Page 66 of Only for Tonight

“I see.” My heart clenches inside my chest. Damn. Ryleigh’s so headstrong. So independent. So sweet. It’s heartbreaking. It’s… I don’t know. “Still doesn’t explain why you left.”

Her gaze suddenly snaps up to mine. “I don’t want to burden you. You’ve done enough.”

I feel like I’ve been sucker punched. “You were never a burden to me, Ryleigh. Neither was Ella. You guys were all I thought about when I was gone those two days. And having you both around made me realize what I’ve been missing out on living the bachelor life. You brought meaning to my days, and even though you’re a pain in the ass,” I smirk at her, “walking into the apartment last night and realizing you both were gone . . . fuck, it almost gutted me. I want you both to come back to my pla— I mean, our place.”

Her mouth presses into a line. “I’d never ask that of you. We hardly know each other, Alexei.”

That’s bullshit, and she knows it. We know all the things that matter. I know what’s in her heart, and she knows mine. Yeah, it’s fast, but when you know, you know. Right? Isn’t that what everyone always says?

But I don’t say any of this. I take a second to compose myself, pulling a deep breath into my lungs. “I know you wouldn’t ask, but I’m offering, Ry. There’s a difference.”

She swallows, still looking down. Still quiet.

Shit. I feel like I’m about to fucking beg her to come back. I’ve never begged a woman in my damn life. But there’s something different about her, about our connection, and I’m not willing to give up on us. This could be the start of something real. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest that she and Ella come as a package deal. The truth is, the baby has grown on me over the past couple of weeks. I want them both in my life.

“I also didn’t want to assume you’d want to date someone with a baby. Pre-made family and all that. Before, we both thought this was me temporarily watching Ella. Now, she’s all mine, no take-backs, no returns.”

Warmth spreads inside my chest. “I’m a big boy. I can decide what I want, Ryleigh.”

Her mouth twitches. “And what do you want?”

I lean closer. “I’m looking at it. I’ve never wanted two women in my life more than I do right now.”

Ryleigh gives me a doubtful glance like she doesn’t truly believe me, but she doesn’t say a word. Our food is delivered before I have a chance to say anything else, and we dig in together.

“Mmm . . . this French toast is amazing.” She cuts off a piece for me. “Try a bite?”

I grin. “Sure.” She brings the fork to my lips, and I accept the bite. Warm maple syrup and the sweetness from the powdered sugar hit my tongue. “Delicious.”

It’s crazy how comfortable we are together. Anyone looking at us might think we’re an old married couple. Why does that thought make me smile rather than cringe? It’s so not like me, but everything with her just feels right. It’s crazy, but true.

Ella’s still sound asleep by the time we finish. She really is a good baby. After I pay the bill, we go outside to the parking lot.

“I don’t want to rush you, but I like having you guys close, and more importantly, safe. Come home with me?” Permanently. I don’t say that last part, but we’ll get there. I hope.

Ryleigh nods. “We’d love to.”

She hops into her car and follows me home. It’s easier than transferring the car seat to my car in the freezing cold weather. When I glance back at her ancient rusty sedan, I make a mental note to buy her a new car. Something safer, more reliable. Ryleigh won’t like it, and that thought makes me smile. Twisted, I know.

I guess I’d just gotten used to being taken advantage of, and the fact that this woman couldn’t care less about my fame or fortune has blindsided me. Her sass and attitude about being independent makes me smile. Geez, having her and a baby in my house at the same time makes me smile. I may have gotten in over my head—but damn, I know it’ll be worth every second.

Back at my place, we unpack the diaper bag and I survey the guest room.

“We probably need to get more baby supplies. A changing table,” I say, watching as Ryleigh lays Ella onto the end of the bed to change her.

“You really want us to stay here?” she asks, her eyes wide and locked onto mine.

I stroke her cheek with my thumb. “I really want you to stay here. The place felt empty when you left. I slept for about four minutes last night.” I don’t remind her that the location of her run-down apartment makes me nervous. It’s not safe for them there. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they don’t have to go back.

“I—I guess we could try it . . .”

“Yeah?” My grin is huge as she lifts those blue eyes to mine, smiling.

“Yeah,” she says.

“Okay, then. I think it’s time to go shopping and set up a real baby nursery.”

I grab my laptop from the counter and we settle onto the couch together, browsing the baby sites for the items we’ll need. Ryleigh looks ready for a fight when I whip out my credit card, but I plant a big kiss on her lips to quiet her. It works perfectly. I’ll have to remember that trick anytime she attempts to give me some of that sass. Keeps her quiet and I get to kiss her. Win-win.