Page 51 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
"I imagine not." His voice goes soft. "Do you… does he have any… I mean. Is there anyone who helps?"
Here it comes again.The question everyone asks. The judgment wrapped in concern.
"We're fine," I say evenly.
"I didn't mean—" Gunther stops. "I just thought. If you needed. Support."
"I don't."
Colum coughs. "Actually, I was thinking. Cecie, you've been running on fumes since opening the shop. What if Gunther watched Orry sometimes? Gave you a break?"
"What?" Gunther and I say simultaneously.
"You're neighbors. Gunther's schedule is flexible. Orry clearly likes him." Colum gestures at them. "Win-win."
"I don't need a babysitter," I say.
"Everyone needs breaks," Colum counters.
"I barely know Gunther."
"So get to know him." Colum grins. "Unless you'd rather hire a stranger off the internet."
I glare at him. He just keeps grinning.
Gunther bounces Orry again. "I wouldn't mind. Helping. If you wanted."
"You have a job."
"I have flexibility." He meets my eyes. "And I like him. Orry. He's...good."
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard.
Don't trust it.I learned that lesson sixteen months ago. Men say things. Make promises. Disappear before sunrise.
But Gunther's not disappearing. He's right here. Holding my son. Looking at me like he means it.
"Let me think about it," I hedge.
"Fair." Gunther shifts Orry to his other knee. "No pressure."
We eat in silence for a while. Colum makes cheerful commentary about plaza renovations and upcoming community events. I nod in the right places. Gunther stays quiet, focused on keeping Orry entertained.
He's surprisingly good at it. Makes silly faces. Lets Orry grab his glasses. Produces a pen from his pocket and lets Orry examine it like a treasure.
He's trying.The thought surfaces unbidden.He cares.
Or he's guilty. Or curious. Or just awkward around babies and doing his best. I need to know.
"Gunther." I keep my voice casual. "Weird question. Have we met before?"
He stills. "Before?"
"Before I moved here. Before the shop. Maybe...at that bar I mentioned?"
His jaw tightens. "I don't think so."
"You sure? Because sometimes I feel like—" I stop. Regroup. "You seem familiar."
