Jamieâs supposed to go in for his next checkup?â
âThe nurse indicated he saw the doctor three weeks ago. Iâm going to be taking him to a new pediatrician here in the city named Dr. Wells. Iâll give him a ring tomorrow and find out when he wants to see him. Theyâll send for his records right away.â
âI think thatâs wise in case he needs another immunization soon.â
He sat back in the chair to drink his coffee. One of the first things sheâd noticed in the limo yesterday was that he didnât wear a wedding ring. In one way she thought it odd because his wifeâs death had been so recent. On the other hand, maybe heâd never worn one, or possibly he didnât like rings of any kind. And maybe youâre thinking about him way too much for your own good.
âIf thereâs anything you want to do for the rest of the afternoon, take advantage of the time, Reese. I plan to get a little work done around here and do a few laps in the pool.â
âHow can you do any work when your office is in shambles?â
A chuckle escaped his throat. âIâll worry about it later.â
âThe mess will still be there later. Why donât we tackle the other bedroom while Jamieâs out for the count? Iâll feel much better if we set it up for you. Donât forget Iâm the one who managed to get everything knocked out of whack. Kind of like the little kid who comes along and destroys the puzzle you just put together.â
His haunting smile turned her heart over. âOkay, letâs get busy.â He rose to his tall, imposing height. âBut when weâre through, Iâll take care of Jamie until I leave for work in the morning.â
âHeâll be thrilled with all your attention.â
Hurrying ahead of him, she walked through the apartment to peek on the baby, who was fast asleep. He looked so precious with his arms and legs spread out, his little hands formed into fists.
âNot a care in the world,â Nick murmured near her ear, surprising her. She could feel the warmth from his hard body. For a moment she had the urge to lean into him and cling. Almost dizzy from unbidden longings, she turned away. But in the next instant she spied a glint of pain in those dark orbs and despised herself for being so aware of him when his thoughts had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Leaving them alone, she rushed out of the nursery and down the hall to the other bedroom. The room was a vision of white and café-au-lait with an exquisite white lace throw over the down-filled duvet.
White lace curtains hung at the huge window that gave out on a fabulous view of the city. There was alove seat with a jacquard design in the same colors and a white rug with a deep pile in a geometric design of coffee and beige.
When Nick came in she said, âThis is a beautiful room. Luckily itâs big enough to accommodate everything if we move the love seat against that other wall. What would you think if we put your desk in front of the window where you can look out? If it gets too bright you can always draw the sheers.
âAnd on the left here weâll set up your computer system. Keep in mind that if you get tired, you only have to take a few steps to the bed.â
His hands went to his hips in a purely male stance. He glanced around at all his state-of-the-art equipment without saying anything. She wandered over to the window and looked out while she waited for him to make a decision.
âIâve got a better idea.â Reese turned to him, curious to hear what he had to say. She felt his penetrating glance. âIâm going to give up having an office altogether and work from a laptop in my bedroom when Iâm forced to.â
âI donât understand.â She was incredulous.
âThere are only so many hours in the day. If I canât accomplish what I need to do at the office, then Iâll turn it
Phil Hester, Jon S. Lewis, Shannon Eric Denton, Jason Arnett