“No,” he said. He pulled off the sheet and stood there naked. “I’m coming.”
Her eyes roamed down him and smiled. “Without me?” she joked.
“Nope, and not before you either,” he replied. “Why don’t you come over here and I’ll prove it to you?”
“Tonight, after food shopping, because I also promised Peggy and John I’d make them dinner later this week as a thank you. You know, this place isn’t so bad after all…”
She smiled on the way out of the bedroom, leaving him alone, and in shock. She was already meeting people; if he wasn’t careful, she’d have him doing the same. Dylan never socialized with the people here, except the security or maintenance staff. If it were up to him, he’d keep it that way. Somehow, he knew that was going to be impossible with Sofia around.
He hated it, but was going to need to have a talk with her. They might be living together, but he was set in his ways. And he didn’t want to change. He knew it was going to spoil the lovely breakfast she’d prepared, but it had to be said. The earlier the better. Hell, I should’ve said it before asking her to live with me.
When he finally arrived in the kitchen, Sofia was standing at the sink, washing the dishes and humming to herself. She was…happy. That’s all that really mattered to him. If it meant him having to get to know his neighbors, even when he didn’t want to, then so be it. Because seeing her like this was all he cared about.
She turned around and said, “I hope you like it.”
I do. Very much.
It wasn’t the breakfast he was thinking about. It was having her there with him. Sofia might not have a magic wand, but whatever it was, it was unexplainable. She made everything feel…right, as though this was the way it was meant to be. He could get used to this so easily. But getting comfortable with something that wasn’t going to last, wasn’t smart. Once the play was over, this would be too. She’d either go back home, or with any luck, she’d get the break she’d been dreaming of. At least for now, I can enjoy that beautiful smile every morning.
Sofia was so nervous. She’d met Rosslyn before, but she hadn’t been working for her then. But Dylan said he had to stop at her house to pick up a signed contract. She thought for sure he’d have left her in the car, but instead, he asked her to go in with him.
She realized right away that Charles and Rosslyn’s home was much different from Dylan’s. It had a more laid-back, homey feel to it. Maybe it was the baby swing and bassinette in the living room, but it made her feel so much more at ease.
“Hi Sofia, so nice to see you again. Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye last time,” Rosslyn said.
Sofia chuckled. “I think you going into labor during dinner was probably a good excuse.”
“Maria really called it, too. I can’t believe she picked the day my little Penelope was going to be born.”
“Mama does have that knack.”
“Bet she can’t wait for it to be your turn,” she said.
“Oh, she’ll be waiting a long time then. I’m in no rush,” Sofia said firmly. A baby would change everything. Her dreams would have to be put on hold for eighteen years. Might as well just give up on it then. Nope. Having a family wasn’t in her cards.
“If you and I were having this conversation about a year and a half ago, I’d tell you straight out, I’m not staying in New York City for anything. Look at me now. I’m married, with a baby, living in Manhattan.” Rosslyn looked over to Charlie, who was holding their daughter. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Charlie said, “Well I was hoping you’d want to change one. Your daughter’s diaper.”
Rosslyn laughed. “Charles, it’s not that bad.”
He shook his head. “For a girl, she can stink up a room like a grown man.” Dylan laughed and he added, “Maybe Uncle Dylan wants to give it a shot?”
“Hell no! I’m here for the contract, that’s it.”
Both women shot Dylan a look and Rosslyn warned, “Language.”
Sofia watched as Charlie and Dylan nodded. She found it amusing how a little girl, not even ten pounds, was changing the Lawson family. But she was adorable.
“She’s beautiful,” Sofia said.
“Thanks. But she looks just like her mother,” Charlie replied. Rosslyn grinned. Then he added, “Want to hold her?”
“Charles!” Rosslyn snapped. “That’s horrible.”
At first, Sofia thought Rosslyn didn’t want strangers holding their baby. That really was a smart thing to do. They didn’t know her, not really, after all. But then she realized that wasn’t the case.
“You can’t blame me for trying,” Charlie said with a grin.