Page 45 of Sterling Heat

“I doubt there is any rush to find a man,” Vale states, watching me. “Enya isn’t in an emotional place for another addition to her life. Adara is going to take all her time and energy.”

That’s right. Enya is only focused on her baby. She isn’t looking for a man in her life. She doesn’t need one. She has me.

For now.

Chapter 14

[Enya]

While Sebastian was at his family dinner, I took time before heading to the hospital to do some laundry and restock his refrigerator. He hadn’t accepted any money for the previous groceries he’d bought and after two weeks of staying with him, items had dwindled enough that his fridge resembled my former one. I wasn’t much of a cook and being out on the road for work, I’d often skip a meal or order something quick from any place local. Having homecooked meals has been a treat.

Sebastian truly spoils me. He’s unintentionally burrowing into my heart with all he’s done for me. But a woman can only handle so much rejection before she takes the hint. After blatantly asking him to kiss me the other night, and his refusal, it couldn’t be more obvious how Sebastian feels about me. I need to leave sooner rather than later for self-preservation.

I know me. I’ll grow attached and complacent, and I don’t want either to happen. Actually, I appreciate that he didn’t kiss me, admitting he couldn’t handle it, if it didn’t lead to more. That makes him honest that he’s only interested in sex. He’s a virile man, and my body wasn’t ready yet. My heart isn’t either. He’d spared us both.

The curtain to Adara’s pod whips open and Sebastian freezes, eyes lowered to my chest where I’m nursing her. “Sorry, I—” His voice cracks.

I’ve been alternating between nursing and bottle feeding, although the nurses told me not to be discouraged if Adara rejects nursing completely. My little wonder is already in a confused state, having left my body early. My only concern is she gets the nutrients she needs to help her grow. Thankfully, we’re balancing between both methods, at least for a little while.

Breast feeding is one of nature’s greatest gifts and a miracle of the female body. We can feed our young. I’m not ashamed.

Still, Sebastian’s cheeks are bright red when he turns his face to the side. His Adam’s apple bobs along his throat. He has a sexy throat which is a weird thought, but one I can’t neglect.

“Just let me . . .” I struggle to reach a blanket draped over the side of Adara’s bassinet. With the movement, she pops off me and Sebastian has a clear view of my swollen breast and wet nipple, if he was looking. Which he isn’t. Instead, he’s still as a rock, clutching the edge of the curtain like he’s ready to tear it down, or the flimsy material is holding him upright.

I fix my bra and adjust my shirt, then lift Adara for snuggle time. She needs to be vertical for fifteen minutes to help with her digestion.

“We’re covered now.”

Sebastian slowly turns his head. His fingers cautiously release the curtain as if he’s afraid to let it go. His warm eyes soften when he gazes down at Adara on my chest.

“How was your family day?”

His head snaps upward, eyes meeting mine before he swipes a hand down his face. “Long.” He quickly finds a chair to pull up near me. His gaze drops to Adara again. “My brother plays baseball for the Chicago Anchors, and they had a game today. I was talked into staying to watch.”

He has a brother who is the sheriff. One who owns Sylver Seed and Soil. Another who is an accountant. Vale is his sister.

“How did I not know this and who am I missing?”

Sebastian looks at me, pulling his gaze from Adara. “What do you mean, who are you missing?”

“You told me there are seven of you and I’m missing someone.”

“Stone, Clay, Judd, Knox, Ford, me, and Vale.”

“Knox. I haven’t heard of him. Is he the baseball player?”

“He’s a bricklayer. He was in the military for a bit and now he’s a local fireman. He said he laid the patio at your new place.”

“Ah.”

I can’t say I know everyone who worked on my home. I’d given the contractor full liberty, which I’ve come to regret. A recent inspection told me the shower basin won’t drain properly because of the faulty tile work and the sink in the powder room is off-center. The contractor tried to convince me it was an optical illusion. I wasn’t convinced and found a new tile installer for assistance.

Mentioning my place gives me the opening I need. “Speaking of my house, it’s ready for me to move in.” Not completely true, but close enough. All the mechanicals function, but I’m still waiting on my office window, closet organizers, and some trim work. Once I move in, I’m hopeful my daily presence will speed up the final touches. The project has taken long enough. Checks have been written. I’ll manage the remaining to-do list on my own.

“Really?”

“I’m moving in on Tuesday.” That’s in two days and my heart flutters. I’m moving into my new home. I’m leaving Sebastian’s. Emotions conflict inside me.