“And by stuff, she means, she filled the back of her SUV. Hand over my nephew and help me carry this stuff in.” I carefully transfer Milo into Gabby’s waiting arms.
“I can’t help it. I was in the mood to clean and get our house settled.”
“She’s nesting. That’s what the books say,” my brother replies.
“Oh, hush,” Gabby says, still staring at my son. “I’m not nesting. I’m just trying to go through my stuff that was stored in the garage before the baby gets here. I just want it off our plates.”
“It’s not hurting anything sitting in the garage.”
“No, it’s not. However, I feel better having gone through it.”
“Nesting,” Chase says again.
“Call it what you want. It’s done, so that’s all I care about.”
“Happy wife, happy life.” Chase winks at her, and she rolls her eyes.
“What time is this guy getting here? What’s his name again? Harry?” Chase asks.
“Hollis. And he should be here anytime.”
“Good, let’s get busy unloading so we can help him.” He leans down, places his hand on Gabby’s protruding belly, and kisses her softly. “Love you,” he whispers before disappearing out the door.
I follow along behind him with a twinge of jealousy. I never really thought much about settling down and having a family of my own. However, I assumed if I ever did, it would be in the right order. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I would be a single father to an infant, courtesy of a one-night stand.
“You weren’t kidding,” I tell Chase when we open the back of Gabby’s SUV. “You guys didn’t have to do all of this.”
“It was all Gabs. It’s expensive to start out on your own. We’ve both been there, and we didn’t have a baby to take care of. Besides, some of this stuff is used. We combined our places, cleaned out the garage from when she moved in, and we have duplicates of a lot of things. We figured you wouldn’t mind.”
“No. I appreciate it, man. I was just thinking about how I have this house, but it’s bare-bones.”
“This should get you by. It’s all in good shape. We just don’t need it.”
“Thank you. Not just for this, but for taking such good care of Milo. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if it had not been your doorstep she dropped him off on.”
“Yeah, well, maybe think twice before you use my name again. I don’t think my wife would appreciate that.”
“Trust me, that’s not going to happen. Those days are long gone. I have more than just myself to think about. Milo needs stability, and I’m going to make damn sure he has it.”
“Great. Start by taking this.” He places a large box in my arms.
“What’s in here?”
“Dishes. Baking dishes, and honestly, I’m not really sure. What I do know is it’s yours now, toss or keep it. We don’t care either way.”
I carry the box into the house and place it on the small kitchen island. “Thanks for all this, Gabby.”
“It’s nothing. We were going to get rid of it anyway. If you don’t like it or need it, just pass it on or donate it. Whatever. I only brought the stuff I thought you might want or need.”
I start unpacking the box and pull out some mixing bowls, a couple of glass baking dishes, and a full set of glasses. “Are you sure you don’t need this stuff?”
“Positive. Between everything from my apartment and what Chase already had, we’re overflowing.”
“These are new.” I point to the glasses.
“Yeah, I bought them on clearance right before I had to move. We like the ones that Chase had better so, there you go.” She grins. “I’m going to lay him down and then start helping you wash and put all this away. Do you have a preference of where it goes?”
“No. The cabinets are clean and bare. You do what you think makes the most sense, and we’ll go with that. Thank you, Gabby.” My brother did damn good finding his forever.
“We’re family.” She leaves the room to place Milo in his Pack ’n Play and then reappears and gets right to work.
“I thought we were hauling all this shit in? As in, you and me, brother? Instead, I find you in here chatting up my wife.”
“My sister,” I counter, and he smiles despite his words. “And I was just taking the time to thank her for all of this.”
“I’m taking it all back if you don’t get your ass out here and help me.”
“That means you have to load it all back up in your SUV,” I counter, and he curses under his breath, making Gabby giggle. “Come on, you big baby.” It takes us two more trips to get it all unloaded.
Once the bags and boxes are unpacked, my house doesn’t feel so bare anymore. The kitchen is stocked. From baking dishes, glasses, to plates and bowls, even silverware. I have a stack of linens, a throw blanket, and an end table and a lamp that fits perfectly next to the new couch that was delivered earlier this week. There’s now a rug lying in front of the front door, and there are two empty laundry baskets ready to be filled in the small laundry room.
“If you need me to watch Milo while you go out and grab whatever else you need, just let me know.”
“Thanks. I need to get some paint for his room, and get it all fixed up.”
“Oh, I can definitely help with that.” She smiles, and her eyes light up at the possibility.
“How about you pick it all out? I’m not good with that stuff.” I’m sure I could figure it out, but I know Gabby, and this is right up her alley.
“You have no idea what you just agreed to,” Chase jokes. “She’s been shopping online every night for our baby’s nursery. Who knew there were so many options, and that a tiny little human would need so much?”
“Well, they don’t really need to have all of it,” Gabby chimes in. “But, it’s cute, and you want them to have a place of their own, and babies need routine and security.”
“I already told you. Tell me what you want, and it’s yours.” Chase leans in and presses his lips to hers.
“I knew I loved you for a reason,” she quips.
“My baby-making skills,” Chase offers with a smirk.
“Well, I mean, I guess there is that,” Gabby says, barely able to contain her laughter.
“Woman.” He slides his hand behind her neck and crushes his lips to hers. I have to look away. I don’t need to see all that. Especially since I’ve been in a dry spell. So dry, in fact, the night Milo was conceived was the last time my baby-making skills were utilized.
“Keep it PG, brother,” I chide Chase.
“Have you seen my wife?” he retorts, pulling away from her.
“Put us to work, babe,” Chase tells her.
She doesn’t hesitate as she points out dishes and which cabinet to put them in. I do as I’m told. Sure, this is my house, but it’s overwhelming. Besides, Gabby loves this stuff. Might as well give her this, for as much as she’s done for Milo and me.
“That’s the last of it.” Gabby wipes her hands on a hand towel that she must have brought with her as well. “At least you’re set up for meals, and Milo has what he needs as well.”
“Thanks to the two of you. I can’t ever repay you for all you’ve done for me, and for Milo.”
“You would have done the same thing,” Chase tells me.
He’s right, and I would have. I’m just about to tell him that when Milo’s whimper stops me. “He didn’t sleep long.”
“It’s a new place, and we weren’t exactly quiet.”
“You told me not to be quiet.”
She nods. “You want him to get used to sleeping through everyday sounds. Keeping a serene quiet house is hard to do, and you and Milo are both going to be sleep-deprived if that’s the path you try to take.”
“I’m in over my head, aren’t I?” I ask them. Milo’s whimper turns into a full-on cry. Making my way toward the living room, I lift him in my arms, and I can smell immediately why he was crying. “We’ll get you clea
ned up, little man.” His cries quiet once he’s in my arms. “Phew, you stink,” I tell him, and his cries quiet further.
The doorbell rings. “That must be him. Time to meet our new roomie.” I pull open the door, just as I feel wetness seep through on my hand. Taking a better look, I see my hand is now covered in shit, and my son, well, let’s just say his current situation gives new meaning to covered head to toe. “Come on in,” I say, not bothering to look up. “I’ve kind of got a situation on my hands.” I turn to head to the bathroom. That’s the only solution to this mess.
“I can see that.” A soft angelic voice greets my ears and has me stopping in my tracks.
I turn to look over my shoulder, and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen is standing just inside the doorway. Long brown hair, tan skin, and big green eyes that are regarding me with amusement.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?”
“You’re Colton Callahan, right?”
“I’m Colton.” My mind is going through every woman I’ve ever met, but I’m pretty sure I would remember her.
She takes a step forward and holds out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Hollis, your new roommate.”
“Colt, everything okay?” Chase enters the room, but I don’t look at him. I can’t seem to pull my eyes from the goddess standing in front of me.
My new roommate.
Fuck me.
“Y-You’re Hollis? You’re a woman.” A sexy as hell, mouthwatering temptation is more like it. To a man who’s been in the desert a good portion of this last year, she’s a tall, cold drink of water. I can hear Chase laughing, but my eyes remain on her.
“Is that a problem?” she asks, tilting her head to the side.
“Babe, wh— Oh, hi.” Gabby offers her hand to Hollis. “I’m Gabby, Chase’s wife.”
“Hollis.”
Gabby’s mouth forms the perfect O. “You’re Hollis?”
“I am.” She turns to me and grins, then scrunches up her nose. “What on earth?” She moves toward me, and that’s when I remember that not only is my hand covered in my son's shit, but he’s covered as well.
“Right. I need to handle this.” I turn on my heel and rush toward the bathroom. Once Milo and I are behind the locked door, for good measure, I take a deep breath. “This isn’t what I was expecting, bud. We’re going to have to tell her to leave, right? She can’t live here with us. No way. Sleeping with our tenant is not a good idea. Daddy’s just going to have to tell her there was a mix-up, and she needs to find a new place. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do.”
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 th
e 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.
I head to the kitchen and find Colton. His back is to me, and he’s talking to the little boy perched against his shoulder. The little guy sees me and starts waving his arms around. “That’s right, champ. We’ll get your belly full and then finish getting the furniture set up in your room. You’re gonna sleep in your big boy crib tonight in your new room. Are you excited?” he asks his son as he shakes up the fresh bottle he just made. Colton turns his head and places his mouth on the baby’s side, blowing a raspberry kiss through his onesie outfit. Milo wiggles and yells, but not in the pissed off way he yelled when I first arrived. No, this one is a happy yell, one that makes me smile.
Fair Lakes Series Box Set Page 54