Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,42

dark, handsome, looking like sex personified—is holding his baby boy close to his chest.

Ovary explosion!

“Hey,” he says softly, his eyes capturing mine. “Good to see you again.” He chances a quick glance at Dawn, but then his eyes are right back to mine.

Is it legal for him to be this sexy?

Chapter 15

Reagan brought the cavalry—a beautiful one, at that. I’m trying hard not to be pissed at her. I know she’s worried about me and it comes from a good place, but does she think I can’t take care of my son?

“What are you doing?” she asks.

I pull my eyes from the lovely Kendall and address my sister. “I told you, he was fussy. At the hospital, they said skin-to-skin contact, so I tried it and it worked.”

“You could have answered your phone.” I can hear the hurt in her voice. My anger instantly fades.

“I read that babies can feel tension, so I shut it off, shut out the world. My son needed me,” I explain. I just about said ‘Knox comes first, always,’ but I don’t want to hurt her any more than she already is. I love my sister, but this little guy, he’s a part of me. Whatever he needs, no matter what.

“I get that, but holy fucking shit, Ridge. I was scared something happened.”

“We’re fine, Reagan. What are the three of you up to?” I ask, keeping my voice low.

“I ran into Kendall and Dawn at the mall today. I was meeting them at the shop to do their hair, and they got there just as I reached my manic freak-out mode. I’d been calling you for over an hour.”

“I see. Well, you all might as well make yourself comfortable. The guys will be here in about an hour. There’s gonna be beer, pizza, movies—you know, just a regular Saturday night with a single dad and his buddies.”

Dawn laughs. Kendall has a beautiful smile that graces those pouty lips of hers.

“What do you think, ladies? Kendall? You up for seeing some of the guys?” Reagan asks her.

“She’s in,” Dawn speaks up.

“I’ll run out and pick us up some more snacks and drinks.” Reagan looks at Dawn and Kendall. “Any special requests?”

“I’ll go with you, if you don’t mind? Ridge, do you care if I use your kitchen? I have a craving for buffalo chicken dip,” Dawn says.

“Sure, have at it.”

“Great, we’ll be right back.” Reagan winks at me, grabs Dawn by the arm and pulls her behind her.

“I guess I’m staying here,” Kendall says as the girls rush out and slam the door.

Knox stirs in my arms, and I make a mental note to smack my sister.

“He’s not been sleeping?” Kendall asks, keeping her voice soft and low.

“No, he has, but not today. He’s been fussy all day.”

“Gassy, probably. It’s common in babies. I’d be happy to take him, if you have things you need to do,” she offers.

“Actually, I would love to take a shower. Are you sure you don’t mind? I know you didn’t sign up for babysitting.”

“Please, it’s no hardship to hang out with this little guy. I get my baby fix and you get to no longer smell like ass. It’s a win-win.” She winks at me.

She’s fucking adorable.

I stand from the couch and make my way to where she’s standing in the doorway. Carefully, trying not to wake him, I transfer my son from my arms to hers. Her scent invades me—sweet, just like her. “Shhh,” I say softly as Knox stirs. Poor guy. He’s had a rough day, for sure.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, I’ve got you,” Kendall coos to him.

Leaning down, I kiss the top of his head, his baby smell mixed with her sweet scent. I lean in to them, placing my lips next to her ear. “Thank you, sweet girl,” I whisper. Standing to my full height, I hightail it out of there and to my room, needing a cold fucking shower all of a sudden. I have no business hitting on the beautiful Kendall; my life is ten shades of fucking crazy right now. I need to learn how to be a dad, take care of my son, run my business, and do it all well. I don’t have time for distractions.

Must stay clear. That’s my mantra.

I take my time in the shower, trying to tamp down my desire for Kendall. She’s beautiful, and today when she walked in . . . there’s just something about her, something I would have explored two weeks ago. Today though, I