Page 33 of Mad Love

Rhodes

Damn. I miss getting laid.

Bowie

What’s it been, a week?

Rhodes

I wish, man. I wish.

I’ve got a good idea. Why don’t we continue this conversation in person?

Rhodes

Okay, Snarky. I’m gonna let that one slide because you’re a new daddy and I know you’re tired.

He’s awake right now and he’s pretty fucking cute awake. Or asleep. Get over here.

Bowie

He’s a dad for two minutes and already showing off.

Rhodes

He’s always been that way. It’s the quarterback in him.

I’m still chuckling at the messages when my phone buzzes to say Penn is here. I have to laugh that he’s the first to get here after saying he’s dragging.

I let Blake know to let Penn through and that Henley, Rhodes, and Bowie will be following soon.

“That was fast,” I say when I open the door to Penn.

He grins when he sees me with the baby. “Holy shit, West. It’s gonna take time to get used to seeing you with a kid, Shaw.”

“I know. Trust me. It’s hard for me to get used to it too.”

“What did your family think?”

“They freaked out.” I laugh. “Already obsessed with him. Everyone but Olivia, but that’s par for the course.” I lean down and kiss Caleb’s head. “And he was a champ, getting passed around and handling it like a pro. The only time he gets out of sorts is in the middle of the night.”

Penn winces, and the rest of the guys trickle into the house.

They all start talking at once. And a bunch of huge football players sliding into baby talk is fucking hysterical.

“You are so cute,” Henley coos.

“What a guy,” Bowie says, in the highest voice I’ve ever heard come out of him. “Yes, you are.” He grins when Caleb’s fist flies in the air. “Gonna have your dad’s arm.”

“He’s a good-looking boy. Must look like his mama,” Rhodes says and then shakes his head when Bowie reaches out and twists his nipple. “Ow. My bad. I didn’t mean it. It came out before I’d thought it through.”

I shoot him a look and he relaxes when Bowie lets go.

“He’s great, man,” Bowie says. “How did he do last night?”

“Another sleepless night,” I say. “I think he misses his mom. He wants to sleep during the day, but at night, he’s alert and looking for her.”

“That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard,” Rhodes says.

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