Had a rough time?

Jenny looked at him curiously, considerably heartened by the fact that he at least seemed sympathetic to Daisy’s situation.

That had to be a good thing. It would make him more likely to help when his lawyers confirmed her parentage.

‘If that’s what you want,’ she said, and he nodded, biting into the roll with a grunt of approval.

‘You’re a good cook.’

Not used to receiving praise, Jenny coloured and concentrated on Daisy. ‘Thank you.’

‘OK, here’s what we’re going to do.’ He finished the roll and reached for his coffee. ‘I can see that life must have been tough for you over the past six months and I’m willing to help you until we can find out who Daisy’s father is.’

Jenny opened her mouth to point out that she knew that it was him and then closed it again. She had no wish to antagonise him and he obviously had it all worked out.

There’d be time enough for him to take full responsibility when his lawyers found out the truth.

‘You can stay here until you find her father. Once we trace the guy I’ll get my lawyers to sort it all out so that you have decent financial support for Daisy.’

He obviously felt he was being extraordinarily generous and Jenny sighed.

‘It isn’t just about financial support, Dr Westerling.’

‘Alex,’ he prompted immediately, and she gave a brief smile.

‘Alex. It isn’t about money. Most of all I want Daisy to have a father. It’s really important for a little girl to know her daddy. I had such a great relationship with my dad when I was growing up. He was such an important part of my life. I don’t want Daisy to be denied that.’

Alex gave a humourless laugh. ‘Better find out what sort of person the father is before you commit Daisy to a relationship,’ he advised, his tone suddenly harsh. ‘If he’s anything like my father, she’d be better off on her own.’

Jenny looked at him, sensing his sudden tension. ‘Why? What was your father like?’

His expression was suddenly blank, all evidence of emotion gone. ‘I have no intention of discussing him with you. Just because I’m prepared to help you, it doesn’t mean I intend to start spilling my guts. Not my style.’

‘You prefer to drink and work and lose yourself in blonde women whose names you can’t remember,’ Jenny shot back, and then bit her lip. ‘Sorry.’

To her surprise Alex laughed, some of the tension leaving his broad shoulders. ‘Ouch. There you go again, forgetting your manners—but as it happens you’re absolutely right. Do you have a problem with that?’

Heart thumping, Jenny tried to look away but her eyes were trapped by the wicked gleam in his.

‘I—I just think there are b-better ways of relaxing,’ she stammered quickly, and he flashed her a smile that made her realise immediately why women fell into his bed so easily.

‘If you think that,’ he drawled softly, ‘then you’ve obviously never had really good sex.’