Christmas Secrets. Barbara Dunlop

the number was Destiny’s.

      She moved into the hallway, and Zachary’s cries increased behind her.

      “Hi,” she said into the phone.

      “How’re you doing?”

      “Not great.”

      “Is that Zachary?”

      Amber leaned against the wall of the hallway, sliding down to sit on the plush carpet. “He doesn’t want to settle.”

      “I’m sorry.”

      “Not your fault. Not even his fault. Honestly, I feel like sobbing right along with him.”

      “Luca said you saw Cole today?”

      Amber knew she should remember his annoying behavior, her anger and his new set of lies. But instead she remembered his touch, his voice and those now-familiar gray eyes.

      “At the kids’ party,” she answered Destiny. “Wait, when did you see Luca?”

      “Earlier tonight.”

      “Why?” What was going on?

      “Nothing’s going on. I like Luca, Amber. I’m not giving him any information. He’s not even trying to ask. We both know we have to be circumspect.”

      Amber clunked her head back against the cool wall. “I’m sorry. You’re entitled to a personal life.”

      “He did say something, though.”

      “What’s that?”

      “He said that by not helping Cole, you’re de facto helping Roth.”

      Amber gave a slightly hysterical laugh. “I thought you were going to say something much more personal. Like you had beautiful eyes or he wanted to see you naked.”

      “Oh, he definitely wants to see me naked.”

      Amber firmly pushed her own problems away. “You should let him.”

      “Excuse me?”

      “You want to. I can hear it in your voice.”

      “There’s nothing in my voice that says—”

      “Go for it. Your celibacy won’t help me. In fact, it’ll probably distract you from helping me.”

      “You want me to have a one-night stand?”

      “I had one.” The memories rose one by one in Amber’s mind.

      Into the silence, Destiny’s tone turned reflective. “You think you’re the better for it?”

      “Not at all. But I’m stuck in the middle of a preposterous circumstance. You’ll be fine.”

      “You want some company? Need some reinforcements?”

      “You don’t need to come all the way over here.”

      Not that Amber wouldn’t welcome the support. Maybe Destiny could take a turn holding Zachary. He was still crying, and it was all but impossible to steel herself against his sadness.

      “I’m five minutes away,” said Destiny.

      “You are?”

      “Just left a meeting at Bacharat’s. You know, that private lawyers’ club? You’re on my route home.”

      “Then, yes, sure. Stop by.”

      “Sounds good. It might take me a few minutes to park.”

      “See you then.” Amber disconnected the call.

      Feeling a bit lighter, she headed back into Zachary’s bedroom. He had pulled up on his feet and was gripping the top of the crib rail. His cheeks were flushed red and damp with tears.

      “Oh, sweetheart,” she said out loud, lifting him into her arms. “How can I help?”

      He cried harder.

      She racked her brain. “What about some music? Want to watch videos?”

      Zachary seemed to have a fondness for country and western, especially the drawling male singers.

      With no better ideas, she carried him to the living room and tuned in the country station. It didn’t fix the problem, but at least it gave something to blend with his cries.

      Then the knock came on her door.

      “I know you’re too young to understand,” she said to Zachary as they crossed the living room, “but my arms are about to get a rest, and that’s a very good thing.”

      She swung open the door.

      Cole stood in front of her, Otis at his heels.

      She was stunned. “You’re supposed to be Destiny.”

      “I saw her in the lobby.”

      At the sound of Cole’s voice, Zachary swung around.

      “She said she’d give me ten minutes,” said Cole.

      “Destiny sent you up?” Amber didn’t want to believe it.

      Zachary reached for Cole.

      “You want me to take him?”

      Amber caved. “She’ll be up in ten minutes?”

      Cole cracked a smile. “I bet he’s asleep by then. He looks exhausted.”

      Amber was weak. In fact, she was defeated. “He’s the one and only reason I’ll let you in.”

      “I’ll take it.” Cole gathered Zachary against his shoulder and moved into the foyer.

      “What’s goin’ on here, partner?” Cole rumbled.

      Zachary laid his head onto Cole’s shoulder and his cries turned to shuddering breaths.

      She couldn’t resist. She smoothed the sweat from Zachary’s forehead, brushing her fingers across his downy, fine hair. “Poor little guy.”

      “You’re very patient,” said Cole.

      “Not always.”

      There were times when she couldn’t help feeling frustrated and resentful. She was doing everything she could for Zachary, but it wasn’t enough. Sometimes she thought he was being miserable just to make her jump through hoops. But in her saner moments, she knew he was far too young to be manipulative.

      “You need to do anything?” he asked her as they walked to the living room. “Hungry, thirsty?”

      “Don’t be nice.”

      A smirk appeared on his face. “Okay.”

      “You know what I mean. Don’t try to ingratiate yourself by helping me with Zachary. It won’t work.”

      Otis picked a spot beside an armchair and flopped down.

      “Then do you think you could whip something up for me?” asked Cole. “Maybe a dry martini and a few hors d’oeuvres?”

      “Shut up and mind the baby.”

      Cole grinned. “He’s doing fine.”

      “I hate that you can do that, you know.” It wasn’t fair at all.

      “Accident of genetics.” Cole lowered himself into an armchair.

      It was yet another thing that ticked her off. When she was soothing Zachary, she couldn’t sit down. She had to stand and sway or he’d cry his head off.

      “This whole thing is an accident of genetics,” Cole repeated.

      “You want some hot cocoa?” she asked. She couldn’t help remembering the last time they’d shared that particular beverage, but she needed something soothing right now.

      “I