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“See? Look at me adulting. I censored myself like a big boy. Oh wait, another opportunity to comment,” and he gave her another knowing look, wagging his eyebrows playfully.
“Oh my gosh,” she chuckled nervously, feeling completely flustered by the things he was saying to her – and then offering to take care of Zane so she could sleep in? Gosh, he was so incredibly sexy when he devoted himself to someone, and she knew firsthand just how intense it could be between them.
If Zane hadn’t been there… Eris swallowed nervously. No, it wasn’t a bad thing that Colton was going to be gone for three days. They needed space, obviously, and she paused, staring at his departing form as he walked with Zane into the other room. The running shorts he’d slept in didn’t hide much when it came to his legs.
“Oh mercy,” she whispered aloud to herself, her mind racing. The man was built, tanned, sexy, and hers… if she wanted him.
She’d accepted his offer of marriage for Zane’s sake because she did need help – and honestly felt like a stubborn, selfish fool for staying away for so long. Those hurt feelings were still there, but there was also a lot of confusion in the mix. She kept seeing his face the moment he laid eyes on Zane while she was standing on the porch.
Colton didn’t hesitate.
It took just one look at the two of them, and he’d stepped up. He opened his home, his wallet, his life to the two of them – and gave them both his name as well as a sense of security that she had been missing for the last several years. It was like there was a weight off her shoulders now because she had help from someone who wasn’t complaining about her kid or what he was doing.
He adored Zane, and it was easy to see; and that spark was still there between them. A little naked butt streaked past the doorway of the bedroom, and she couldn’t help but chuckle, listening to the two of them in the distance.
“All right, buddy! Good job!”
“I did it!”
“Yes, you did. Who’s a big boy?”
“I’mma big boy, Daddy!”
“Do you want a piece of toast with peanut butter – oh wait – um, hang on…” Eris heard footsteps headed her way as Colton’s head peered around the corner.
“I’m getting up,” she nodded.
“It’s not that, but it just dawned on me that I didn’t know if Zane had any food allergies. One of the guys at work is highly allergic to peanut butter, and we kinda try to watch what we cook or bring in just so Andy doesn’t keel over on any of us at the station. Can Zane have peanut butter?”
He was so thoughtful, learning step by step, and honestly, if she was to dream up the perfect father for her son – she was probably looking at him.
“Um, you okay?” he said carefully.
“Just thinking,” she replied quickly, nodding. “No, he isn’t allergic to anything that I know of, but I really appreciate you asking.”
“Hey, about earlier?” Colton began quietly coming to her side. “I’m sorry if I crossed a line. I got up in the middle of the night to shut the windows in Zane’s room. I forgot I had them open and was half asleep. It only felt natural to want to lie down beside you, and I didn’t think anything of it until we were both kinda there… in that moment. I might have read things wrong, and I’d like to apologize if I did.”
“Colton, stop,” she whispered, looking up at him, and seeing the flash of hurt in his eyes – just as he stepped back. She leaned forward and took his hand in hers, drawing on her strength at that moment, seeing the surprise in his eyes. “I’ve made mistakes and done things, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t realize we have a second chance.”
“Eris…” he began, and she shook her head.
“I’m scared, okay?” she whispered softly, not looking away from him. “I don’t want to just crash back into water that is just too deep for me to handle… but instead of saying no, running, or sabotaging all of this - maybe you can show me how to dog-paddle along the way?”
His beautiful lips spread softly into a smile that wrapped around her heart, making her realize she was doing the right thing for them.
“We should probably check on Zane. He’s too quiet,” she whispered nervously.
“Can I just tell you that I’m amazing at dog-paddling – mutt extraordinaire, right here,” he beamed and then nodded, lacing his fingers with hers. “I would love to take things slow and for us to get to know each other again.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Being given the chance to fall in love with you? Heck no, I really don’t mind. If you feel nervous, let me know and we’ll pivot together.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you, Eris…” and she saw him hesitate.
“What?”
