Can't Fight It - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,27

was brave and selfless. It gave Milo the chance to grow up in a home where all he knows is love. I’ll make damn sure that happens.

“I’m just going to change him into some pajamas and give him a bottle. Help yourself to whatever.”

“I think I’m going to go change.”

“Okay.” I lift Milo from his seat and head to his room. In my mind, I’m picturing her stripping out of her clothes, with my help. I have to stop this. I can’t think about her getting naked, just down the hall. I also hope that whatever she decides to change into covers her. I don’t know if I have the willpower to sit next to her in some kind of skimpy lingerie. In fact, I know that I don’t.

“All right, buddy. Time for a new diaper, some jammies, and a nice big bottle. We should really take a bath tonight, but Daddy’s going to skip that.” I lay him on the changing table and get to work. “What do you think of Hollis? She’s nice, right?” He coos. “I know, and she’s beautiful.” I manage to wrangle a clean diaper on him and some pajamas. I even get them buttoned correctly on the first try. “Look at that. Daddy’s getting the hang of this,” I tell him, picking him up and kissing his cheek. “Now, time for a bottle and then lights out for you.”

“Need any help?” Hollis asks.

I look up to find her in a pair of flannel pajama pants, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and her hair is in a knot on the top of her head. No makeup, no fanfare, and I was so unbelievably wrong. She’s just as sexy in this get-up as she would be in lingerie.

I’m fucked.

“I think I’m good. Help yourself to a beer, or whatever you want. I’m just going to mix him up a bottle.”

“Do you mind if I hold him while you do that?”

“Sure.” She holds out her arms, and I pass Milo to her. His eyes are wide open as he takes her in. I can only imagine what’s going through his mind. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered if my son can understand the crazy shit I tell him each day. Only today, not so crazy, I spoke the truth. From the way he’s staring up at her, the way she’s captured his attention, I’d say it’s safe to say that my son is just as enthralled with the lovely Hollis as I am.

Like father, like son.

Quickly, I mix up a bottle, grab a bib, and a blanket. “Thanks,” I say, reaching for my son.

“I can do it.” She reaches for the bottle.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I want to. Go do… dad things.” She chuckles. “Fold some laundry or take a long hot shower, or just sit and watch. I don’t mind. He’s such a cutie.” She coos that last part down to my son. He gives her a toothless grin. My boy knows how to turn on the charm.

She reaches for the bottle, bib, and blanket, and I let her take them. I watch in fascination as she heads to the couch and gets settled with Milo on her lap. She’s a natural and looks as though she’s done this countless times.

“You look like you’ve had some practice,” I say, both hands braced on the island as I look toward where she’s sitting in the living.

“A little. I did some babysitting in high school.”

“Thank you.” I nod toward her and my son.

“Go. Find something to do that you don’t usually have time to do or sit down. You’re making me nervous. I promise he’s in good hands.”

“Right. I’m going. I do have about three loads of laundry to fold and put away.”

“Good. Go. We’re just fine.”

I watch them for a little while longer before heading to my room to fold the mountain of laundry I’ve not gotten around to folding. Once that’s done, I change the sheets on my bed and decide to do the same to Milo’s. That’s where Hollis finds me.

“Hey,” she whispers.

“Hi. Looks like you have the magic touch.”

“He’s in a food coma.” She laughs softly.

“I’m almost done putting a new sheet on his bed.” I finish what I’m doing and turn to face her.

“Just lay him down?”

“Yes.” Carefully, she places my son in his crib. Then, she does something that knocks the wind from my chest. I watch her as she kisses her index and middle fingers, then softly presses