Page 10 of Double Take

“That was kind and considerate of you.” I inhale, but it’s difficult to breathe when they’re this close. It’s like being surrounded by my own security team.

Sage ruffles Sunny’s hair. “Now that my brothers have appeased their fear of losing you and discovered that you’re physically okay. What’s going on?”

I explain about Katrina’s mother’s trip to the hospital and her subsequent illness and not being able to find somewhere for Sunny to go.

“Don’t worry about that.” Oliver grabs my coat and slips it over my arms. “Sunny can come with you to the office. I think we have some of Adalyn’s games and toys in a closet that we can add to the play area for Sunny to play with. Donovan only has baby toys.”

“I bet Sunny could use some of those to play baby. She looks like she has a good imagination.” Sage frowns. “I’d have the kids come in and play, but they’re with their dad today.”

“Baby?” Sunny’s eyes light up with excitement. Dragging around baby dolls is one of her favorite activities.

“Please.” I shake my head. These men never do what I expect. I thought they’d fire me, and now, they’re dragging me to the office and planning to entertain Sunny while I work. Who does this? “You don’t have to make special accommodations for me.”

“Yes, we do.” Axel’s jaw is tight, and it’s clear I won’t win this argument. Why does that make me want to jump up and down with excitement? Oh, right. Maybe because they’re being kind to me, and I barely remember what that feels like. “You’ll bring Sunny to the office the next two days until Katrina is better and can watch her again. She’ll be no trouble.”

“You don’t know, Sunny.” I smile as she weaves in and out of the four of us while pretending to drive a go-kart.

“Rylee, we have a niece and nephew. We know all about entertaining kids.” Oliver sweeps Sunny into his arms, flips her over his shoulder as she laughs uncontrollably, and waves at the door with his free hand. “After you, sweetheart.”

I bite my lips together to keep from giggling. These guys are too much.

Chapter Six

Axel

Once we’re at the office and Oliver is entertaining Sunny in the playroom, I walk to my doorway and study Rylee. When we arrived at her place, she was tense and on edge, but now, her shoulders are relaxed, and a smile plays at the corners of her mouth.

Oliver is great with kids, so I’m not surprised her daughter took to him in an instant. He’s loud, playful, and ready to get down on the ground and play. I’ve never wanted children. My father’s wander-and-never-settling-down lifestyle meant that he had little time for his kids, leaving us with our aunt for several years.

When we were teens, he moved back here and tried harder, but by that point, I’d already decided that I wasn’t going to become a father and screw up my kids. Finding out Rylee is a parent has thrown me for a loop. Can I learn how to let down my guard and relate with Sunny? Play with her? Could I be a good parent?

I don’t know if I can be the person she needs, but I’m willing to put in the effort. Because while I might not have known Rylee had a child, I understand they’re a package deal. And she’s had enough people let her down. I’m not going to be one of them.

“Rylee?”

She spins around, but this time it’s without jumping. “Yes?” Her eyes meet mine, and a faint hint of pink tinges on her cheeks.

“Would you mind coming into the office for a few minutes? I’d like to discuss something with you.”

“Okay.” The smile drops from her lips as she brushes her hands on her pants and stands. After taking a step, she turns to Oliver. “Are you sure you’re okay with watching Sunny for a few minutes alone?”

“Babe….” He lifts a pink plastic cup with a bright white flower on the front into the air. “We’re busy drinking tea right now. Take your time.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes rake over him, and a twinge of jealousy blankets me. Don’t. If she falls for him and not me, I’ll live with it. I love my brother, and I suspect she hasn’t had many things go right in her life. She’d be lucky to have someone like him in her corner.

I hold the door open for her and shut it quickly so as not to increase her anxiety. “Go ahead and have a seat.” I lay my hand on her shoulder. “Please, don’t worry. I only want to ask you some questions, and I’m assuming you’d rather not do so in front of Sunny.”

She sighs and closes her eyes. “Is it about the house?” Before I can answer, she re-opens her eyes and shakes her head. “I realize it’s a crappy place, and Sunny should be living somewhere better, but I’m trying to save up right now. It won’t always be like that.”

“Honey.” I clasp her shoulders and spin her to face me. “I’m not getting onto you about your place. Yes, you should have more things.” And will as soon as we get done with this conversation. “But I have zero intention of putting you down for doing the best that you can.”

Her eyes well with tears as her bottom lip quivers. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. I was so embarrassed when you all showed up.”

“Don’t be.” I ache to pull her into my arms and make all her problems go away, but it’s not that simple. “Let’s sit down.” I motion toward the sofa and join her with a decent gap between us to keep her from feeling crowded. “Tell me about Sunny’s father.”

She licks her lips and clasps her hands on her lap. “He was a boy I dated in high school, but I was more of a joke to him than a girlfriend. He was from an affluent home, and my parents weren’t even middle class. I was the good girl nerd who was tutoring him in math, and he pushed for us to have sex. One day, I gave in.” Her face is pale as she speaks. It’s almost as if she’s talking about people she doesn’t know.

“Go on.”

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