Page 53 of Cash

As soon as I open the fridge door, I know I’ve discovered something interesting about Cash. His fridge is the most organized thing I’ve ever seen. Every single label is pointing forward and everything’s in groups. Beverages in one section, condiments in another. All food-type items are in labeled containers. Vegetables, labeled and stacked are separated from the fruits. Nothing’s left in the bags they were in when bought. The man certainly loves his Tupperware color-coded storage containers and has put them to good use. Liam even has his own section of neatly arranged bottles of formula, juice and water. Grinning, I grab a bottle of formula and get busy warming it up.

With no mishaps, I get Liam’s diaper changed and him re-dressed. I cuddle him close and take a seat in the rocking chair. He wastes no time in taking his bottle as I rock him gently. Following all the steps James told me to do, things go great. Liam’s dry, fed and back to sleep in no time. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and find that I enjoy holding him. Oddly enough, a feeling of fierce protectiveness comes over me. I don’t know where it came from, but I know without a doubt I’d protect him with everything I am. This son of Cash’s has woven a spell over me. Placing a soft kiss on his head, I lay him back in his crib and cover him with his blanket.

Taking the monitor with me, I return to the living room to find Cash still hasn’t moved. I take a fleece throw from the back of a chair and lay it over him. I look around for Snots but don’t see him anywhere. I retrace my steps to Liam’s room and spot Snots sound asleep directly under the crib. I bend down and rub his head, but he sleeps through it. I give a little tug on his collar, wanting to wake him, but that doesn’t work either. I give up and can only pray that his snoring doesn’t wake Liam.

Returning to the living room, I grab another throw and curl up in the recliner. It’s been a long day, and I’m exhausted. I fall into a deep sleep with Vikings and babies dominating my dreams.

Chapter 12

Cash

I jerk awake and it takes a moment for my mind to realize I’m in the living room. Sitting up, I rub my palms over my face while listening for Liam. I don’t hear him, so I’m not sure what woke me. Rising, I make my way to his room where I stop dead in the doorway. Rocking slowly, with my son in her arms, is Livi.

Livi glances my way with a small smile as I approach them. For someone who insists she has no experience with babies, she appears to be a natural. Liam is making his little baby sounds and using his mouth to explore his fingers. When I move to put my hand on his head, I’m warned off by a low growl. Looking in the direction it came, I find Snots sitting in front of the crib.

I listen to Livi give a quiet laugh as I crouch down on one knee. Holding the back of my hand toward Snots, I stay still. After a moment, he ambles over to sniff my hand. When his stout body relaxes, I give his head a rub. I’m not upset that he growled. Instead, I like that he’s protective of Liam.

“I don’t know what’s up with Snots, but he’s decided Liam’s his human to protect. He’s been sleeping under the crib all night,” Livi tells me softly. “I’ve never seen him act like that before. Usually, he’s too busy sleeping or eating to show protective instincts.”

“Animals seem to sense who needs protection the most,” I answer.

“They’re smarter than us in a lot of ways. By the way, your kid’s a night owl.”

“Yeah, he is. Sorry I fell asleep,” I say.

“Don’t be. You were tired, and I didn’t mind.”

“You need some sleep, Livi. I don’t want you doing your job while being tired.”

“I’m fine, Cash. I’m used to crazy hours and lack of sleep. Liam will fall back to sleep soon, and I’ll catch a nap on the couch. If that’s okay with you?” Livi asks tentatively.

“My bedroom is across the hall. I’ll get him to sleep and take the couch. I don’t want you driving home this late.”

“Deal.”

Livi hands over Liam before walking out of the room. Snots doesn’t follow her but parks himself near the crib again. Looking down, I see that Liam is out cold. I put him back in his crib, grab the baby monitor and walk out. When passing my bedroom, I see Livi standing near the bed, staring off into space.

I change directions and enter my bedroom. Livi’s eyes meet mine and stay on them as I stop in front of her, nearly touching bodies.

“Let’s get some sleep,” I say.

Livi doesn’t resist as I pull her down on the bed with me and pull her back to my front. Settling in, I place my mouth near her ear and simply say, “thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Cash.”

Morning light shining through the window wakes me. Livi and I are in the same position we were in when I fell asleep sometime in the night. I run my nose up the side of her neck and breathe in her scent. Through the monitor, I can hear Snots snoring in Liam’s room, and I have to grin. I hold Livi for another moment before carefully extricating myself from the bed. Making my way to Liam’s room, I’m surprised to find him still sound asleep. I use the hall bathroom before heading to the kitchen to start coffee.

I pour two cups and head back to my bedroom. Sitting the cups down on the nightstand, I take a seat near Livi on the bed. I lean down and can’t resist nibbling on her exposed neck. I run the tip of my tongue around the shell of her ear and grin when I hear a moan. Pulling back, I see sleepy eyes looking up at me.

“What time do you have to be to work today?” I ask her quietly.

“8am,” she answers in a raspy voice.

“It’s 5:30. There’s coffee on the nightstand. I’ll make you something to eat. Use whatever you need in the bathroom.”

“Thank you.”

When Livi enters the kitchen, she has Liam in her arms and Snots on her heels. I take Liam, and she lets Snots out the slider. After getting the two of them settled, we eat our breakfast together before she gathers up her things to leave.

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