“My brothers don’t cook either. I got more interested in cooking when I went to nursing school,” she said. “Then, after I got engaged, I wanted to take my mother’s recipes with me when I got married. But that didn’t work out,” she said, and took another spoonful of soup.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call,” he finally admitted. “I wanted to.” How could he tell Stacey that he feared he was a rebound man for her?
She looked up at him in surprise. “You did?”
“Of course I did,” he said. “I didn’t exactly hide how I felt with you when you were in my bed.”
She looked away. “Well, I have a previous experience with someone who wanted to go to bed with me, but then left.”
His gut clenched. “I don’t want you to feel that way, but it just seemed as if everything was moving fast. It was out of control.”
She nodded. “I wanted you, but I didn’t want to want you.”
“Exactly. I wasn’t ready for what I was feeling,” he said.
She gave another slow nod and took another sip of her soup. “Does that mean you want to forget what we did and go back to being friends?”
“That might be like trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube,” he said. “I always want to be your friend, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t want to be more.”
Stacey met his gaze. “Then what do you want to do about it?”
The sexy challenge in her green eyes felt like a velvet punch in his gut. “Maybe we could spend some more time together. Go to Vicker’s Corners, see a movie, take some walks when it’s not freezing. Go for hot chocolate,” he said, and wondered if she would find his suggestions lame.
She gave a slow smile. “That sounds nice, but people are gonna talk. I’m used to gossip, but you’re not.”
“I can handle it,” he said defensively, although Colton had never liked people getting in his business. “I’m just probably not as nice about it as you are,” he said and chuckled.
At that moment, he heard his parents walk through the front door. “Yoo-hoo,” his mother called. “We’re home.”
Piper, who had been surprisingly quiet, looked up from playing with her toy.
Colton’s mother and father came to a dead stop as they glanced into the den. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Foster,” she said, rising from the sofa. Colton also rose. “I stopped by with a few of my red velvet cupcakes, and Colton offered me some of your delicious soup.”
“Good for both of you. I’m glad Colton showed you some hospitality. Frank and I heard there was a mishap with the baby at the winter festival today, but couldn’t get the details.”
Stacey chuckled. “I’ll let Colton fill you in on that. I should be getting Piper home.”
“I’ll just say I’ll wash the shirt I wore today twice,” he said.
His father gave a nod. “Been there, done that. It’s good to see you and the baby, Stacey. I hope you don’t mind if I get some of that soup.”
“Not at all,” Stacey said.
“Oops. Sounds as if there might have been a little mess,” Colton’s mother said. “Don’t rush off,” she said as Stacey put away Piper’s baby paraphernalia. “Let me see that sweet little munchkin. She’s growing like a weed.”
Mrs. Foster extended her arms to the baby and smiled when Stacey handed Piper to her. “What a friendly little sweetheart. Your mother says she’s sleeping through the night most of the time.”
“That’s right. We had a rough time the first few months, and she still has her moments. But don’t we all?” Stacey said.
“I can tell you’re a good mother. I always knew you would be. You just seem to roll with whatever comes your way. I know Rachel is going to be upset that she didn’t get to see you and the baby,” Mrs. Foster said. “Are you sure you can’t stay?”
“I really should go,” Stacey said. “I’m hoping for an early night. It’s good to see you.”
“Same here,” his mother said, then plopped the baby in Colton’s arms. “Here. You carry Piper out to the car. Stacey could probably use a little break from hauling around this little chunk of love after today.”
Colton automatically stiffened but soldiered up. He couldn’t disagree with his mother. After his limited experience with Piper, he was surprised Stacey wasn’t exhausted all the time. From what he could tell, branding an entire herd of cattle would be easier than watching over a baby.
He carried Piper to the car and let Stacey fasten her into her safety seat. Piper fussed a little at the confinement. “You just better get used to this,” Stacey said in a kind but matter-of-fact voice. “You’ll be sitting in a safety seat every time you get in the car.” She shook a toy connected to the front of the seat to distract the baby, and Piper quieted down.
“You’re good with her. I’ll say that much. She can be a handful,” he said, shaking his head.
“She’s curious and sweet, but you’re right. She has her moments,” Stacey said.
“That’s when those bubbles come in handy,” he said.
Stacey stared at him and smiled. “So you did use the bubbles that night you kept her for me?”
“Hey, I had to hit the ground running. That diaper bag is like a bag of tricks,” he said.
“You almost sound as if you’re still afraid of her,” Stacey said. “My little Piper couldn’t terrify a big, strong man like you, could she?”
“Of course not,” he lied because the baby did have the ability to scare him more than a fright movie. “I’m just no baby expert like you are.”
“Maybe she’ll grow on you,” Stacey said softly.
“Maybe,” he said. Piper’s mother was growing on him. He leaned toward Stacey and took her mouth in a lingering, sweet kiss that made something inside him fill up and want more at the same time. “I’m glad you came over. I’ll call you.”
“I’m going to be really upset if you don’t,” she warned.
He liked hearing that bit of testiness in her voice. It made him think she wanted him, too. “No problem,” he said and kissed her again. He pulled back. “You’re habit-forming.”
“That’s good to hear,” she said. “I think your mother is watching from behind the curtains in the front room. She may ask questions. That’s what mothers do.”
“That’s okay. I have the perfect answer,” he said, putting his index finger under her chin.
“What’s that?”
“Nunya. Nunya business,” he said, and her laughter made it worth the inquisition he knew he would face when he went inside the house.
* * *
That night, Stacey slept better than she had in months, partly because Piper slept long and hard, and partly because being with Colton just made her feel better about life. He didn’t have to do much. Just his presence made her feel calmer and more optimistic. She didn’t want to overthink his effect on her. Stacey just wanted to enjoy it.
He called her on her cell the next morning, and she could tell he was outside and the wind was blowing. “Good mornin’,” he said.
“Good morning to you. How long have you been out and about?” she asked as she toted Piper around the