Page 13 of Callahan

Although according to Granny O’Brien, I had already been destined for there. Long before Adam Callahan came into my bakery with his tight, cerulean-blue polo that perfectly matched his eyes while showcasing his muscular arms and chest and filled my head with scandalous ideas.

Shawn had been killed almost six months ago, but he’d really been gone since August. He’d asked me to wait for him, and I’d agreed. I would have had no problem being faithful; I cared for him. It was a no-brainer once I found out we were going to be a family.

And then the day after Christmas, I got word Shawn had been killed and my whole world was turned upside down.

It’d taken me a long time to accept he was never coming back, and I had to raise our son alone.

So, I wasn’t going to hate myself for wanting to have sex with a hot stranger when the opportunity presented itself.

Not that I really stood a chance with Adam. But I could fantasize about it, and if I were being honest with myself, probably would.

I know, I know. Straight to hell.

As if Conor could sense his lascivious mother’s impure thoughts, he woke with a whimper.

****

Adam

Her baby started crying, and she immediately went to him, cooing, “Hey, sweet boy. You can’t be hungry already, can you?” as she took him out of the carrier.

She lifted his bottom to her nose, then made a face as she pulled her neck back.

“Pee-yew! You definitely need a new diaper.” Lainey turned to me with a smile, and for a second, I feared she was going to ask me to change the kid’s poopy pants. Instead, she sweetly asked, “Would you mind watching the bakery while I change him?”

“Um, sure. What do I do if someone comes in?”

She was already walking toward the kitchen, where I’d noticed a set of stairs earlier when I got the ladder, and said, “Give them what they want.”

“But how do I know what to charge? Or how to take their payment, for that matter?”

“I won’t be long. I doubt anyone will even come in this time of day. But if they do, be charming and stall them until I get back.”

I swear, I didn’t mean to stare at her ass as she walked away. It just happened.

Then it was me all alone in the quiet bakery.

The place was inviting with its brightly pink- and yellow-colored walls and cheery artwork. There were even white vases of vibrant-colored flowers on all the tables. I had to touch the petals to see if they were fake.

They were.

Probably a good thing. I imagined fresh flowers could get expensive after a while. Besides, they looked real, so who cared?

The selection of available baked goods in the display case was slim. Considering it was nearly three p.m.—the closing timewritten on the door—it meant she didn’t have a lot of wasted product.

I couldn’t believe Lainey was running a business all by herself after having had a baby eight weeks ago. She was a fucking rockstar.

“We’re back!” she announced when she returned through the swinging door leading to the kitchen. “With a fresh smelling baby boy!”

She made her eyes big and smiled dramatically at her son as she told him. “Yes, you are! You’re all clean!”

Conor stared at her face and cooed in response. Shawn’s son seemed like a happy baby. I felt content knowing the little boy was so well cared for.

By his hot mom.

No! Bad Adam! Bad Friend!

But as she beamed at her son like he was her pride and joy, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her.

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