I tried to wrap my mind around what his visit meant. Paul called me with instructions that made it clear what Stenton’s intentions were. The manner in which he informed—not requested—for me to welcome Eligia into my home and to my son, and to wear a piece of sexy lingerie that had been delivered first thing in the morning gave an indication of his intention to have Jordan cared for while we had other plans. Intimate ones. I didn’t know where the gesture had derived from, and even hesitated with going with the flow. However, I had to quickly get honest with myself about the loneliness I’d been plagued with and how I teetered on the edge of depression. As arcane as Stenton had been, he’d never been callous.
When I gaited into the living room where I heard voices, I saw Stenton’s long legs sprawled out on the floor, bouncing Jordan on his thigh. Those two were always a sight that swelled my heart.
“Hey, look who it is!” Stenton announced excitedly to Jordan. “Food!”
With a pleased smile, I smoothed my housecoat and sat on the sofa above them. “I expected to come out here to his fussing. It’s time for him to eat.”
Just then, Jordan started to cry for me. Stenton handed him over to my outstretched arms.
“I’ve been a successful distraction. I was trying to give you ten more minutes before we disturbed your much needed nap… Oh, wow. He’s ready,” Stenton observed as he watched me uncover my left breast to feed Jordan.
Jordan’s little hands reached up to grab me into his pouted mouth. He was beautiful. His need of me to eat was a phenomenon like none other. It strengthened our bond that much more. I glanced over to Stenton to find his eyes dark and heavy.
My nose wrinkled. “Does this arouse you?” I couldn’t believe the look in his eyes.
“Everything about your postpartum state seems to arouse me,” he informed hoarsely and I couldn’t miss his quizzical expression. I’d guessed that off fact surprised him, too.
I cocked my head to the side, stirring the pot. “What about my pre-postpartum state?”
Stenton snorted sexily, “That, too.” He was adorable when slightly embarrassed.
“Wonder where that will leave me when I’m done nursing.” I murmured that while peering down at Jordan.
I heard Stenton exhale. “I don’t imagine much changing. You’re a very attractive woman, Zoey.”
Not attractive enough for you to want more than friendship.
I didn’t speak those words out loud for fear of ruining what he’d been trying to accomplish by being there.
We sat in silence as Jordan fed himself into a sleepy stupor. He was just about done when Eligia appeared, gingerly waiting on him to finish with a cordial smile on her face. With her hand crossed in front of her, she informed at a comforting volume, “Lunch is ready. I can change Jordan and put him down for another nap when you’re done.”
Initially, I dithered. I was not accustomed to someone else caring for Jordan. Only family assisted with him, but they were limited due to our distance. Ruth stayed over last night because she was meeting friends here in the city, so she helped last night and that was a bit out of the norm. Stenton was extremely familiar with the care of Jordan, so when they had their time together, I pretty much stepped back, giving them their space.
When Jordan’s suction broke, I knew he was done. I wasn’t exactly empty, but realized since Stenton kept him busy for so long, the kid was exhausted. I chanced a glance over to Stenton, down on the floor to the right of me. He gave me a warm regard and I couldn’t be rude to his help after that. Besides, I was having second thoughts about having help.
I handed a dozing Jordan over to Eligia who thanked me after arranging him over her shoulder to burp and pacing to the back of the apartment.
“Time to eat,” Stenton announced cheerily, breaking my attention from my baby being hauled off. I couldn’t help but believe it was by design.
Just off the main area of the kitchen, next to the floor-to-ceiling window, was a table set for two. It smelled even better in closer proximity than it did permeating the apartment all afternoon. We sat down to eat.
“What’s this?” I asked, feeling my stomach growl. “Smells awesome.”
“Bacalao Encebollado,” Stenton curled his tongue around like a Caribbean native as he fixed his napkin on his lap. “Stewed cod fish, rice and beans, and plantains. Eligia said the fish will help with your breastfeeding. Something about the baby’s brain development.”