“Now you’re terrified that Keenan and I will trap you into a family. That you’ll wake up one morning and be Daddy, with a wife and a mortgage and a small boy who needs attention.”

“Yes. No. Something like that.” He was burying himself, he realized, and he suddenly didn’t know why. “I just want to make myself clear.”

“Oh, I think you have. Perfectly.” She rubbed her hands on her knees as she studied him. “You needn’t worry, Coop. I advertised for a tenant, not a father for my child, or a husband for myself. I slept with you because I wanted to, not because I thought I could lure you to the altar.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Frustrated, he dragged a hand through his hair. However well he’d planned this little scene, it was going all wrong. “I wanted you. I still do. But I know how badly you were let down before. I don’t want to hurt you, Zoe. Or the kid. I just don’t want you thinking I’d slide into the gap.”

The anger came back, one swift wave of it that reddened her vision. She was on her feet before either of them realized she’d moved. “Keenan and I don’t have a gap. We’re a family, as real and as complete and as full a family as any could be.” She jabbed the wrench at his chest. “Just because Daddy doesn’t make three doesn’t mean we’re less of a unit.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“I’ll tell you what you mean. You see a woman and a small boy and you think they’re just pining away for some big strong man to come along and fulfill them. Well, that’s bull. If I needed a man, I’d have one. And if I thought Keenan needed a father to make him happy, I’d find him one. And”—she continued, advancing and giving him another jab—“if you think you’re at the head of some fictional list, you’re wrong. Maybe I’m in love with you, but that’s not enough. It’s not just me, and it’s not just you. Keenan comes first. When and if I want a father for Keenan, he’ll be someone with compassion and patience, someone willing to adjust his life to make room for my son. So relax, Cooper. You’re in the clear.”

“I didn’t come here to fight with you.”

“Good, because I’m finished.”

He grabbed her arm before she could turn away. “I haven’t. I’m trying to be straight with you, Zoe. I care about you, okay? About both of you. I just don’t want it to get out of hand.”

“Out of whose hands?” she retorted. “Yours? Then that’s no problem, is it? Because you know how to hold on to everything inside, really tight. Just keep holding on to it, Coop. Don’t worry about me or about Keenan. We’ll be fine.” She jerked her arm free and sat again. Picking up the instruction sheet, she gave it her full attention.

Now why, he wondered, did he feel as though he’d just been rejected? Shaking his head, Coop took a step in retreat. “As long as we’re clear.”