Oliver. She had to believe that. Really, it was the best scenario for him—a transition period where his new dad could become acquainted with parenting. They’d find a nanny, set up the nursery. In ten days, this sweet little boy would be given the best possible start at a new life. And she’d get back to hers in Boston, a simple and solitary existence with its own rewards, the most notable of which was the chance to pursue a career that didn’t leave her so open to heartbreak.
They stepped onto the elevator and Sarah closed her eyes to ward off her claustrophobia. Plus, every time she looked at Aiden, he got to her with his all-knowing gaze. No wonder the man had such a reputation with the ladies. Most women were probably too mesmerized by his penetrating stare to entertain a single lucid thought beyond, Of course, Aiden. Whatever you want, Aiden.
The elevator dinged, and John, loaded down with the bulk of the baby supplies, held the door for Sarah as she wheeled Oliver off the elevator. They entered a stunning foyer with glossy wood floors, an exotic carved console table and several colorful abstract paintings. Aiden followed with his laptop bag, Sarah’s suitcase and the teddy bear, which was a nice counterpoint to his tailored gray suit and midnight-blue tie.
“Where would you like these, Mr. Langford?” John asked.
“Just leave them here. I’m not entirely sure where everything is going yet.”
John did as instructed, neatly placing the bags on the table.
“Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate it,” Sarah said to John.
He turned and looked at her as if she had a unicorn horn sprouting from her forehead. “It’s my job, ma’am.”
“Well, we came with a lot of stuff. I’m sure Mr. Langford doesn’t normally make you lug stuffed animals and diaper bags.”
“I’m happy to do it. But thank you. For saying thank you.” He smiled warmly.
Aiden watched the back and forth. “That’s it for now, John. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.”
“I’ll be downstairs, Mr. Langford.” John stepped onto the elevator and the doors slid closed.
“He’s really nice,” Sarah said. “We talked quite a bit while we were figuring how to get the car seat into the SUV. He told me all about his wife and kids. Good guy.”
“Of course. A very good guy.” Everything in Aiden’s voice said that he didn’t know the first thing about his driver, and that it quite possibly had never occurred to him to ask.
“Now what?” Sarah wanted Aiden to take the lead. His house. His baby.
“Tell me why a baby needs a stuffed animal this large.”
Sarah shrugged, unsubtly peeking ahead at what she could see of the apartment, which seemed to stretch on for days. “Kids love to have things to snuggle with. And eventually, Oliver will be bigger than the bear.”
“Ah. I see.”
“You’ll learn.”
“I have a feeling I won’t have a choice.” Aiden leaned her small suitcase against the wall and propped the bear up on top of it. “And how did you get all of this onto a train, then off a train and into the city, all by yourself?”
“Let’s just say that I relied on the kindness of strangers. And I’m a very good tipper. I managed.”
“You’re resourceful. I’ll give you that much.”
Sarah went to get Oliver out of his stroller, but decided it was time to start the learning process. “Aiden. Here. You unbuckle him and get him out.”
“You sure? I don’t have the first clue what I’m doing.”
“You have to start somewhere.”
Aiden crouched down and Oliver messed with his hair while Aiden tried to decipher the maze of straps and buckles. Sarah watched, not wanting to interfere. Oliver was doing enough on his own, tugging on Aiden’s jacket and kicking him in the chest.
Aiden sat back on his haunches, raking his hair from his face. “Is he always like this? So full of energy and into everything?”
“Unless he’s asleep, yes. Now pick him up.”
Aiden threaded his massive hands under the baby’s tiny arms, lifting him as if he might break him if he went too fast, then holding Oliver awkwardly against his torso.
“Bend your arm and let him sit in the crook of your elbow.” Sarah shifted Oliver into position. She straightened Aiden’s suit coat while she was at it. She stood back and admired the change. The strong, strapping man holding her favorite baby on the planet was awfully sexy. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”
Oliver leaned toward Sarah, holding out his arms for her.
“I think he wants to be with you.”
Sarah had to be firm. “He’ll be fine. He needs to be with you. Let’s start the tour so we can start planning the nursery. He’ll stay in your arms if we’re busy and there are things to look at.”
Aiden blew out a breath and they strolled into the modern, open apartment. The space had very high ceilings and was decorated almost exclusively in white, black and gray. Everything was meticulous and neat, just like Aiden’s office at LangTel. He was in for a big wake-up call when Oliver took over and there were toys everywhere. Best not to mention that, though. He’d learn.
To her right was a massive gourmet kitchen with an eight-burner stove and seating for six at the center island. Beyond the kitchen, she could see a hint of a dining room tucked away, then a staircase, and beyond that a room with a sofa and the beautiful windows she’d noticed on the front of the building. As a nanny, Sarah had seen grand displays of money, but nothing that hinted at this level of affluence. Although she was no real estate agent, the house had to be at least five thousand square feet if the other floors were the same size. By comparison, her Boston apartment probably could’ve fit inside the kitchen. When Aiden had said he needed his space, he wasn’t kidding.
“The living room is at the front of the building, overlooking the park.”
“Beautiful. Absolutely stunning.” Sarah followed as Aiden led them in the opposite direction.
“This is the library.” He nodded to his right, where black, open-back bookcases delineated the room. The shelves were packed with books. “The room with the French doors at the back of the building is my home office.”
Aiden did a one-eighty and Sarah trailed behind him, past the dining room and stairs, to the living room. It was a grand and comfortable space with charcoal-gray sectional couches, a flat-screen TV above a stacked stone fireplace and a massive glass coffee table. “Another beautiful room.”
“Thank you.” He shifted Oliver in his arms, seeming ever-so-slightly more comfortable with holding him.
“Unfortunately, we’re going to need to babyproof in here like nobody’s business.”
“Why? What’s wrong with it?”
Sarah didn’t know where to start. “There
