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

marry? Give Katy a mom?”
    “I’d like to, but I’m not sure who would want us. Whoever marries me would have to understand that I’m gone days at a time and she would have Katy to herself. And while I want other children in the future, I want more time with just Katy. I missed the first few years of her life and I want time to adjust to being a dad before I add more to the family.”
    “That makes sense. I’m sure there are hundreds of women out there who would love the opportunity to be part of your life and a part of Katy’s.”
    Yes, he supposed that was possible, but the one who interested him the most was sitting across from him. Her eyes held humor and an honesty he hadn’t seen in many humans’ gazes. And her gentle touch and patience with Katy made him believe that she would be a good mother. Not that today had been a test by any means. When he’d offered to take her shopping, it had never crossed his mind to offer her a place to live in exchange for watching Katy. The way his heart pounded when she was near was a little confusing, a feeling he’d never felt before. And he couldn’t look at her for very long without his gaze dropping to her delectable lips and wondering when he might share another kiss with her. With any luck, the more time she spent with Katy and him, the easier it would be to convince her it should be a permanent arrangement.
    “There isn’t a boyfriend who will be upset that you’re moving in with me?” he asked, quite curious about her love life. More specifically, if she had one.
    “No boyfriend. I had a fiancé until a year ago.”
    “Things didn’t work out?” he asked.
    “He died.”
    Cosmir reached for her hand. “I’m sorry. If I had known, I wouldn’t have brought it up.”
    “It doesn’t hurt as much anymore. I knew when I agreed to marry him that I ran the risk of losing him to his job. It didn’t make things any easier when it happened, but I’ve moved on now. I’ve started dating again, and maybe one day I’ll be ready for a long-term relationship.”
    In other words, she was off limits. It figured the one woman who had truly captured his attention didn’t want anything permanent. And just what kind of job had the man had that it risked his life? Oh hell. Please don’t say fireman .
    “What did he do for a living?”
    She smiled sadly. “He fought fires, like you.”
    Fuck . Well, there went his shot at convincing her to give him a chance. If she’d lost one fireman in the line of duty, how likely was it that she’d risk being with another one?

Chapter Six
     
    Caitlyn folded her arms over her chest and stared her brother down. “I’m moving out and that’s final. Cosmir has offered me a position as his live-in nanny. He said I didn’t even have to be the nanny but could just be a friend helping out.”
    “You mean he wants you to spend more time with him.”
    “Aren’t you the one always telling me I should date more?” she asked.
    “Date, yes. Move in? I just think you’re going a little too fast. Cosmir is a great guy, and I have no problem with the two of you dating, but I think you need to slow down a little. Today is the first day you’ve spent any time with him and suddenly you’re moving in? That’s insane, Caitlyn.”
    “I’m not shacking up with him as his girlfriend. He’s giving me a place to stay rent free and in exchange I’m watching Caitlyn on the days he’s at work. It’s mutually beneficial.”
    Jake looked skeptical.
    “I mean it. Besides, you know I don’t want to date another fireman.” Caitlyn huffed. “Does it matter anyway? I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”
    Jake held up his hands. “You’re right. And like I said, Cosmir is a great guy. I guess if you’re going to move in with someone, it’s better that it’s him than any of those losers you’ve been dating.”
    Caitlyn rolled her eyes, picked up her bag of clothes, and gave her brother a little salute before heading out the front