Page 21 of Griffin

Like my dick.

But Ican’tthink like this.

I soap my body, allowing the water to cleanse me of the day, before tossing a clean shirt over my shorts.

My hair is in my face, so I slick it back and head downstairs just in time to see Ivy placing the plates on the table.

“Girls can be mean,” Ivy says, stumbling on her words when I walk into the room. “But they probably don’t mean it. Maybe sit somewhere else tomorrow.”

I’m conscious of Ivy checking me out, but it’s probably wishful thinking.I sit at the table, digging into my dinner.

“This is so good, Ivy. Thank you.”

I don’t speak again until my plate is empty, and I reach for my beer.

I’m content, and it feels good.

Melody cleans her plate and then helps Ivy scoop a huge portion of strawberries and yogurt onto her plate before she devours it.

“Can I have a bath?” Melody looks up at Ivy, who looks a little lost for words.

“Uh, sure, honey. I’ll go and run it.” I jump to my feet, but Melody shakes her head, clasping Ivy’s hand.

“No, Daddy, I want Ivy to do it.”

I raise my eyebrows as Ivy nods, her eyes meeting mine.

“That’s fine. More girl time, I don’t mind!” Ivy laughs and then tells Melody to go and pick her favorite pajamas.

With Melody gone, I apologize. It’s now fucking seven, and Ivy is still here, about to bathe my child.

“Honestly, I don’t mind. She’s adorable,” Ivy insists and nods to my beer. “Have a minute to yourself. I’ll get her in bed ready for you to tuck her in. Okay?”

I’m lost for words.

“Then I’m paying you more.”

Ivy rolls her eyes, giving me a look that has me wanting to bend her over the counter.

Fuck.

“Shush. Sit your ass down and relax.”

Ivy waits for me to back away, and only when I do does she head upstairs, my eyes focused on her the entire time.

The next hour is filled with sounds of splashing and laughing, and I close my eyes and rest my head.

Melody needs a mother.

That’s why she’s so taken with Ivy.

But this arrangement is good for all of us; Ivy gets some experience with children and better money, Melody is happier, and I can work without having my ass torn apart for leaving early every day.

It might prove too much for Ivy, but it’s proving to be something I want.

Someone to care for Melody at home.

Like Ivy, but if not Ivy, then someone similar.

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