Page 23 of Taming Bull

Havoc let the matter drop, but he kept one eye on us as he peeled off to talk to Stocks.

During dinner, Stocks and Havoc discussed some home improvement project Havoc was working on while Monica and Julia shared recipes and reviewed newly released novels. Cari, a tall blonde who stayed in the room next to mine, called me out on my hoarder ways and forced me to give up the baby. Marcus spent the meal being passed around the table under Havoc’s watchful gaze.

Every time someone shifted the baby, Havoc would call out instructions like, “Watch his head,” and, “Be careful of his neck.”

“They’ve got it, baby,” Julia kept insisting, patting his hand. Judging by her smile, she didn’t mind his protective streak one bit.

After dinner, Havoc rubbed the back of Julia’s neck. “How are you feelin’? You tired yet?” Birth complications had forced her into a c-section delivery. It had been six weeks, and she was mostly healed, but Havoc was still in what she referred to as helicopter husband mode.

“No. I’m good.”

“You need anything?” His gaze shot to her empty glass. “More water?” Before she could answer, he scooped up the glass and headed for the fridge.

“Relationship goals,” Rita, another shelter resident, whispered to me.

I nodded and thought of Bull, feeling the ache in my chest that usually accompanied such thoughts. Bull was protective. He never let me walk home alone, and he never let me pay for anything. I wondered what kind of father and husband he’d be. Did he even want the whole marriage and kids package? We’d covered so much conversational ground as friends, but he always changed the subject when I broached familial topics.

Maybe he just doesn’t want a family with me.

The thought punched me in the gut, making my eyes sting and a lump form in my throat. There was undeniable attraction between me and Bull, but he seemed determined not to do anything about it. I needed to break down the walls he was hiding behind and make him surrender his heart to me so we could achieve our own relationship goals.

“You need anything else?” Havoc asked, setting the glass down in front of Julia.

“Actually, I need to use the restroom,” she replied, pushing back her chair to stand.

“Want me to go for you?” he asked, rising beside her. Then realizing what he’d said, he amended the statement. “Or at least help you?”

She gave him a patient smile. “Thank you, but I’m fine. Really.”

He watched until she stepped out of the kitchen and turned the corner, moving out of his line of sight. The attention he showed her and Marcus was everything I wanted someday.

I just needed Bull to come around.

Meanwhile, I’d suck love and affection from everything around me, especially babies and dogs. “My turn,” I demanded, holding my arms out to Rita.

“You had him for like an hour before dinner,” she argued.

“Yeah, but he’s basically my nephew. Hand him over, or I swear I’ll shank you under the table.”

“Lily, we talked about this,” Monica chided. “All shanking is to be done above the table where I can critique form and strike.”

Laughing, Havoc turned to Stocks. “You have your hands full.”

“You have no idea. It’s like fight club around here,” Stocks deadpanned.

Just as I started thinking I’d have to pry Marcus from Rita’s cold, dead hands, he messed his pants. Scrunching up her face in disgust, Rita couldn’t get him away from her fast enough.

“Want me to get that?” Havoc asked.

I’d grown up babysitting, and had no problem changing diapers. “Nah. I got him. You just relax and enjoy your meal. I’m sure you and Julia don’t get to enjoy many warm meals with this little man around.”

“Thanks Lily,” he said.

“No problem. Just remember, if you ever need a sitter, I’m your girl.”

He nodded. “We might take you up on that. I’m going back to work tomorrow, and Julia might need some help over the weekend. You don’t start your apprenticeship until Monday, right?”

Confirming, I carried Marcus into the living room and changed his stinky little butt. When I returned, Monica had me bring the baby over so she could get a good look at him.

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