Page 66 of Riptide

Hudson wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her back into him. “Come on, princess. Listen to him; he’s right. We’ll miss the movie if we don’t leave now.”

I point in Hudson’s direction, glaring at my sister. “See? Leave.”

She turns, but spins around again to look at Rosie in my arms. I push her away before she starts crying or something. “Go.”

Just as Hudson opens the door, it reveals my man. Foxx freezes mid-step like he wasn’t expecting an audience, and to be fair, I wasn’t expecting him this early either. His hand’s still hovering in the air, mid-knock.

Hudson grins, eyes bouncing between the two of us. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Professor McSteamy.”

Foxx clears his throat, straightening ever-so-slightly, an awkward smile tipping up the corner of his mouth. “Oh, I hope that nickname doesn’t stick.”

Daphne’s clearly trying to smother a smile. “Hi! Uh, Professor… I mean, Foxx? Well, actually, is it weird if I call you that?”

“It’s only weird when you make it weird, Daph,” I say, then push them out the way and drag Foxx inside to be near me and Rosie. His scent clings to me instantly, and I inhale the comforting smell that I reluctantly washed off my hoodie today.

His shoulders relax as he looks at me. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I echo, leaning into the warmth his body brings. Rosie takes that moment to reach for him and slap his chest, and his eyes soften as he looks her over.

“Hey there, Rosie,” he coos, and the sweetness in his voice shouldn’t be as hot as it is. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

She makes a high-pitched noise and smiles at him, jumping up and down on my hip. That new little snaggle tooth of her pops out too.

His fingers brush over her blonde curls gently, and Rosie leans into him more, grabbing his wrist and trying to shove it in her mouth.

“I think she likes you,” Daphne says while still lingering at the door.

“She’s precious,” Foxx replies, letting her drool all over his hand like it’s no big deal.

I glance up at him, heart being all full and naïve and say, “She’s got good taste.”

Daphne lets out a squeak that she immediately tries to cover with a cough.

Hudson rumbles a laugh and pulls her toward him again. “Come on, let’s leave these two alone, so we can also be alone. I really want to f—”

“Nope, there are babies around,” I cut in quickly, guiding them both back toward the hallway. “I don’t need to hear it. Be young and in love somewhere else.”

Hudson turns just before the door closes, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Behave,” he says, and then, after a pause, “Or don’t. You’re both adults.”

I roll my eyes. “Bye, Hudson. Bye, Daphne.”

He gives a lazy salute. “Later.”

I push the door closed behind them, the Christmas countdown sign rattling against the wall, a not-so-gentle reminder that there are only ten days left. It taunts me as I slump back against the door with a sigh.

Foxx watches me, his expression wavering between amused and gentle. “You okay?”

I nod, then step into his arms, which immediately wrap around me and Rosie. “Better now.” Rosie doesn’t hesitate either. The second he’s close enough, she lets out another happy squeal and lunges forward, trying to grab his glasses and climb up into him.

“Hey now,” I laugh, steadying her. “You’ve known him for five minutes.”

Foxx’s arms adjust to catch her easily, holding her and removing his glasses, placing them in his back pocket with a smile he can’t hide. “The feeling is mutual. I like her too.” It should be a crime that he handles babies so well.

Rosie beams up at him, rubbing a chubby little hand over his beard, then rests her head on his chest like she’s decided that’s her spot now. Sorry, Rosie girl, that spot is already mine.

When she lets out a big yawn and her little eyes start to owl blink, I lean in to brush a kiss to her temple. “Let’s get you to bed, little lady.”

Foxx nods, letting me take her from him. I carry her down the hall and get her set up in her cot. Daphne fed her beforeshe left, and she’s been bathed, so when I lay her down, she doesn’t protest, just pops a thumb in her mouth and closes her eyes. I know not all babies are like this, but she’s really a little dreamboat.

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