“Shh. Don’t stop me. Just enjoy it.”
So I do. He washes my hair and then conditions it. With his hands lathered in body wash, he cleans me, touches me, and massages the tight and sore muscles in my back, shoulders, and thighs. The man is on his knees washing and massaging me, and I don’t know what to do with this.
I can handle fighting. I can handle rough. I can even handle possessive.
But sweet, tender Vander rushes past all my resistance, bringing him closer and closer to the one place I need to keep him from. For all our sakes.
25
Liora is sitting on the couch, huddled under a blanket, with the fire blazing in the fireplace. Her laptop is on her lap, and she’s trying to do schoolwork while Hazel plays nearby. My little angel hasn’t looked at me much since this morning. We finished in the shower, and then, like last night, she scurried away back upstairs.
Outside the window, more freezing rain is falling. It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow, but today we’re locked inside. I’m at the counter in my kitchen instead of in the basement or on the couch beside her. I’m also working. Or at least I’m supposed to be.
I make it maybe three minutes tops before I’m back to watching her.
Thankfully my phone vibrates against the counter.
Mason: Did you know that baby boys pee when you remove their diapers? It’s like a fucking garden hose or a power wash. Sorel thinks it’s hysterical, but she hasn’t been peed on because she knows some baby voodoo magic to make him only pee on me.
Fucking Mason. Thank God.
Stone: Dude, I freaking told you baby boys do that and to put the diaper over his penis while placing the new one on.
My smile grows.
Mason: I tried! I don’t have six hands, asshole. Why don’t you come over here and show me how it’s done?
Stone: Sorry, brother. We don’t all get to stay home and play house like you and Vander do. Some of us have to work for a living.
Owen: I’m home. I wanted to be with my girls.
Mason: Aw, that’s so cute I almost threw up in my mouth.
Me: Domestic life not how you pictured it, Mase?
Mason: Other than the golden showers and lack of sleep, it’s great. How about you? Care to finally share?
I debate this for a moment, my eyes on her as she smiles and talks to Hazel, who continues to interrupt Liora’s schoolwork. Not once does Liora act annoyed or put out.
Me: You’re going to think I’m fucking nuts.
Owen: Not more than we already do. Do we need to move this to the chat with the women?
Me: Definitely not. The last thing I need is Katy, Keegan, Kenna, Wren, and Tinsley spouting their smart mouths at me.
Stone: Ah, so you’re finally sleeping with her.
Me: Started last night. She left immediately after both times.
Owen: You must suck in bed then.
Me: Don’t be an ass. I’m amazing in bed.
Stone: So says you, Thor, but women don’t run when the dick is good.
Me: *Middle finger emoji*
Mason: Just put a ring on it and tell her you love her. Worked for me.