moved to Southern California, they’d taken up a lot of her time. Now that they were gone, she had plenty of time to date. She just didn’t.
Before she knew it, the day was gone, and Zane came waltzing into the shop. She smiled as he approached. Okay, help him find a stroller then that’s it. No more Zane Brody. It would never work anyway. Besides, what made Katie think he was so into me last night anyway?
“Howdy, Holls. You ready to do some shopping?”
Katie laughed from across the shop. “You have to ask?”
Zane smiled at her then winked at Holly. “It could be worse. We could be in New York. The shopping mecca of the world.”
Holly couldn’t help it, her eyes lit up. “Oh, boy, what I wouldn’t give to go shopping there!” She sighed. “Maybe one day.”
“I’ll take you.”
Her breath caught. “What?”
Zane nodded. “Sure, why not? I’ll take you shopping in Soho.”
Now her jaw dropped. “Soho?”
“It’s not something I’m into, but I know you’d love it.” He leaned closer. “They even have baby stores.”
Holly gasped. “Don’t tempt me!”
He laughed and stuck his hands in his pockets. “Are you ready?”
“Sure, we’re just about to lock up.” She pulled the box of baby clothes from beneath the counter. “I have something for Sophie.”
“Is this what you ordered?” he asked with a laugh. “I thought the box would be bigger.”
“Ha, ha,” she said. “Just because I shop for other people doesn’t mean I buy a ton of things. A few good pieces will do the trick. Would you like to see them?”
“Sure.”
She smiled, pulled out Sophie’s new dresses and held each one up for inspection. To her surprise, Zane loved them all. “I’m glad you like them.”
“My mother’s going to go crazy over these. But I guess you want to try them on Sophie first, right?”
“I don’t have to be the one. You can take them home and let your mom have her fun.”
“She’ll like that. They had a good time with her last night.”
She looked at him, saw the smile on his face and smiled back. “I’m happy things are working out for you, Zane.”
“I got over one hurdle, Holly. I still have more.”
“Her other grandparents?”
He nodded. “I hope they’re as accepting as my folks were. On the other hand, I don’t want them insisting Sophie would be better off with them than a single father.”
“Do you really think they’ll do that?”
He picked up the box of clothes. “I have no idea what they’re going to do. I’m running blind here.”
She gave him a sympathetic look, her heart going out to him. “Is it because of what Jillian told you about them?”
“Actions speak louder than words, Holls. Jillian never told them about Sophie, what does that say?”
“You’re right.” She grabbed her purse from under the counter. “I don’t envy you.”
He made a snorting sound. “That makes two of us.”
They waited for Katie to do a few last-minute things, locked up, then headed for Stone’s Department Store.
“How about we take my car?” Zane suggested.
“Works for me.” Holly followed him to his rental car and before she could make it to the passenger side, he had the door opened for her. “Wow, such a gentleman.”
He gave her a big smile. “What can I say? I was raised right.”
She looked into his eyes and nodded. “That’s very true.”
He blushed. “I should never have doubted my parents.” He leaned over the car door toward her. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help the last couple of days, Holly.”
“You’re welcome,” she said with a shrug. “Shall we go?”
He smiled, nodded, and waited for her to get into the car. After shutting the door, he went around to his side and got in. Holly watched him start the car and tried to ignore her racing heart. When he leaned over the door earlier, she could have sworn he was going to kiss her. But that was silly.
So why was her heart thundering in her chest and her stomach acting like it had a couple of trapeze artists in it putting on a show? Oh, great. Maybe she was more ready for a relationship than she thought. But having one with Zane Brody wouldn’t be the smartest thing. He came with a lot more than she could handle. Or could she?
Chapter Ten
Who knew shopping for a stroller could be so fun? Zane asked a lot of questions and Holly was happy to answer. Thank Heaven she’d had enough experience with Katie’s kids to be a