Page 39 of The Opposite of Romance
She opens her mouth to protest, but I level her with a glare. “It’s non-negotiable.”
Slowly, she dips her chin and unbuckles the baby carrier. She hands me Stella, and I press my lips to her forehead, inhaling that intoxicating baby scent.
“Now scoot,” I say to Sandy, and she starts upstairs.
Carefully, I pull my ass down onto the couch, making myself comfortable. But a wail quickly interrupts Stella’s peaceful sleep. Her face contorts with disgust, and I get up from the couch and start bouncing.
Wow, Sandy really wasn’t kidding about not sitting down.
Stella settles after a minute of bouncing, so I guess my destiny is sealed. I strap her back into the carrier and wander around the house as she naps peacefully on my chest.
Walking into the kitchen, I realize I could do lunch prep while she sleeps, so I cut up the veggies, make some guac, and prepare veggie wraps for Sandy, Logan, and me.
The lunch is ready before you know it, so I use the time to bring it to Logan. There’s not much more to do with a baby on me. I grab two plates, feeling hungry myself, and head outside.
Logan is in another tank top today, gray this time. He’s carrying a huge beam to finish putting together the structure of the deck. As soon as he notices me, his face transforms into a smile. One that, joined by the protruding muscles from carrying a heavy load, makes for a deadly combination.
He takes the plate from my hand, whispering, “Thank you.”
“Oh, it’s ok. You don’t have to whisper. She’s not sensitive to noise.” I tell him. “Only sitting down, apparently.”
“Thank you for lunch. Want to eat with me?” He eyes the other plate in my hand.
“Umm, sure.” We approach the two lounge chairs, the only available furniture, and he holds my plate while I sit down.
As soon as my ass hits the chair, Stella’s shriek pierces the air. Logan’s eyes widen, and I wince before getting back up.
“It was worth a shot,” I huff.
“Want me to hold her while you eat?” he asks.
“It’s ok, thank you. I’ll eat it on the kitchen island.” I shoot him a smile.
“Come on, stay. I’ll keep standing, out of solidarity with you.”
I raise my eyebrow, but he looks earnest. “Fine.”
He shoots me a smile, reaching my plate out to me. I take the wrap, and he places the empty plate on the lounge chair.
“Where’s your sister?”
“Oh, I sent her to bed.” He eyes me questioningly, so I continue, “Stella here hasn’t been sleeping well, meaning Sandy is pretty much a walking zombie.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“It’s what sisters are for. Do you have any siblings?”
“No, I’m an only child.”
“I’m sorry,” I respond after swallowing a bite of my food.
“That’s ok.” He chuckles. “Thanks for lunch, by the way.” He shows the empty plate in his hand.
“Don’t worry about it. You should get back to work, don’t let me get in the way.”
“I don’t mind keeping you company.”
“I’m good, thanks. Sandy will probably wake up soon, too. Go.” I wave him off.
