Wicked as Lies (Wicked & Devoted #3) - Shayla Black Page 0,18
all.”
“It totally would.” She sighed. “But maybe worth the raised brows?”
“How about you just call me if you have a problem? I’ll come over and take care of it.”
“You’ve already done so much. I can’t impose any more.”
What had he actually done? Hung out in case her ex returned and set her landlord straight. Well, he’d also pushed and shoved until she’d gotten a restraining order against Cash, and Zy was relieved she’d followed through. That would give her some legal recourse in the event she needed it. Other than that, he’d done nothing except taken up oxygen, food, and space on her couch.
Tessa was trying to do everything alone, and he wished she would let him do more. And Zy knew why. No reason to bullshit himself. Her mean meatloaf and mashed potatoes aside, he liked her. He liked that her place felt like an actual home. He liked the way she mothered her baby, who clearly thought the sun rose and set on her mommy.
But he loved the way she seemed aware of him as a man.
At first he’d wondered if the awareness was all in his head. But after she’d stared at him shirtless, like she’d seen something deliciously forbidden, and he’d heard her heavy breathing as she doctored him? Yeah, he knew.
Fuck if he didn’t want her, too.
But she had a newborn and an independent streak a mile wide. And they were both contractually bound not to touch each other. Where did that leave them?
“You’re not imposing,” he swore. “Jerks like him take advantage of the fact women tend to be polite. It pisses me off. So if he—or any other douche—needs an attitude adjustment, I’ll zip right over with a glare and a threat.”
“Thanks.” She turned back for the house, then set off at a run when she heard Hallie fussing.
Zy followed, shutting the door behind them. “She took a long nap.”
“Yeah. Too long. I meant to wake her up thirty minutes ago, but…”
Her freaking landlord had come by and put the kibosh on her plan. “At least he’ll get everything fixed for you.”
“You’re right. I’m just worried about Hallie’s sleep patterns.”
Usually, not much woke him, but through the bedroom door she’d closed between them, he’d heard the baby crying most of last night. Exhaustion bruised her eyes today.
“Is she okay?”
“I called the pediatrician. She said it’s not uncommon for babies to have their days and nights mixed up. I just need to be patient and try to help her adjust.”
“How?”
“Extend the time between her naps, which I did this morning. I also didn’t swaddle her as much so she’d be a little less warm and cozy. So far it hasn’t helped. Then again, Dr. Lynch said it might take a few days for Hallie to get the hint.”
“If I can help, let me know.” Because Tessa was obviously worn down and he didn’t like it.
“I appreciate it, but this is one instance in which you’ll be useless.”
Did she think he couldn’t handle a baby? In fairness, he’d had zero experience, but he had the internet. He could read.
“Don’t look insulted,” she cut into his thoughts. “You’re very capable…except when it comes to breastfeeding.”
An instant flash of Tessa baring herself and the baby latching on while he watched burned itself into his brain. The image wasn’t sexual exactly. Natural. Beautiful. Primal.
It made him hard as hell.
To hide his reaction, he turned and headed for the kitchen, stepping behind the counter as he pretended to grab a glass of water. “Nope. I wouldn’t be good at that. But if you need anything else, the offer stands.”
“Thanks. Have any dinner requests?”
“Let me take you out so you don’t have to cook.” Seriously, as tired as she looked, he didn’t want to add to her pile of things to do.
“I’d rather keep Hallie in until her immune system matures a bit.”
Fair point. “I can grab some takeout.”
“I appreciate it, but that won’t help me whittle my waistline.” She sighed. “Eight pounds to go.”
“You look great, Tessa. Seriously.”
A pink flush crept up her cheeks. “But I still can’t get into my work clothes. I have to do that by Monday or I won’t have anything to wear, so I can’t afford the extra calories. I’ve been marinating some chicken, if you don’t mind having that with some steamed broccoli and brown rice.”
“Great. What can I do?”
Tessa cast an indecisive glance between the kitchen and her bedroom. “Let me feed Hallie. Then I’ll start the grill and the rice cooker.”