Page 24 of Hollywood

“Nah, you’re all the sweetness I need.”

He tilted his head, brown eyes narrowing. “You don’t have to butter me up. I’m already feeding you breakfast.”

I grinned. “Just making sure.”

Hollywood waited for me to lower Ruby to the couch, then handed me the mug of coffee. “I really appreciate your help. I was in over my head.”

This close, I could see the little amber flecks in his eyes and the long lashes that framed them.

He was a criminally handsome man. That was the real reason he should have gone to prison. He tempted every person he walked by. Even now, unwashed and uncombed, his hair was a wild tumble that looked intentionally styled. His features were masculine with just the right touch of softness to make him more beautiful than rugged. He wore more stubble than usual this morning, and surprisingly, my stomach flipped at the sight.

I swallowed hard. “Anytime, Hendrix.”

He drew back, surprised. “Using my real name now?”

“Just want you to know I’m serious. Anytime you need me, I’m here.”

He pressed his lips together, as if holding in words. I could just imagine what they might be. I had been an idiot three months ago. I opened my mouth to tell him just as Ruby cried out, “Potty!”

He blinked, confused. “Potty?”

“Potty,” she said urgently.

I set down my coffee cup and grabbed her up. “They started potty training. She must want the bathroom. Grab the potty chair.”

I carried Ruby to the bathroom. Holly came in and set the potty chair down. Ruby plopped on the seat and grunted loudly enough we both had to muffle laughs.

We didn’t quite make it to the potty in time, but then, she was in a new place. Now that she knew where the potty chair was, she could get there faster.

Hollywood fetched the wipes, and we cleaned up, then I dumped the potty basin into the toilet.

“Want to flush, Ru-Ru?” I asked her.

“Yay! Flush!”

She walked to the side of the toilet to pull the handle, watching intently as the water flushed away all evidence. “Poo go bye-bye.”

Hollywood laughed from the doorway. “Good job, Ruby.”

She beamed. “I’m a big girl.”

“Yes, you are!” He held up a fresh pullup. “Want to put this on?”

“I do it!” she said.

He handed her the pullup, and she plopped down on her butt on the fuzzy bathmat to push her legs through the holes. She pulled it up and wiggled it over her hips.

“Nice work.” I held up my hand, and she slapped my palm.

A beeping came from the kitchen. Hollywood flinched. “Crap! Breakfast!”

He raced off. I exchanged a look with Ruby. “Is breakfast gonna be burned up?”

Her mouth formed an O-shape. “Uh-oh.”

I laughed as I scooped her up and held her over the sink so we could both wash hands. “Uh-oh is right.”

When we got to the kitchen, Hollywood stood by an open window, waving out smoke. The eggs were a lost cause, burned so badly they’d become part of the pan. The sausage was okay, already removed from the burner and resting on a plate. I snagged a sausage link and popped it into my mouth.