby’s dirty clothes, sheets, and blankets.
And in her bedroom, the laundry basket was empty as well. Although she was grateful, she didn’t want to make extra work for anyone while she was here. Still, it meant she had some time to herself tonight, and my God, did she need it. Austin could spend time with Jenny.
She needed a distraction and decided to go for a swim and eat something for dinner afterwards. Having seen the pool when she was here once before, she’d tossed her bathing suit in along with her clothes on a whim, and now she was glad that she had.
After grabbing a towel from her bathroom, she headed down to the pool, but not wanting to talk, she bypassed the kitchen and family room where Austin might be and headed out to the backyard through a side door.
She placed her towel on a chair and dove into the deep end. The perfect-temperature water washed over her and she broke the surface, immediately starting laps. With each stroke, she let her mind wander to the sudden changes in her life.
As cute as the baby was, Quinn wasn’t used to being responsible for anyone but herself. It had been a long time since she’d had childcare duties, and she’d forgotten how tiring a day could be. And though she was getting her work done in the office, she couldn’t deny she missed her normal routine. But then Jenny would open those blue eyes and stare her down, and Quinn would melt like chocolate in the summertime, pick her up, and spend time cooing at her like a nut.