“That you were Lily’s nurse?”
“Something like that.” She shrugged and removed her hand from my arm.
I blew out a breath and pressed the heels of my hands across my eyes. Fuck I was exhausted and dirty from working construction all day. I didn’t expect to come home to this.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to help,” Alexa squeaked out in a soft voice. “Becca left only five minutes before you got here. And she did try to call your cell, but she couldn’t get through.”
I opened my eyes and met hers. Soft blue and wide with worry. Shit. I was being a dick. “Listen, it’s all right. Lily is safe and happy. I shouldn’t have blown up at you like that. Finding good help to watch her is hard, and I don’t think I’ll be using Becca again, but that’s not your fault.”
“Don’t fire her on my account. It was just a misunderstanding,” she pleaded.
“I’ll think about it. At the very least we’ll be having a little talk about safety and strangers at the door.” I sighed, not wanting to argue with Alexa. “Thanks for working with her today.”
She pulled in a breath and her shoulders visibly sagged with relief. “You’re welcome.”
“I can’t afford a private nurse—”
“That’s not why I came. You don’t owe me anything.”
I cocked my head, studying her. “Then why did you come?” I honestly hadn’t expected to see her again, and now she was here, in my house, looking sexy in a pair of low-rise jeans and a fitted tank top that clung to her chest.
Alexa didn’t get a chance to answer my question, because at that moment, Lily came barreling down the hallway, her walker clattering against the wood floor. “I want Lexa!”
Alexa met my eyes and we both smiled. Lily’s enthusiasm was contagious. “Do you mind, um, staying with her for a few more minutes? I need to hop in the shower.” I looked down at my grimy jeans and T-shirt.
“Sure, not a problem.”
I kissed the top of Lily’s head. “Be good, okay?”
She nodded and lunged for me, wrapping herself around my leg in a hug. I winced, and bent over, moving her out of the way from clobbering my nuts. Alexa held in a laugh, realizing what I was doing. Then she headed back to her room with Alexa. I disappeared into the bathroom, completely confused at this turn of events.
Alexa was in my house, melting my damn heart by how sweet she was being with Lil.
I could hear happy sounds of conversation and laughter, and I poked my head out of the bathroom door to listen in.
“What does your brother like for dinner?” Alexa asked.
Lily took her time answering, and I held my breath, wondering what she’d say. “Um, usually he likes to eat ice cream. And I do too.”
“You do, huh?” Alexa chuckled. “Well let’s find something healthy to make and maybe we can have ice cream after dinner.”
I took my time in the shower, my mind momentarily at ease that Lily was in good hands. I let the rough spray of water beat down on me, and closed my eyes.
After my shower, I threw on jeans and a T-shirt and made my way into a kitchen that was filled with amazing smells. Garlic. Tomatoes. Roasting meat. My mouth watered. It had been a long time since anyone had cooked for me.
Alexa was wiping down the kitchen counter, and I suddenly I felt out of place in my own home. I didn’t know whether to go in and help her, or see what Lily was up to.
Alexa spotted me, and made the decision. “Dinner’s ready. Get Lily for me?”
I nodded and found Lily in the living room, playing with the ball from earlier.
“Come on munchkin, let’s eat.” I lifted her onto my hip, and carried her into the kitchen.
The table had been set with a big platter of spaghetti and meatballs, and a small cup of milk for Lily and a glass of ice water for me.
Lily stared in wonder at the place mats, napkins and dishes for two. Her stomach rumbled loudly and she slapped a little hand over her mouth and giggled.
Alexa’s eyes caught mine and we both laughed.
“Hungry, little one?” I asked, settling her into her chair.
“Yep. And guess what?”
“What’s that?” I placed a napkin over her lap.
“I helped Lexa roll the meatballs.”
“Oh yeah? I bet they’ll be extra good then.”
She basked in the compliment. It was times like this, witnessing her sweet innocence and desire to belong, to fit in, that pulled at my heart and made every hour of hard work worth it.
Alexa gathered up her purse from the counter. “I had fun with you today, Lily.”
“You’re not staying?” I asked.
“Oh, no.” She looked down, adjusting the strap of her purse. “You guys enjoy.”
“But you haven’t had dinner yet, have you?”
She shook her head.
I stood and directed her towards the table. “Sit.” I guided her into the chair next to mine then retrieved an extra plate and silverware from the kitchen, setting them in front of her. “Here.” I scooped up a heap of spaghetti for Lily first, then some for Alexa.
“Oh, that’s too much.” Alexa gestured to the full plate.
“Mine’s too much too,” Lily said, grinning over at Alexa.
“Hush. Both of you girls are too thin. Eat up.”
I sat down and dug into my own plate, noting the satisfied smile tugging at Alexa’s lips.