Page 37 of Exposed

“Simon’s ready for you to cuddle him again.”

I definitely want to, ahem, cuddle with Matt, but Simon is his first priority.

“Here, use this again.” He tosses the heating pad my way. “Go to the bathroom first, so you don’t get a UTI.”

He’s bossy, but I like it. I lay my face on the pillow and look lazily at him as he puts his boxers on.

“Can I come back for round two after he’s asleep?” He asks.

“For sure,” I grin.

“Okay, I’ll be back,” he nods, then hurries out the door to get Simon.

I feel bad about waking up Simon. It’d been so long since I’d been touched, and I forgot to be quiet while in the heat of the moment. I’ll be quieter from now on. Picking up my shirt from the ground, I pull it over my head and go to the bathroom.

Matt took charge in the bedroom, and I liked it. He knew what he was doing, and it was a huge turn on. My experience with sex has never been like that, and Matt and I didn’t even go all the way.

This entire night has been foreign to me. His parents treating me with respect and acceptance threw me for a loop. Plus, it’s wild seeing Matt and his parents be so affectionate with Simon even though this is a surprise to them. I was an “accident,” as my parents called me, and they never treated me with affection.

I’m thankful Simon has Matt, Madilyn and Henry for his family. He’s super blessed.

14

WEAR MY SHIRT

MATT

By the time I wash my hands and get to Simon’s room, he’s reached deafening level hysterics, and a horrid smell is coming from his crib. Shani whimpers and jumps around until I pick up Simon.

“Simon, it’s okay. Daddy’s here. You pooped, buddy. Let’s get you cleaned up and back to sleep.”

He kicks and screams the whole time I change his diaper. “Little dude, I get that you’re mad you woke up, but work with me here. I’m on your team.”

Just as I’m finished wrestling him to get his new diaper on, Pepper walks in with his prepared bottle. Her hair is tousled, she's wearing her oversized tee again, and she stands barefoot with her ankles crossed.

Holy sexiness.

“You said you need to feed him,” she says with a soft smile.

“You didn’t have to do that, Pep. Thanks,” I smile at her. “I won the diaper wrestling match, in case you were wondering. How in the heck are tiny people so strong?” I ask her as I take the bottle. Our fingers brush in the process, and she looks up at me.

“He’s feisty like his dad,” she grins, then yawns.

“Go rest. I’ll get this little man to sleep.” I sit down on my bed, rest my back against the headboard and start feeding Simon his bottle. His face is red from getting so fired up.

“Can I tell him good night?” She asks.

“Of course.”

She pads forward and pets his fine hair. “Good night, Simon. Sweet dreams.”

His eyes shift to hers while he sucks his bottle, then back at me.

She makes eye contact with me and smiles. With her this close, I inhale her sweet scent. Then, she silently leaves the room.

After what feels like forever, Simon is asleep and in his crib. Staring at him resting peacefully on his airplane and car sheets, you’d never guess he’s so strong-headed when he’s awake. I just put him to sleep, but now I want to rub his little chest as it moves rhythmically up and down. He’s stinking adorable.

Shani lounges at the foot of the crib. “You’re the best, girl. Take care of Simon.” I ruffle her head, and she licks her chops before resting her head on her outstretched paws.