Page 35 of Shootout Daddies
I walk toward her, slowly, and pick her up. Her body is soft and warm, her breath hitching in tiny hiccups.
She curls against my chest like she already knows how to be held.
Hunter leans against the counter. “This is real.”
I nod. “It is.”
“What the hell do we do now?”
I rock her gently, thumb rubbing slow circles on her back.
“I don’t know,” I say.
CHAPTER NINE
Ivy
Brooke’s housesmells like lavender detergent and warmed oat milk, and I’m cradling a bottle in one arm while burping Sage over my shoulder.
Skye is trying to shove a puzzle piece in the wrong spot on the playmat, determined like her mom, and totally unbothered by the chaos around her.
“Remind me,” I say, patting Sage’s back in a slow rhythm, “why you didn’t just hire a nanny?”
Brooke looks up from where she’s cross-legged on the rug, organizing a tray of homemade baby food. “Because I’m a control freak who doesn’t trust anyone with my kids.”
“Fair,” I mutter, catching a particularly powerful baby burp.
She grins. “And because I have you.”
“Temporary.” I hand Sage back gently. “This is a summer gig.”
Brooke adjusts Sage in her lap and narrows her eyes at me. “Uh-huh. You’ve said that before. Meanwhile, you’re practically living with the Icemen.”
“I’m just… having fun,” I say, brushing hair out of my face. “Good sex. No pressure. It’s a win-win.”
Brooke raises an eyebrow. “Have you even called your parents since you got here?”
My smile falters. “Not yet.”
“Still avoiding that conversation?”
“Still.” I don’t look up. “It’s not time.”
She lets out a quiet sigh. “New York’s still going to be there when summer ends.”
“I know.” I stand and stretch. “But I’m not ready for that noise yet.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then softens. “You’ll deal with it when you’re ready.”
The back door opens, and Ace steps in with Storm on a leash and Buddy, their giant golden retriever, trotting beside him. “Your mutt tried to jump in the pool again,” he says, wiping his hands on a towel. “Storm’s got no fear.”
“He’s got no manners, either.” I laugh. “But thanks, Ace.”
“No problem. You sticking around for lunch?”
Brooke perks up. “I was about to order sandwiches.”
I shake my head. “I was gonna head to the guys’ place.”
