Page 39 of Callahan

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. In the meantime, put my number on speed dial and don’t be afraid to use it.”

“Mine, too,” Adam added.

“I will,” I promised. Conor’s cries came over the monitor, and I looked at them both with a smile. “I’m being summoned.”

Before I turned to go, Brian blurted out, “Hey, if you have some time in the next week or two… do you think you could text me when he’s awake, and I could swing by to see him?”

“Maybe I’ll even let you give him a bottle,” I teased.

“I’d like that.”

I glanced at Adam who was smiling tenderly at me as he told me, “Thanks for the tarts. I’ll report back tomorrow.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” I murmured.

I felt the blush creep up my neck when I remembered the dirty thoughts I’d had about him when he’d been in the shower that morning. And the ones I may have about him when I lay in bed alone tonight.

The two men reached the door and Brian reminded me, “Don’t forget, I’ll be by later.”

“Text me before you come. If you time it right, you might even catch Conor awake tonight.”

“That’d be great.”

It was as if my son could hear his name being mentioned all the way from upstairs, because his cries grew more insistent. I told Paulina, “Be back soon!” and headed toward my apartment.

Chapter Seventeen

Adam

Brian made a left turn onto Oak Lane, which turned out to be an appropriate name because the street was canopied by mature oak trees, making it look like something out of the movies. The neat craftsman houses of varying sizes and colors lined both sides of the road. It was a picture-perfect example of life in an American small town.

It reminded me a lot of Lancastle.

And while I missed my family, I could see myself staying in Haven Springs. Especially if I lived on a street like this one.

We pulled into the paved driveway of a moss-green one-and-a-half story bungalow featuring a second-story balcony. Red brick pavers and stairs led up to a wrap-around porch lined with rose bushes. The mahogany double door with six individual panes of beveled glass was a statement piece itself.

“Wow, Brian. Your place is gorgeous.”

“Thanks. I just bought it last fall. It’s got five bedrooms and four baths, so it’s where I want to raise my family.”

“You got a baby mama picked out yet?”

He was quiet for a second too long before he replied, “No, not yet.”

If we were better friends, I’d bust his balls. But, since I’d only known him a day, and he was letting me crash in one of his five bedrooms, I decided not to push him.

“Thanks again for letting me stay.”

“No problem. As you can see, I’ve got plenty of room.” He opened the driver’s door. “Come in; let’s get you situated before I head back to work.”

He walked me through the house that was as stunning on the inside as it was on the outside.

The dark oak floors gleamed and were decorated with large plush Oriental area rugs in warm colors throughout. The pocket doors, beamed ceilings, mahogany built-ins, and brick fireplace were just a few of the designer touches, along with an updated chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops and an island a family of eight could eat at.

“This place is amazing.”

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