“It was in the diaper bag.”
“Thank you.” My mind keeps telling me I’m letting this strange woman handle and now feed my son. However, my gut tells me she would never do him any harm. As long as I’m here with her until I get to know her better, it’s fine.
“I don’t mind. He’s such a good baby.”
“That’s what they tell me. I mean, I think he’s perfect, but I’m biased. I have nothing to go off of. I’ve never really spent much time around kids. Life in the military will do that to you.”
“Well, he’s an angel,” she says softly, not taking her eyes off my son.
“Have you had dinner?”
“Not yet.”
“My mom sent leftovers. I’ll heat you up a plate.” I need something to do besides stare at her holding my baby boy.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Trust me, and you’ll be thanking me once you taste it.” I busy myself heating her up a plate and set it on the table. “I can take him so you can eat.”
“You sure?”
I smile at her. “Yes. I’m sure. Thank you for helping with him.”
“It’s selfish, really. I get my baby fix.”
“You love kids, huh?”
“Yeah.” She smiles down at Milo, then transfers him to my arms. When she touches me, that same spark I felt earlier is present.
“You want any of your own?” I ask. Something passes in her eyes, but it’s gone before I can name it.
“Maybe one day.”
I want to pry, but it’s not my place. “Go eat. Enjoy.”
“Thank you, Colton.”
I force myself to watch Milo eat instead of watching her ass as it sways on her way to the kitchen. “One day at a time, little man. One day at a time,” I whisper, keeping my words a secret between father and son.
Chapter 4
Hollis
I should head back to my own side of the wall. I started a new design for a small finance company in Dallas and have plenty of work to do. Plus, there are a few of my own things to put away in my new place, including some secondhand dishes I picked up today. Not to mention the little bit of cleaning I want to do before my new bed arrives. So I have plenty to do and shouldn’t monopolize anymore of Colton’s time.
Yet, here I am, straightening up his dirty dishes and wiping down the countertop.
“You don’t have to do that.” He startles me, making me jump a mile high. “Sorry,” he adds with a chuckle. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
I turn around, my hand covering my heart. “No problem. I didn’t hear you come in.”
He takes a step closer and looks down at Milo. “Habit, I guess. I’m used to moving silently.”
“What branch of the military again?” I ask, even though I remember. I just like hearing the sound of his voice. It’s weird, considering I barely know him, but I find it soothing. Not to mention sexy as hell, but I’m ignoring that reason.
“Army. Enlisted when I was eighteen,” he says, bouncing his son on his hip. “Thought I was going to be in for life until this one came along.”
I smile down at the baby who’s trying to eat his hand. “He’s a pretty good reason to leave.”
“The best reason,” he agrees. “So, about what I mentioned earlier.”
I cross my arms and notice when his eyes drop to my chest. They divert quickly, but it was there nonetheless. That glance and the slight flare of his eyes. “You were saying?” I hedge, even though I know where this conversation is going.
Colton clears his throat. “Right. So, uh, anyway, I want you to take my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch. I insist.”
I stare across the kitchen at the man before me. He’s tall, muscular, and has a body built for your wildest dreams. A few years ago, I’d have taken him up on his offer to take the bed, and maybe even asked him to join me, but not now. Not since I gained my independence back. This is my life, to live the way I see fit, and if that means I sleep on the hard floor with only a few blankets to pad me, then so be it. I can do this my way, and don’t need his charity, despite it being appreciated. He’s clearly a gentleman, but I already know I have to turn him down.
Swallowing over the lump in my throat, I shake my head. “I appreciate the offer, Colton, but I can’t accept it. I won’t. I’ll be just fine until my bed comes.”
“Hollis, I can’t let you sleep on the floor.”
I take a step forward. “Let me ask you this. If I was a male roommate, would you be offering your bed to me?” He swallows hard. “That’s what I thought. I truly do appreciate it, but I’ll be okay. I’ve slept on the floor before, and it’s only temporary.”
He’s silent for a few seconds. “I don’t like it.”
Shrugging, I reply, “I guess it’s not really for you to like or dislike.”
Those blue eyes watch me. “I guess you’re right, but please know the offer stands.” Colton takes a step forward, almost invading my personal space.
Needing to break the tension, sexual and otherwise, I reach forward and slip my finger inside Milo’s hand. He tries to bring it to his mouth and gnaw on it, but I keep him from doing so by tickling his little Buddha belly. “Thank you. I do know the offer stands, and I appreciate it.”
Colton exhales and looks like he wants to argue with me, but instead, glances down at the boy in his arms. “I was just about to get Milo here in his bathtub. For someone so small, he sure makes a big mess,” he says, pointing to the big wet spot on his chest. I’m guessing formula… or possibly spit-up. Either way, I smile.
“I’m going to head back to my place. I have a site I’m working on,” I tell him. As I pry my fingers from Milo’s grasp, I throw his dad a wave and head to my door. “Thank you for dinner. Tell your mom they were the best enchiladas I’ve ever had,” I add, glancing at him over my shoulder.
“I’ll tell her,” he says with a small grin.
“Goodnight, Colton.”
“Night, Hollis.”
I shut the door behind me, flipping the lock into place. I double-check the outside door as well, though I did that earlier. Call it a habit, I guess. Flipping open the notepad on the counter, I check my list of upcoming purchases. Curtains to cover the miniblinds on the windows, a small bookshelf, a couch, and chair, though both may not fit. I add waffle maker and Crock-Pot to the list, two things I’d love to own again since I enjoy cooking. I cross off lamp as it was one of the few things I picked up today at the secondhand store, and toss the list back onto the counter. I have a long way to go before this place has that homey vibe, but I know I’ll get there. With each job I take, I’ll earn more money to buy the things on the list. It’ll take time, but that’s okay. The end result will be worth it.
In the bathroom, I get ready for bed. I pop out my contacts and place them carefully in the case. I don’t have that many pairs left, so I need to be cautious with the ones I have. After washing my face and moisturizing, I slip on warm, comfy pajamas, pull my hair up in a high ponytail, and return to my makeshift bed. I add an extra blanket to the padding and slip under the covers.