“I can get him if you want?” she offers.
“That’s all right. You didn’t move here to babysit,” I say, trying to quickly rinse the soap off my hands and dry them to go see what’s up with my son.
“Colton.” Her hand on my arm, against my bare skin, stops my movements. “I don’t mind. I love babies. Let me help. That’s the least I can do for you making me breakfast.”
“I woke you up,” I say as Milo’s screeches have turned into all-out wails. “He never cries, not unless he needs something.” I reach for the kitchen towel, but she’s already on the move to the swing and has him in her arms.
“What’s the matter?” she coos softly to Milo. His cries instantly stop as he stares up at her. “Oh, I think I know,” she says, wrinkling up her nose. “Daddy, I think we have a dirty-diaper situation.”
He’s mesmerized by her. I guess what they say is true, like father like son. “Come here, buddy,” I say, taking him from her arms. My hand brushes hers and a current sparks between us. I pretend like I don’t feel it and keep my attention on Milo. “Let’s get you cleaned up,” I tell him before looking up at Hollis. “Thank you. I’m just going to go change him.”
“Thank you for breakfast.”
“Anytime,” I call over my shoulder. I don’t stick around to stare into those green eyes of hers. I could easily get lost, and that has bad idea written all over it. A quick diaper change that has me gagging and a change of clothes, and Milo is ready for his day. I had planned on staying home, but I need to get out. Maybe we’ll go visit Mom and Dad, or Chase and Gabby. Hell, I don’t know, just a stroll to the park?
“Hey,” Hollis says, smiling. “All better?” she asks as she closes the cabinet door.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I tell her when I see that she has dried and put away all the dishes. “The dishwasher is broken, so that’s on my list to fix or replace.”
“You cooked. That’s the least that I could do.”
“Hey, I’m thinking about running to my parents’ place. You have my number, right? In case you need me to haul anything for you?” I definitely need to get out of the house. It will do Milo and me both some good.
She nods. “Yes, but I don’t think I’ll need you.”
Why does the thought of her not needing me, bother me? “Well, if you do, don’t hesitate.” I look down at my son. “I’m going to grab his swing and try to grab a quick shower.”
“Colton?”
I turn to look at her. “Yeah?”
“I can watch him for you. I don’t mind.”
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary.”
“It’s early on Sunday. None of the stores are open for a couple of hours. I’m up. Let me help you. I can’t imagine how hard it is caring for an infant all on your own.”
“He makes my life better.” I’m not just blowing smoke up her ass. I can’t imagine my life without my son. He’s given me something to come home for, a reason to stay.
Her eyes soften at my words. “He’s a sweet baby. Now, hand him over.” She holds out her arms, and I hesitate. Already, I’m crossing the lines, and they’re starting to blur. She was supposed to be a male tenant who I never saw or heard. She’s anything but, and when I can’t see her, I can still feel her presence. I should see if Mom and Dad can keep him next weekend. I need to go out. I need to get laid. That’s what this is. It’s what it has to be. It’s been too long.
“Colton, hand me the bundle of cuteness.” She wiggles her fingers as she holds her arms out, still waiting for my son.
“I’ll be fast.” I take one small step and then another, and another until I’m standing close enough to transfer Milo into her arms.
“Take your time. I’m sure a long shower is a rarity for you these days.”
“It is. Thanks, Hollis.” She settles on the couch and sits Milo on her lap, facing her. She makes faces at him and talks softly. Seeing he’s in good hands, I rush down the hall to my room. I strip out of my clothes and step into the shower before the water has even had a chance to heat up. It’s a jolt to my system but does nothing to quell the ache in my balls as my cock grows hard.
Hollis.
Bracing my hands on the wall, I tilt my head forward, letting the now steaming hot water rain down on me. I close my eyes, and hers are all I see. Green eyes, dark hair, and a body made for a man’s hands. My hands. My mind wanders to what it would feel like to trace every curve, to palm her breasts, testing their weight.