Page 56 of Hot Momosa

I wanted to argue that we’d waited long enough, but I nodded. “Why was Gunnar so upset?”

Dahlia sighed and glanced away. “He asked if we could go home, but I’m not sure if that’s what’s bothering him.”

“You’ve both been through a lot in the last couple of days.” I knew jack shit about kids, especially little ones, but I knew they needed stability. “If my mother yanked me out of my bed in the middle of the night and whisked me away, I’d be a little clingy, too.”

“Now there’s a mental picture I’ll never be able to shake.” She snickered. “Seriously, though if my mom did that to me, I’d be downright homicidal.”

“How do we help him feel safe?” As soon as the question left my mouth, a wall went up between us. I’m talking about a Game of Thrones level ice wall with archers on the parapets.

“The best way would be for me to take him home.”

Back to her place? Is she fucking kidding?“That’s a horrible idea.”

“I know, but I don’t have many other options.” She looked anywhere except at me.

I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt if she walked out of my condo, she’d be walking out of my life for good. “You can stay here. I’ll buy whatever you need. Name it.”

“We can’t stay here, Leo.” She sat upright.

“Is it the paparazzi downstairs? We can go somewhere, just the three of us. Somewhere they can’t find us.” Panic made my voice quiver. I couldn’t lose them. Not when I’d finally gotten my family under the same roof.

“It’s not the press.”

“Then what is it?”

Dahlia dipped her chin. “The longer we’re here, the more attached to you he’s going to get.”

“I’m his father. Why is that a problem?” I eased back from Gunnar and sat up.

“You know why.” She walked to the door and motioned for me to follow.

Once again, I found myself trailing behind her like a lost puppy. I stopped in the living room and folded my arms. “I do know why, but it has absolutely nothing to do with Gunnar getting attached.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She rounded on me.

I didn’t care that I’d pissed her off because beneath her anger was a layer of fear deep enough to wade through. “The longer you stay the more attached you’re going to get.”

“You egotistical bastard.” Shaking her head, she let out a bitter laugh. “How many times do I have to tell you it’s over between us?”

I didn’t want to believe her. In fact, I wanted to throw her over my shoulder like a damned caveman and lock her in the bedroom. But for the first time in my life, I had someone other than myself to consider. Someone who deserved two parents who put his needs before their own.

I dropped my hands to my sides, drew a deep breath, and motioned to the couch. “We should sit and discuss this like adults.”

Dahlia glared and seated herself on the edge of the sofa.

I wove my way through the toys on the floor, and mess in the kitchen to retrieve to water bottles from the fridge. After handing one to her, I sat as far from her as possible. “Our relationship, or lack thereof, shouldn’t have anything to do with Gunnar.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but sighed. “You’re right.”

“He’s my son. I have every right to ensure he’s safe.” Never in my wildest dreams had I thought I’d ever have this conversation with Dahlia. Then again, I’d never considered the possibility we wouldn’t end up together.

She straightened her spine. “Are you saying I’m putting him in danger?”

“If you go back to the house where a psychopath broke into Gunnar’s bedroom, then yes I am.” I opened the bottle and down some water to give her time to respond. When she didn’t, I continued. “As for you not wanting my son to get attached to me…too bad.”

Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Then exactly what did you mean?” I hated myself for the way I was treating her, but I’d learned a long time ago to start the way I intended to fly. If Dahl and I were redefining our relationship, I planned to set down some ground rules—starting with how we co-parent Gunnar.

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