Page 81 of Protect

Rowan stands and brings his own plate to the sink, spinning me around so I’m facing him.

“Yeah, this isn’t going to work for me.”

“What?”

“This thing you do where you get scared and hide like a little turtle in its shell. I want to see youandHollie. I’ve waited too long to have the chance to spend time with you. Hollie is a part of you, and she’s my little buddy. I’m all in, Vi.” He kisses my lips. “No turtling.”

I laugh in spite of myself then wrap my arms around his neck, brushing these feelings I’m having off for another day.

“You think you know me or something, Kingsley?”

He bends down and kisses my lips gently. “Not nearly well enough, love.”

The sound of my front door opening has both of us jumping back from each other. I didn’t lock it last night? I look at the time. It's only eleven, my parents aren’t due with Hollie for at least another two hours.

“Hello…” Teddy bellows into the hall as she enters. “Sorry to barge in but I got stuck waiting at a train and I’m about to pee my—” I scramble for the hall but I’m not fast enough. The moment I come around the corner I’m face to face with Teddy wearing baby Bea.

I stand straighter, a little breathless, and tug Rowan’s T-shirt down my thighs as if doing so could somehow turn it into a full outfit, preferably one that belongs to me.

“Well…” Teddy blushes looking back and forth between us. “I think I just have to say it like it is here…um…” Teddy says, looking from me to a half-naked Rowan. “This is just awkward.”

Rowan chuckles and leans against the counter and smirks. “Morning, Teddy. Coffee?”

My eyes shoot to his, how can he be so calm?

“No, I can’t, I’m the food source, but thank you,” she says, pointing to Bea. “I’ll just take some juice if you’ve got it.” Teddy drops her diaper bag on a nearby chair with the most puzzled, uncomfortable look on her face.

“Why are you—” I start. “You know what, hold that thought, I’m going to get dressed.”

“You’re not dressed now? I hadn’t noticed.” Teddy winks at me and giggles, she’s normally not this forward but it’s like she can’t help herself and she’s answering my question that yes, this situation could get more humiliating.

“Thought you had to pee?” I call out.

Rowan laughs and pops a strawberry into his mouth.

Five minutes later, I’m back in the kitchen to find Rowan, now wearing his hoodie, holding baby Bea. I don’t expect the sight of his strong arms cradling her to affect me but, my God, he looks incredible like this, smiling down at her like she’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. Bea fits right into the crook of his arm and he uses a finger from his free hand to stroke the top of her head. I’ve died and gone to perfect daddy material heaven as I watch them.

He’s leaning against the counter chatting to Teddy about Xander helping her with Bea’s delivery as if she didn’t just bust us after obviously spending the night together. He’s completelyat ease, like he just belongs here, like he just belongs with Bea in his arms.

I clear my throat and both of them look up at me. I move nervously to the sink and grab the dishcloth, starting to wipe down the kitchen counters.

“So, to explain this…” I say.

Teddy raises her hands as Bea starts to squirm. She makes her way over to Rowan who hands Bea to her with an easy grace.

“I don’t want to know anything. As far as I’m concerned, Rowan felt like cooking you breakfast, he was hot coming over here, so…he had to take off his shirt?” She shrugs.

Rowan chuckles, picking up his coffee mug and swallowing the last sip before loading it into the dishwasher.

“So, Vi, uh, did you forget we were going to go for our little walk? Bea’s first outing in her stroller? Ringing any bells? I only have an hour before this little peanut will have to eat again,” Teddy says, smiling.

I blink.

“No.” Yes.

Rowan takes that as his cue.

He leans down and kisses me on the cheek before heading to my room. The moment he’s out of earshot Teddy is gushing.

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