Caitlyn and the Alien Protector (Intergalactic Brides 7) by Jessica Coulter Smith

decision and purchased her new laptop. She’d also picked out an all-in-one printer, a cooling mat, and a stationary mouse. Cosmir nearly winced when he saw her total, but she pulled out a card and handed it over without a qualm. He hadn’t realized how much something like that would cost. He had a computer at home, but it had been given to him when he’d arrived on Earth. Any Terrans who were making Earth their home for any length of time had the option of getting a laptop and cell phone. Only a few took advantage of it.
    Cosmir took her bags and walked beside her to the parking lot as Caitlyn pushed Katy in the stroller. As he loaded everything into the back, Caitlyn put Katy in her car seat and folded the stroller. She seemed at ease around his daughter and did a good job with her. He wondered what kind of experience she had with children, and if she might be interested in taking on a more permanent role. Not that he’d really thought of dating anyone seriously until recently, but now that he was, he definitely had to add “mother” to the list of attributes he was seeking. Katy needed someone who would be good with her, and so far that seemed to be Caitlyn.
    “She likes you,” Cosmir said as he slid behind the wheel.
    “I haven’t been around a lot of kids, but I did babysit some when I was a teenager. I was a little nervous pushing her through the store, thinking I’d bump her into a display or something.”
    Cosmir laughed. “I’ve done that a few times already. Katy just giggles.”
    “She’s a good girl.”
    Cosmir nodded his agreement. He wanted to spend more time with Caitlyn, but he wasn’t sure if she’d want to go eat with them or not. When he’d brought up the restaurant, she hadn’t really commented on it. Now that she had her new computer, he figured she wanted to go home and get everything set up so she could get to work.
    “I can take you home so you can play with your new toys,” he told her. “Or you can get something to eat with us. My treat.”
    She smiled sadly. “If only I were going home. Don’t get me wrong. It was great of Jake to let me stay with him until my insurance money comes through, but I can’t stay with him forever and it could be another week or two before I get the money. I’m ready for my own place now.”
    Cosmir rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure your job keeps you busy, too busy to deal with a toddler, but I have a third bedroom. I was thinking about saving it for a nanny. Not that I need someone full-time, but Katy needs someone to stay with her the days I work. Right now, an elderly neighbor is watching her, but Mrs. Simpkins can’t do that indefinitely.”
    “Are you asking me to be your nanny?” She smiled. “That’s a first.”
    “I know it’s not what you do for a living, but I just thought since you needed a place to stay and I needed someone to watch Katy, maybe we could help each other out. I could let you stay rent-free as long as you helped with Katy. The days I’m off, I don’t expect you to do anything. We don’t even have to call you the nanny. You can just be a friend helping out.”
    Caitlyn tipped her head to the side and studied him. He wasn’t sure if she was actually considering it or trying to find a way to let him down easy. It was stupid to even bring it up, but he would rest easier knowing Katy had someone watching over her who seemed to actually like her. Not that Mrs. Simpkins didn’t like his daughter, but she always complained about Katy touching her knickknacks or spilling food on her kitchen floor during mealtimes. Katy needed space to be a child and he had a feeling that Caitlyn would give her that room and yet watch over her and protect her.
    “If I say yes, how soon could I move in?” she asked.
    His heart leapt as he realized she was seriously thinking about the offer. He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face and in the backseat Katy clapped her hands.
    “Tonight too soon?” he