Page 34 of I've Got You

A wide smile stretched my lips. She was freakin’ adorable. “You want to retract that statement of being all okay?” I lifted both brows high, a lightness sitting happily in my chest at the domestic chaos I’d walked in to.

“This?” He glanced around, his lips tilting up. “This is nothing. You should stop by when there are multiple food groups on offer.”

I nodded in Libby’s direction and took a step toward her, being careful not to step on any oats. “And you seem better.” I picked up the second spoon on her tray and looked at Davis. “Can I try?” My mouth went dry when I took in the expression on his face. There was no longer amusement in his eyes; instead, a softness I hadn’t seen before hit me with a force so hard it took my breath away.

He nodded without speaking, his soft expression on me for a moment longer before it drifted to Libby, then back to me. This time, I took note of the breath that left his lungs—it was heavy, almost a sigh. His Adam’s apple worked before he cleared his throat and turned away.

Not giving myself time to get my thoughts under control, since Libby thumping her tray drew my attention back to her, I managed to force a smile. It only took a moment for the smile to settle and become real and at ease. It was impossible not to when Libby had her fist in her mouth, oatmeal oozing out the sides. My heart remained pounding though, Davis’s look still burning brightly in my memory.

With a deep breath, I scooped up some oatmeal. “Does your hand taste good?”

“Ba ba baba…,” Libby chanted happily.

“Alrighty then. How about we try this spoon instead?” I made a show of moving the spoon in her direction before saying, “Nope?” I sighed dramatically and puffed out my cheeks, my lips vibrating loudly. She giggled. “For me then?” Once again, the spoon was moved slowly, this time toward my face.

Libby yanked her fist out of her mouth and reached for my hand. “May may may may.”

“Yours, huh?”

She nodded so fast I was worried her head was going to bobble off. “May may may.”

“You sure?” I took the spoon to her, and inwardly fist pumped when she opened her mouth wide and smacked her lips around the spoon. I pulled out the empty spoon to hermmmmsounds.

“You know that’s just beginner’s luck, right?”

I peered up at Davis, who was at my side, his heat brushing over me a welcome warmth. I winked. “I have the element of a fresh face, something of a new shiny toy that she can con and no doubt decorate with oatmeal when I least expect it.”

He snorted and set my coffee on the table out of Libby’s reach. “For you.”

“Thanks.” I nodded and spooned in more porridge when Libby opened her mouth wide for me.

“I swear, she’s going to have all guys wrapped around her damn finger.” Davis pulled a chair next to mine. “She generally feeds herself, she’s so independent, but every now and again she’ll allow us mere mortals to fawn over her.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. Isn’t that right, Libby?” From the gummy smile she threw my way, she knew exactly what we were talking about. “So she’s better?”

“Yeah, thanks. One tooth has finally cut, another is almost there, but her fever’s down and she hasn’t thrown up for about five hours, so I’ll take it as a win.”

I nodded. “That’s great.”

“And thank you.” Davis reached out and placed his hand on my arm when he spoke. I watched, mesmerized, as he squeezed lightly. “For yesterday.”

I nodded, my eyes traveling across to him. I didn’t need or want him to say any more. Yeah, I was a little embarrassed by my actions of yesterday. I felt like a dick for rushing out to do something nice for him, which was ridiculous, I knew. When had doing something nice for someone meant you were a dick? But still, his reaction was worth it. Rather than rambling and giving reasons and excuses, I bit my tongue and composed myself. “You’re welcome.”

The moment passed as he handed me my coffee. I smiled when I took a sip; it was made just how I liked it. That he knew something as mundane as how I took my coffee felt good. Outside of work, I’d never had that before, had never allowed myself to be in a situation where someone could get close to me.

I attempted to shrug off my thoughts of wasted years and focused instead on the present, the guy at my side who had me in knots, and his baby girl who was crazily adorable. No sooner had I finished the thought than the half-full bowl upended on my lap, splattering on my tee and somehow managing to land on my face, my arms, my jeans, and my shoes.

“Holy crap,” Davis said with a laugh, jumping out of his seat and racing into the kitchen proper. His laughter trailed behind him as I looked at a wide-eyed Libby, who was leaning over and looking at her upturned bowl that sat on my groin. She seemed to contemplate the situation a moment, taking it all in, my reaction, the mess, her dad’s laughter. Understandably, she found the whole damn thing hilarious.

I was standing by the time Davis returned with a cloth. With the damp material in hand, he pressed his lips together and scanned my body. “I don’t think this is going to cut it. I’m so sorry.” Amusement laced every word.

“Uh-huh, you seem truly mortified over there with your clean, naked chest.” I paused. “Why is it you’re partially dressed again?”

His smile turned wicked. “That may have been Libby’s second bowl you were feeding her.”

I snorted. “Of course it was.” I was legit covered in oatmeal.

“Come on. Both of you need hosing off.” He unfastened Libby, who was happily chattering about her perfect aim and expressing how grateful she was that she had us for entertainment. At least, that was how I interpreted her delighted baby chatter. Once she was in his arms, he indicated I should follow. I did so, walking like some sort of deranged oatmeal monster, trying not to leave a trail of oats behind me. He led me to what I quickly figured was his bedroom.

---