Page 26 of Take My Kiss
She follows me, speaking to my back. “Colt, you don’t have”—she clears her throat and lowers her voice—”you aren’t responsible for gettin’ up with ’em or makin’ ’em food. I know you said you don’t mind, but I do.”
When I turn, the movement brings us closer. My gaze lowers to her lips for a brief second, wondering how she’d react if I stole a taste. “And why’s that?”
“’Cause they hardly know you and we’re only here temporarily. I clearly need to work on the whole stranger danger with my kids, but for now, there’s no reason to muddy the roles.”
“Theroles?” I lift a brow, more amused than annoyed, but still confused.
“We’re guests in your house, practically takin’ over your whole space, so you don’t need to go above and beyond more than you already have or take care of my kids. They’re confused enough as it is.”
I glance over her shoulder at the kids smiling and laughing as they eat. My shoulder lifts, meeting her glare. “They don’t seem confused.”
She crosses her arms, taking a small step back. “The last thing they need is to get used to a parent figure who ain’t stayin’ in their lives, so it’ll be an easier transition once we go back home if you don’t take over.”
“Makin’ breakfast is takin’ over?” I mimic her stance, folding my arms and matching her firm posture. “As I’ve said before, I’m not gonna eat in front of ’em. Plus, I’m happy to cook for y’all.”
“Of course not, but next time, wake me, and I’ll do it.”
“Amelia…” I drawl, letting my arms drop. Stepping closer, I steal back the inch of space she put between us. “You obviously have trust issues, and I understand why, but I’m offerin’ my help with zero expectations from you. You wanna pretend we’ve never met before yesterday, then fine—I’ll let you live in your fantasy bubble fornow—but that doesn’t change anythin’. Y’all are in my house, I’m gonna help with the kids and whatever else y’all need ’cause I’m not an asshole. I care about your well-being. So you can keep arguin’ about it or get on board and appreciate the break.”
Her jaw ticks as her eyes bore into mine. I see the way her mind’s spiraling as if she doesn’t know which part of my words she wants to argue with first.
But I don’t give her the chance to decide.
“You might wanna eat and freshen up, darlin’. Your massage is in forty-five minutes.”
Gabby arrives right on time with her gear in tow. I direct her to the bedroom and introduce her to Amelia, who seems nervous, but I know she’ll enjoy herself.
She barely said a word to me since I told her about the appointment. She played it cool when she sat and ate with the kids, but her tense body language gave her away. If I accomplish anything while she’s here, I hope it’s earning her trust so she doesn’t put me in the same category as all the other men who’ve disappointed her.
Once she finished eating, she gave them a pep talk to behave for me and reassured them she’d be back in an hour to play with them.
Except, I might’ve neglected to tell her I also booked a facial, mani and pedi, and seaweed bath. She’ll be busy for at least the next four hours.
But she needs it, and the self-care will be good for her. I can handle the kids in the meantime.
Ninety minutes later, I realize I can’t.
Sam wants to play games on his iPad, and Lily keeps throwing toys at him. Even when I get on the floor and try to occupy her, she finds ways to annoy her brother.
Reminds me of Warren and Bellamy as kids. They have the biggest age gap among our siblings at eight years. But there were three other kids in the middle to intervene.
Since that’s not the case here and it’s two against one, I call in reinforcements as a single and childless man and ask my mom for backup.
“Hey, Ma. Thanks for comin’.”
“My pleasure, sweetheart.” She pats my cheek when I step out of the way to let her inside. “I brought supplies.”
“Thank goodness.”
Before I close the door, Bellamy approaches with a shit-eating grin and a large box in her arms.
“What’re you doin’ here?” I groan, already preparing for her smart mouth.
“Mom asked me to bring some stuff from the daycare. I’ve got board games, puzzles, books, blocks, Legos, some dolls…a little of everythin’. So ya gonna let me in or what?”
“Depends.” I narrow my eyes, leaning against the doorway. “You gonna be nice or tease me the whole time?”
“Whatever do you mean, big brother? Why would I, your favorite sister in the whole world, do such a thing?”
