“That would be lovely.”
“I’m going to get him one of my jerseys. Is that okay?”
“Of course! Why wouldn’t it be okay?”
“I don’t know. It feels a little like I’m staking my claim.”
I laugh. “It’s essentially a shirt, West, not a tattoo. Besides, he thinks you’re incredibly cool. He’s asked if we’re going to a game at least fifty times.”
“We have a game tomorrow night. You want to go?”
I hesitate. “It’s a school night for him. I can stay up late, but he’s so grumpy if he doesn’t get enough sleep.”
“There are two games this week. Jayne doesn’t go to all of them for the same reason—Lindy needs to get to bed. So why don’t you guys work it out so you watch Lindy one night and she can go, and then she can watch Joey while you go.”
“That’s a great idea!”
“I mean, personally, I would just hire a sitter but I understand if you don’t have anyone you’re comfortable with.”
“No,” I admit. “Holly’s watched him maybe four times, and a couple of times Gemma came over to the house while he napped so I could run an errand, but it’s pretty much been the two of us.”
“Well, now you have some back-up. Me, Jayne, and even the guys. We take care of each other, you know?”
For some reason, that brings tears to my eyes.
He’ssucha good guy.
It’s been less than two weeks, and I’m starting to fall.
It’s way too soon for that, isn’t it? Is there a timetable for falling in love? I don’t think it exists with West because I’ve never met anyone like him.
“Are you this nice to everyone?” I ask softly, reaching up to cup one side of his face, even though I have to twist around in the tub.
“Not everyone, no. But definitely to people I care about.”
Yup. I’m in big trouble.
“West?”
“Yeah, angel?”
“Take me to bed.”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
West
The next morning is a bit harried. Since I need my SUV to go to practice, I drop Joey off at daycare and then Serena and Lindy at school. I don’t mind but I’m not used to having so many responsibilities. Usually, all I think about on days like this is hockey.
After practice, I go home and make travel arrangements for next week and then start looking online for cars for Serena. I already know I’m going to try to talk her into letting me help her buy a new one. It’s going to be complicated, because she already feels weird about owing me money, but what’s the alternative? Another cheap, used car that’s going to need work in six months? I feel like buying something new protects her in the long run.
It’s just a matter of finding something she can afford that I think is right for her.
Christ.
What am I doing?