I take my time getting my son cleaned up before wrapping him in one of his infant towels that I just folded and put away this morning. From the bathroom, I head down the hall to his room and quickly get him in a fresh diaper and clean clothes. He’s smiling up at me, happy as can be.
“Your belly feeling better?” I ask. He coos and kicks his legs, which is a good enough answer for me. “All right, bud, time to do this.” I lift him into my arms, and we head back toward the living room. I stop when I see Chase carrying two totes and Hollis behind him wheeling two suitcases.
“Thank you for your help, Chase.”
“No problem. My nephew has bad timing.”
“Maybe I should go see if he needs help,” Gabby speaks up.
“He can handle it.”
“All better,” I state and the three of them turn to look at me.
“Come here, you little stinker.” Gabby takes Milo from my arms and snuggles him close. “Aunt Gabby missed you.”
“This is the last of it,” Chase tells me.
“The room’s great. Thank you,” Hollis adds.
I open my mouth to tell her to leave, and nothing happens. It’s like I forgot how to speak. I try again and still nothing. What the hell is wrong with me? She has to go. I can’t live with her. Nope. I thought she was male. Someone I can have a few beers with, maybe watch the game. I can’t with her. What if I want to bring someone home? How awkward would that be having a female roommate? Even as my mind ticks off reasons, I can’t form the words. I can’t tell her to leave.
“So, Hollis. We were just about to order some pizza. You in?” Chase asks.
“I don’t want to impose.”
“Not at all. That will give us all a chance to get to know one another. Chase and I are here a lot, or Colt and Milo are at our place, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”
“Sure. I’ll eat anything. Give me a few minutes to freshen up from the drive, and I’ll be right back.” I watch her as she disappears through the small hallway off the living room that leads to her room. I don’t take a full breath until I hear her bedroom door close.
I feel a hand on my shoulder, followed by a tight squeeze. “You all right, brother?” Chase laughs.
“Hollis. I thought she was a man.”
“Did you not look at her background check?”
“I did. It was clear. I didn’t read the gender section. I just wanted to make sure the guy wasn’t a criminal.”
“Woman,” he corrects me.
“Fuck me.”
His laughter rings in my ears. This should be interesting.
Chapter 2
Hollis
Deep breath.
And try not to stare at my new landlord’s ass.
That’s proving to be a much harder task the longer he’s in my presence. I’ve been around plenty of guys in my life, but none that make my heart hammer in my chest like a steel drum and tempts me to spill all of my secrets. Heaven knows that’s not happening. Not today. Not ever. My instant attraction to Colton Callahan is the exact reason why I should pack back up my measly belongings and head for another location.
Though, I’ve always heard about this town. Fair Lakes, in the heart of Missouri. With its humid summers and its blustery winters. My grandma grew up here, so I heard all about the small midwestern town that she called home for nearly two decades until she met my grandpa and moved with his military career. I’ve heard enough of her stories though. How this town was built around the large lakes. How everyone greets you when you pass on the sidewalk. How they host festivals in the town square. Of course, I’m certain the town has changed in the last five decades since she left.
I’m locked in my little studio apartment—in-law suite, I believe is what they call it—and trying to dig out a fresh sweatshirt to throw on. I could really use a shower, but my bath products are still packed away in one of my boxes, and that’s not something I want to tackle right now. My stomach growls, reminding me it’s been a while since I gave it food. That’s probably why I actually said yes to their pizza offer. It was my stomach talking and not logical sense. The logical part of my brain would have declined their offer for food and would already be through the first box of belongings. But here I am, washing my hands and getting ready to share a pizza with my landlord, his brother, and sister-in-law, and apparently, his baby boy.
Of course I’d find the one guy who clearly has his hands full, right? Hell, he probably has a girlfriend, or worse, a wife. Then I’ll meet her, like her, and feel guilty for staring at her husband’s ass every chance I got. Though, this house clearly doesn’t have a woman’s touch—at least not yet. In fact, there’s not much of a touch at all. The outside needs a little landscape help and a good grass trimming before the hard winter hits. The shutters are a faded green, and the wooden steps creaked a little with each step we took. I’d probably call it a fixer-upper, which isn’t far off from his description in the ad I found.
Actually, this place is exactly how I envisioned it, which is how he described it. I was shocked, and maybe a little thankful, he answered my email so quickly. He just purchased this place and had the space to rent to a single occupant. The in-law suite features its own entrance, which will come in handy for maintaining privacy. I can keep to myself and come and go as I please. Of course, I’m already 0-1 in the whole keep-to-myself bit. I’m sure enjoying pizza and maybe a few drinks don’t fall under the loner category. How are you supposed to blend in and make everyone forget you when the first person you meet, your tongue is hanging out like a horny dog, and you jump at the opportunity to spend just a little more time with him?
You’re doing a swell job there, Hollis.
Sighing, I wipe my wet hands on a paper towel by the sink and glance around my new space. It’s small—very small—but practical. All I need is a little space to work from my laptop, a place to rest my head, and a kitchen to cook some food. I have all of that. Well, minus the resting of the head part. I have no furniture yet, which I hope to rectify in the morning with a trip to a local secondhand store I found in my online search of the area. Until then, I’ll take my blankets and pillow and make a nice bed on the floor. It’ll be like camping, only better. Fewer bugs and bears.
Laughter spills through the closed door. I’m sure the reason it echoes is that my place is empty, right? Add in a few pieces of practical furniture, and I’m sure I’ll barely know I have roommates so close. The baby cries loudly, and I can’t help but wonder what I got myself into. I’ve never been around a baby before. He didn’t say anything about a baby in the ad, but I guess that’s not a deal breaker. It’s not like I’m here to care for the little guy, right?
That’s right, Hollis. You’re just renting a room. This isn’t your family or problem to deal with.
Deciding I’ve been gone long enough, I open the door and step into Colton’s space. My entrance is off the laundry room, right next to where the washer and dryer are positioned. The ad mentioned a communal laundry room for both him and myself, as well as the back exit. I take a quick peek at the backyard and am surprised by the size. It’s large, with several old trees that will provide plenty of shade in the summer. It needs a good mowing and trim job, but I can see why a man with a young son would want a yard like this one.