Can't Fight It - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,87

what you want, okay? But I will try to change your mind.”

I can’t help but smile against his chest. “I don’t want to leave, Colt. I was just thinking, if we’re going to try this whole dating thing, maybe, it would be best if we weren’t already living together.”

He turns so we’re facing each other and brings his big, warm hand up to cradle my cheek. “First off, we are dating. There’s no going to try. It’s already happening. You’re my girlfriend. I’m not dating anyone else, haven’t even had the urge to do so since I’ve been home. Hell, even before that, I didn’t date. With my Army schedule, it was just too difficult. And second, we may be living together, but only under the same roof. You still have your space, and me, mine. It’s the same as if you had an apartment or a house somewhere else, except better. You don’t have to drive home after spending the night in my bed, but you still have your own space.”

I feel that slight tension ease in my chest. He’s right. We’re living together, but… not. I could go back to my space anytime, and I know he wouldn’t question it. But I also know I love waking up here, in his bed and his arms. I love slipping across the hall and peeking in on Milo. I love getting up and starting breakfast while he hops in the shower. And then I slip into my own place to get ready for the day. It works for us, and I think he’s right.

There’s no reason to change it.

As he gently takes my lips with his, a loud wail echoes across the hall. Colton groans as he pulls his mouth from mine and rests his forehead against mine. “Cockblocker,” he mumbles good-naturedly.

I can’t help but smile. “Why don’t you go take care of the condom and shower. Milo and I will start some French toast,” I tell him, patting his round, hard ass.

“Or you could join me in the shower,” he suggests.

Milo decides he’s done waiting on us and cries louder, making us both laugh. “That’s a nice thought, but we both know that’s not going to happen. Go shower, and then you can come help us in the kitchen,” I suggest as we both slip from the warmth of the bed.

I toss on one of his T-shirts and those soft, discarded boxers, as he heads toward the bathroom. When I slip across the hall, I’m already smiling as I find Milo sitting up in his crib. His arms are already extended my way, a toothy grin spread across his chubby little face.

And there goes the rest of my heart.

“Merry Christmas, Hollis.” Colton’s warm breath tickles my ear as I slowly start to wake. When I glance to the side, it’s not his familiar face I see, but that of his son’s. Milo is there, reaching for me.

“This is the best wake-up call ever,” I announce as I take the happy baby boy and snuggle him into the bed. Milo has other ideas, however, and tries to squirm away, ready to play.

“Milo insisted on waking you up himself,” Colton says, grinning widely.

“He did, did he?” I ask, rolling into my side and sitting up the baby so he can see. Milo instantly grabs the blankets and tries shoving them in his mouth.

Colton nods. “We have a Christmas morning surprise for you,” he tells me as he reaches over and swipes a strand of hair off my forehead.

“I’ve never really been a fan of surprises,” I confess, keeping a close watch on Milo, as he tries to move to the other side of the bed.

“Well, Milo and I were talking about that while I was making his bottle and your coffee.”

I can’t help but smile at how cute he’s being right now.

“Anyway, I told him that since it was his first Christmas, and your first Christmas with us, I wanted to start a few new traditions.”

Again, I’m smiling. “Yeah?”

“Yep,” he replies as he stands up. “Grab the little guy, and let’s go.”

Happily, I take Milo from the bed and get up, thankful to be wearing pants. When we reach the doorway, Colton stops and reaches for his son. “Go do your thing in the bathroom and then come meet us in the living room.” He gives me a quick peck on the cheek and turns and leaves me standing here.

I detour to the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth. When