“I know it’s small, but it’ll work, right?” Ryan’s gaze was on the crib he’d just constructed which dominated the little room that had formerly been his office.
Feeling guilty that he’d given up yet another space to accommodate me, I stepped closer and put an arm around his waist to give him a sideways hug. “I hate that you gave up your office. The crib would have fit at the foot of my bed.”
Ryan hugged me back and smiled down at me.
“Stop that, you’re a great mother, but you have your limits,” he said, his voice a low rumble.
“You need a good night’s sleep. So does he,” he said, nodding at the baby happily reaching for the mobile of farm animals turning in slow circles above him.
I drew in Ryan’s scent, always so rich and reassuring. Why couldn’t Brad have been more like Ryan—trustworthy, a hard worker, loyal? Although my stepbrother didn’t have any obligation to step in to help me when my parents had told me I had to move out, he’d stepped up, moving all my things himself in his pickup truck, even buying a crib to replace the bassinet which was getting to small to hold my infant son. He’d done all that and expected nothing in return—or so he’d said.
I didn’t have a job, could barely even consider going out to find one because that would mean I’d have to find daycare, and the thought of placing my son in the care of strangers killed me. Worse, I had zero income to pitch in to help with rent or groceries, because I’d only just begun the process of going to court to force Brad to pay child support.
Now instead of depending on my parents, or Brad, I was dependent upon my stepbrother for food and shelter. Our parents were right. I was a loser. And I got knocked up by a loser.
Ryan’s hugged me harder. “You’re getting that look on your feet again. Don’t sweat it. I swear, I make enough to take care of us. Plus, I’m almost done with my apprenticeship. As soon as I have my journeyman’s electrician certification, I’m starting my own business. I want this. And I want both of you safe and here where I can watch out for you.” He kissed my temple.
“You just worry about taking care of him.” He tickled my ribs. “And if you want to do dishes now and then...”
I laughed. “I’ll keep your place clean and I can at least take calls and handle billing for your side jobs...”
“See? You can work from home. Be my office manager.”
I snorted. He didn’t really need me for that, not until he hung out his own shingle, but the thought that I might be able to work from home one day was enticing.
Home. I worried about the fact I’d become used to the idea so quickly. Despite what he said, I couldn’t stay here for the long term, could I? Yes, his apartment was roomy, but one day he’d find someone to love, and I didn’t want to be in the way.
The thought of another woman living with him caused a twinge inside my chest. I was jealous of that other woman he hadn’t even met!
I glanced at the crib. Jonathan was asleep, munching on his fist.
“I think he likes his new digs,” Ryan whispered.
We backed out of the room and closed the door.
Ryan turned me and gripped my elbows. “You look about dead on your feet. I have to go out right now, got a call from a neighbor who needs help wiring some lights. You don’t have to wait up for me.”
And because I was exhausted, I let him lead me to my bedroom door. “You going to tuck me in, too?” I asked, smiling up at him.
A look crossed his face, a sudden tightening of his features and a darkening of his eyes. “Only if you need me to,” he said, his voice sounding a little gruff.
I held still, awareness blossoming. My nipples hardened. My pussy grew damp from just one gruff whisper—I was attracted to my brother!
“I’ll be fine,” I said and forced a smile. When I’d closed the door, I leaned against it, waiting to hear him walk away. He must have stood there, pausing, just as I was now, but
Similar Books
