by Kaylee Ryan
“Which gym?” Chase asks, hanging on our every word.
“Family Fitness.”
Chase whistles low and gives an appreciative nod. “They’re everywhere. That’s a pretty big corporation. You must be pretty good.”
I just shrug. I’ve done a lot of websites for a lot of companies. I love creating, giving them their own unique space to sell their product or services, to tell a story about their business, or even create a place of togetherness and solace, and many of them have come back for updates or redesigns. I’ve come a long way in the last few years, slowly but surely building a name for myself, site by site.
“I’m the office manager, and I’d like to talk to you soon about a possible design,” Gabby says. “Do you have a card or something? I mean, it’s not like I don’t know where you live or anything, but it might be easier to give you a quick buzz than just stopping by unannounced.”
“Yeah, I’ll leave you my card. It has my cell and email on it.”
“Awesome,” Gabby says, a wide smile on her face. She turns to Colton and adds, “This might be a great way to start promoting your new classes.”
Colton lifts his shoulders. “Whatever you think, Gabs.”
She rolls her eyes and turns back my way. “Colton is our newest trainer, and he’s starting a self-defense class for women. We’ve already had about ten ladies sign up at the gym.”
“That’s probably because he’s a Callahan,” Chase adds with a smile. “It’s a curse.”
Gabby snorts and rolls her eyes. “Be careful or you’ll trip over that ego.”
“The only thing I trip over is my large—”
“Stop talking right now, Callahan,” Gabby interrupts, holding her hand up in the universal stop sign.
“No shit, Teeny,” Colton mumbles, eating a little food, while still entertaining his son.
“Teeny? What the f—hell? I was defending you, and now you’re jumping on her side?” he says to his brother. I can’t help but smile at their goodhearted banter. You can tell the brothers are close.
“First off, she writes my paycheck,” Colton replies.
“So? I never told Dad about the Penthouse magazine I found hidden in your room when you were thirteen,” Chase says, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Now it’s Colton’s turn to roll his eyes. “That’s because you were looking too. Don’t pretend you weren’t.”
“True. But… bro code.”
“Which brings me to my second reason as to why I’m on her side,” Colton says, kicking back and leaning against the wall, his legs extended in front of him and crossed at the ankles.
“Which is?”
“She’s way hotter than you are.”
Chase growls at his brother and throws a balled-up napkin. “Whatever, dude. I mean, yes, she is totally hot. The hottest. Right, Milo? Auntie Gabrielle is a fucking knock-out and gets Uncle Chase’s pee-pee hard all the time,” Chase says as he crouches down and swipes his nephew off the floor. Milo kicks happily and nestles into Chase’s arm, his little eyes hanging on his uncle’s every word.
“Don’t talk about your pee-pee in front of my son, Teeny.”
Chase, ignoring the comment from his brother, looks down at the baby and says, “Daddy knows it’s not teeny. In fact, it’s pretty big. Right, Aunt Gabby?”
“You two are too much. Hollis, you want to join me in the kitchen and get away from all this testosterone? We can discuss the website a little more,” Gabby says, standing up and heading to the kitchen space. The moment we’re away from the guys, she turns and says, “Sorry about that. They get a little silly sometimes. Colton was in the military for a long time, and I think they’ve missed each other. Now they’re back together, it’s like they have to catch up on all their brotherly jabs and tormenting. It’s comical, but I don’t want to encourage them,” she says with a smile.
Tossing my plate in the trash, I ask, “So, he was in the military?”
“Like twelve years. He only recently took an honorable discharge because he found out about Milo.”
I yawn and glance at the clock. It’s still fairly early, but I’ve been driving most of the day. My body is starting to scream for a shower and a soft place to crash. Though, thinking about the blankets on the floor, I might have to ease up on what constitutes as soft. “He didn’t know about him before he was born?” I ask, yawning a second time.
Gabby shakes her head. “Nope. It’s a big dramatic mess. One-night stand shows up at Chase’s doorstep and leaves a baby, assuming Chase is the one she slept with. Turns out, a paternity test proves he’s not Chase’s, but Colton’s. Colt happened to be home for a visit after we found out, so Chase told him the truth. Colt didn’t reenlist. The moment he found out Milo was his son, he quit the Army to take care of him.”
“Wow, that’s good. And the mom?”
Gabby rolls her eyes. “She was young. I might not understand her position, but I appreciate her doing the right thing. She signed over her rights and gave Colt full custody.”
“That’s crazy,” I reply through another yawn. “I’m so sorry. It’s been a long day for me.”
“Why don’t you go get some sleep? It’s about time for Milo’s bedtime anyway, so we should head out. I’ll let you get settled and give you a call mid-week if that’s okay with you? I really want to redo our website, and I think you’re just the girl to get the job done.”
I preen a little at the compliment. “Thank you. I’d love to work with you.”
“Good, because I’m sure we’re going to be seeing each other a lot,” she adds with a smile. “I’ll get your number from Colton, okay? Nice to meet you, Hollis.”
“Nice to meet you too. Thank you for the pizza.”
“You’re very welcome. I look forward to getting to know you,” she says as she heads back to the living room.
I’m not really sure if I should go back in and say goodnight or just head back to my room. I guess I could pop my head in the doorway and wave. Then, I’m still being friendly and considerate while not completely engaging in their conversation.
Before I make it to the doorway, Colton comes around the corner and almost runs into me. “Oh, shit. Sorry,” he says, reaching out and steadying me.
The moment his fingers graze my skin, electrical current soars through my body. “It’s okay,” I mumble, taking a step back and out of his grasp. His eyes seem almost… disappointed when I break our connection. “I was just going to bed.”
He nods, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Okay. I’ll install that lock on the door tomorrow. It’s not that I don’t trust you with my house,” he starts, but I cut him off.
“It’s fine. You don’t know me,” I reiterate. “I’d do the same if I were in your shoes. I mean, you have a son to think about.”
He nods. “Yeah. I was going to put a lock on this side of the laundry room door. This way, it gives me privacy when I’m in here. I checked out the lock on the inside of the in-law suite before you got here. It’s a good lock, so you’ll be able to keep your privacy there when I’m in the laundry room.”
“It creates boundaries. I get it.”
“Okay,” he says, staring down at me. At five three, I’ve always been on the shorter side of average, but when I’m standing in front of Colton, I feel tiny. He’s easily six one or six two, with big broad shoulders and a tattoo on his left arm that peeks out beneath his shirt sleeve. I can’t tell what it is, and I have to keep my hands to myself, so I don’t grab the shirt and take a look. “Well, goodnight.”
“Night, Colton,” I say, heading to my door. “Oh, and thank you again for renting this place to me. I know you were expecting a man, but I appreciate you giving me a chance.”
His blue eyes follow my movement. “You’re welcome. Everything happens for a reason, right?”
I nod, throw him a quick wave, and disappear into my new mini apartment, locking the door behind me. I know I’m not exactly in the big city anymore, but it’s a habit to lock the
doors the moment you securely close them. I can’t imagine there’s much crime here, not after the Mayberry-like stories my grandma used to share, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
I quickly find my box with bedding and throw two blankets and my comforter onto the floor. In the bathroom, I’m able to locate the box with toiletries, and quickly wash my face and take out my contacts. After I brush my teeth, I turn off the light and head back to the living area. After finding a change of clothes, I take in my new place. It’s definitely small, but I think it’ll work just fine. It’s homey and cozy, just what I’ve been looking for.
I toss my pillow into the pile of blankets and lie under the comforter. Even in the heat of summer, I always have to have my comforter. I sleep cold, so the more blankets, the better. I snuggle into my makeshift bed, the familiar scent of laundry detergent filling my senses. The light is still on in the kitchenette, and I make no move to shut it off. Maybe someday, I’ll be able to sleep in the dark again. Today isn’t that day, however.
And tomorrow probably won’t be either.
As I lie here, I hear Chase and Gabby leave. It’s not super loud, but I can hear their movements on the opposite side of the walls. I’m hoping when both places have furniture, maybe it won’t be so echoey. Colton moves around in Milo’s bedroom. His back wall butts up against one of my walls, so it’s just a little noisier than before. I close my eyes and listen to the low hum of Colton’s voice as he talks to his son. No, I can’t make out what he’s saying, thankfully, but I can tell when his talking turns to something more.
With my eyes shut, I let the silence of the night lull me to sleep as the soft sounds of Colton singing to his son rocks me to sleep.
Chapter 3
Colton
When Milo begins to fuss at around six, I know my chance at sleep is no more. When my boy is hungry, he’s not afraid to let you know it. Typically, it wouldn’t be so bad. I’m a morning person. I have many years in the military to thank for that. However, I barely slept a wink last night.
My sexy new tenant is already keeping me up.
It’s not just because she’s hands down the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. But the fact that I know she’s sleeping on the hard floor. I went around and around in my head, fighting the urge to let her sleep in my bed. I could take the floor, but in the end, I stayed put. I’m an asshole. I should have offered her the bed, but see there was a dilemma with that. Every time I pictured me going to knock on her door, offering her my mattress, we ended up in it together.
So, instead, I spent the night watching shadows dance across the ceiling as I chastised myself for being an inconsiderate asshole. Sometime around three, I decided I’d make her breakfast. Milo and I went to the store a few days ago and got the basics, and then with what Gabby brought over, I can find something better than cold cereal to offer her, surely.
My boy decides to exercise his lungs as he wails. Quickly, I toss back the covers and shuffle down the hall to his room. “Hey, buddy,” I coo as I lift him into my arms. Quickly, I feel around in his bed for his binky and pop it back in his mouth. “Daddy’s got you.” I rub my hand up and down his back, trying to soothe him. “You know, before we get breakfast, we have to take care of your diaper.” His cries turn into a whimper, and then one shuddering breath later he’s calm, nestled in my arms.
I love these moments.
When I’m the person he needs.
Carefully, I lay him on the changing table, and start unbuttoning his pajamas. His little arms and legs are flopping all over the place, and from the sound of the suckling, he’s going to town on that binky. My time of calm is limited. So, I opt to leave him in his jammies for now. A quick swap of the diaper that weighs thirty pounds for a clean one, and I button him back up.
“All set,” I say, lifting him into my arms and kissing his chubby cheek. “Now we get some breakfast.”
In the kitchen, I make his bottle one-handed with ease. I’m becoming a pro at this dad gig, if I do say so myself. My feet pad across the hardwood floor to the living room and settle on the couch. I stretch out, and through the early morning light, watch my son as he eats. As usual, he gets pissed off when I take the bottle from him to burp him. “I know,” I tell him. “Daddy’s just trying to keep you from a belly ache. Aunt Gabby said that was important. Come on, buddy, you can do it.” A few more pats on the back and he belches, and it’s one for the history books. “There it is.” I place the bottle back in his mouth, and he goes to town.
Ten minutes later, the bottle is empty, and he has a blissed-out look in his eyes. His belly is full, and he’s a happy baby. I move to put him in his swing, crank it up and go to the kitchen to see what I can scrounge up to make Hollis and me for breakfast. That’s another selling point of what sold me on this house. I love the open concept and to know that I can be cooking and still keep an eye on Milo.
I have some eggs, some cheese, and some ham lunch meat. Omelets it is. Pulling out everything I need, I search through the cabinets for a pan. I know I saw Gabby washing one yesterday. I finally find it on the third try. I’m not much of a cook, but omelets I can do.
Ten minutes later, I have two omelets plated, and I’m popping some toast in the toaster. Glancing in the living room, Milo is still just swinging away, taking in his new surroundings. “I hope you like it, little man. This is home.” Nothing left to do except finish up the toast, I find myself in front of her door, raising my hand to knock. I’m just getting ready to knock again when the door slowly opens.
I swallow back the urge to tell her she’s beautiful. Her hair is pulled up into a ponytail haphazardly as tendrils that have come loose in the night frame her face. She blinks those big green eyes at me. “Colton?” she asks, clearing her throat.
That’s the moment I realize I’ve woken her up. It was just a little after six when Milo woke me up. “I’m so sorry. I forgot not everyone is on my son’s timeline. I made us breakfast but go back to sleep. I’m so sorry.” I say it again. I feel like an ass. That’s the second time I’ve done wrong by her. Hell, I don’t have to worry about her being a distraction; she’s going to get tired of my shit and move out.
“You made breakfast?” she asks, placing her hand over her mouth, covering a yawn.
“I did. I forgot what time it was, and I felt bad for not giving you my mattress, and I wanted to make it up to you, so I cooked, and then here I am waking you up. I’m sorry. Go back to sleep.” I turn to walk away when she calls my name.
“Colton.” I turn to face her once again. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen?”
I nod. “Okay.” Turning back around, I go to check on Milo, who is still just swinging away and then finish the toast just in time for Hollis to appear.
Her hair is now smoothed back in a knot on top of her head, and she looks more alert. “Thank you, Colton. You didn’t have to do this.”
“I did. Tonight, you take my bed.”
“That’s not necessary. I plan to go shopping today and get some things for my room. A bed and mattress are at the top of the list. It’s not your responsibility to worry about me.”
Then why does it feel like it? “You’re welcome to take my truck,” I offer. I have no idea why I just offered the use of my only means of transportation to a complete stranger, one who is living in my house, I might add. However, my gut tells me that even though I don’t know her, she’s trustworthy. It’s something in the depths of those green eyes of hers. It also helps I’ve already seen her background check. I know she’s not a criminal.
“Thank you. I think I’ll just venture out and see what I can find. If I need your truck, I can always come back and get it.”
“I’ll be home all day. I have some class schedules I need to nail down for work for next month. Dig in.” I push her plate toward her, and she smiles.
“Thank you.”
I nod, and we dig in. I finish a few minutes before her, so I start washing the dishes. She brings her plat
e to me, just as Milo lets out a screech.
“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.”