Darling rolled her eyes again at Madison’s anxious tone. “Maddie, I’ve taken care of babies before. You and Link go enjoy a romantic dinner out, and little William and I will have dinner, play a few games, and cuddle up in front of some cartoons.”
“I know he’ll be fine with you. I just feel bad leaving you here all by yourself. I mean, Ross will be off to some bar.” Madison’s lips parted as she deftly applied some eyeliner under both of her eyes and turned back from the mirror to her friend. “Too much?” she asked about her makeup job.
“You look beautiful; you always look gorgeous. Have a wonderful night and quit fussing.” Darling looked over to Will, who was busy stacking blocks just outside the large bathroom door. He seemed such a happy toddler with his ready smile and chubby cheeks.
Madison dropped her cosmetics into the bag and turned toward her son. “You gonna be a good little baby for Auntie Darling, aren’t you, Will?”
He gurgled in response and clapped a couple of giant Legos together happily. “Okay, daddy is waiting downstairs.” Darling followed Madison down the flight of stairs into the open family room where Link and Ross sat facing each other on couches, each lazily sipping a bottle of beer. Both men rose politely at the sight of the girls coming down the stairs with baby William.
Link was the first to speak. “Baby, you look amazing. I think I might be a little underdressed in jeans tonight.”
Madison gushed prettily and kissed her husband with a quick brush of the lips.
All eyes turned to Ross as if he was supposed to be speaking, and he shuffled a bit to the side awkwardly.
“Oh yeah, um, Darling, you look real pretty too.” He took a hasty swig of his beer and sat back down.
Crap, did he say something about our kiss on the dock last night? She really didn’t need her friends to know how foolish she’d been.
“Last chance. You sure you got this? You’re not going to be bored and all staying by yourself with Will?” Madison turned from Darling and reached for her purse by the table at the front door.
“No. I’m fine. You and Link go have that nice dinner and get away from this little one for a while.” She turned to her other guest. “Ross, there’s live music usually playing at the Melody Bar and Grill right at the center of town. Just take the car keys from the hook by the door.” Darling bounced Will on her hip a bit and cooed into his ear, making funny faces. She was looking forward to having the baby to herself for a little while. Link and Madison gave him quick kisses, reassuring him they’d be back soon, and he barely fussed at all, merely grunted a “Ma-ma” as his parents went out the door.
“So what are you and the little squirt having for dinner?” Ross asked.
“I hadn’t really thought about that. I suppose I could make some chicken picata, and I’ve got fresh asparagus that would be wonderful.” Darling put the baby down on the floor and pushed his little wooden train on wheels closer to him to occupy his attention for a moment.
“Asparagus and chicken something? You ever feed a baby before?” He paused, putting his drink down. “Darlin’, babies don’t eat stuff like that.” Ross ran his hand through his hair, exasperation showing as he shook his head.
“Well, I’m sure I can find something. Besides how come you’re some kind of baby expert? You don’t even have kids.” Darling walked toward the open kitchen area and poked through the refrigerator.
“None I know about, anyway,” Ross quipped before adding, “Just kidding.” He followed her into the kitchen. “But I did practically raise my three younger brothers, and I can assure you when they get to this age, they don’t even have enough teeth to really be eating meats like that. You have to chop it up really fine. Or you just make something simple.” Ross began looking into the cabinets as if they were both on some sort of scavenger hunt.
“Don’t worry about it. I can whip up some nice baked macaroni and cheese for Will and I. Go on out and enjoy the action at the Melody. I’m sure it will be a lot more fun than hanging around watching Sponge Bob.” She reached for the corkscrew pasta and set a pan to fill with water.
“Well, how about I help you with the dinner thing since I need to eat and all. Besides, it’s a bit too early to hit the bar. I may not go out at all since I have a couple of books I’m skimming through.” Ross reached past her, gently brushing against her arm with his own as he turned on the rear gas burner, bringing small blue flames to life. Darling felt a little tingle of desire from the casual contact. She ripped the box open with more force than necessary, sending dried noodles clattering across the counter.
“You a little nervous in the kitchen there, Uptown?” he said with a knowing smirk.
Darling squared her shoulders and poured the macaroni into the pot of water. Damn cowboy. He knows his effect on women. She wished he would just get on with his night and leave her alone. She was much less crampy compared to this morning but still in a mood.
“I just need a little more room in here. I have to get the cheese melted and toast breaded for breadcrumbs.”
William toddled into the kitchen clapping his Legos together; the distraction seemed to stop Ross from whatever he looked about to say. He turned toward the little boy and gathered him up into his arms. “Little man, you’re quite the drummer. How about you and me get out of the little woman’s way and go practice together?” Baby Will slapped his Lego blocks faster as if excited by the upcoming music session. Ross carried him back to the couch only to return a moment later and grab a couple of old cast-iron pots from under the stove.
Darling grated the cheese and added it to a saucepan with some milk and set it on low. With the butter melting she was feeling more in control. Okay, it was Ross’ presence out of her kitchen that was letting her think straight. At least until the banging started. She glanced out toward the family room to see Ross and Will each beating on her grandma’s pots with drumsticks, Ross trying to teach the baby a simple rhythm with little success. It was too much noise, but at least the baby was laughing and not crying. And better still—Ross’ sexy self was not hovering around her, sending her hormones into double time.