Chapter 40
What’s hotter than a gorgeous shirtless firefighter in your kitchen? A gorgeous shirtless firefighter making you breakfast.
I pop the last bite of the world’s fluffiest cinnamon pancakes into my mouth and take a sip of my coffee. Rowan’s hoodie is slung over the back of my kitchen chair so I can still smell his cologne that clings to it as I eat.
“So, about that date…” Rowan says as he sits down to my left with his own plate of pancakes
“Last night was a date.” I lean back in my chair and propping my feet up on the one across from me.
“Like fuck,” he says as he shovels in a bite.
“Hollie is going to SuperPets live with Troy on Wednesday,” I offer.
Rowan doesn’t look up as he shakes his head. “I’ll take it but that’s too far away.”
He looks up at me. “What are you and Hollie doing for dinner tonight?”
My mouth pops open and my chest warms at the idea that he would want to spend time with both me and Hollie. So of course I do what I do best.
I panic.
“Um…I’m not sure.” I stand and take my plate to the sink, setting it down and then focusing out the kitchen window.
Rowan stands and brings his own plate to the sink, spinning me around so I’m facing him.
“Yeah, this isn’t going to work for me.”
“What?”
“This thing you do where you get scared and hide like a little turtle in its shell. I want to see you and Hollie. I’ve waited too long to have the chance to spend time with you. Hollie is a part of you, and she’s my little buddy. I’m all in, Vi.” He kisses my lips. “No turtling.”
I laugh in spite of myself then wrap my arms around his neck, brushing these feelings I’m having off for another day.
“You think you know me or something, Kingsley?”
He bends down and kisses my lips gently. “Not nearly well enough, love.”
The sound of my front door opening has both of us jumping back from each other. I didn’t lock it last night? I look at the time. It's only eleven, my parents aren’t due with Hollie for at least another two hours.
“Hello…” Teddy bellows into the hall as she enters. “Sorry to barge in but I got stuck waiting at a train and I’m about to pee my—” I scramble for the hall but I’m not fast enough. The moment I come around the corner I’m face to face with Teddy wearing baby Bea.
I stand straighter, a little breathless, and tug Rowan’s T-shirt down my thighs as if doing so could somehow turn it into a full outfit, preferably one that belongs to me.
“Well…” Teddy blushes looking back and forth between us. “I think I just have to say it like it is here…um…” Teddy says, looking from me to a half-naked Rowan. “This is just awkward.”
Rowan chuckles and leans against the counter and smirks. “Morning, Teddy. Coffee?”
My eyes shoot to his, how can he be so calm?
“No, I can’t, I’m the food source, but thank you,” she says, pointing to Bea. “I’ll just take some juice if you’ve got it.” Teddy drops her diaper bag on a nearby chair with the most puzzled, uncomfortable look on her face.
“Why are you—” I start. “You know what, hold that thought, I’m going to get dressed.”
“You’re not dressed now? I hadn’t noticed.” Teddy winks at me and giggles, she’s normally not this forward but it’s like she can’t help herself and she’s answering my question that yes, this situation could get more humiliating.
“Thought you had to pee?” I call out.
Rowan laughs and pops a strawberry into his mouth.
Five minutes later, I’m back in the kitchen to find Rowan, now wearing his hoodie, holding baby Bea. I don’t expect the sight of his strong arms cradling her to affect me but, my God, he looks incredible like this, smiling down at her like she’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. Bea fits right into the crook of his arm and he uses a finger from his free hand to stroke the top of her head. I’ve died and gone to perfect daddy material heaven as I watch them.
He’s leaning against the counter chatting to Teddy about Xander helping her with Bea’s delivery as if she didn’t just bust us after obviously spending the night together. He’s completely at ease, like he just belongs here, like he just belongs with Bea in his arms.
I clear my throat and both of them look up at me. I move nervously to the sink and grab the dishcloth, starting to wipe down the kitchen counters.
“So, to explain this…” I say.
Teddy raises her hands as Bea starts to squirm. She makes her way over to Rowan who hands Bea to her with an easy grace.
“I don’t want to know anything. As far as I’m concerned, Rowan felt like cooking you breakfast, he was hot coming over here, so…he had to take off his shirt?” She shrugs.
Rowan chuckles, picking up his coffee mug and swallowing the last sip before loading it into the dishwasher.
“So, Vi, uh, did you forget we were going to go for our little walk? Bea’s first outing in her stroller? Ringing any bells? I only have an hour before this little peanut will have to eat again,” Teddy says, smiling.
I blink.
“No.” Y es.
Rowan takes that as his cue.
He leans down and kisses me on the cheek before heading to my room. The moment he’s out of earshot Teddy is gushing.
“When did this happen?” She moves closer toward me. I take the opportunity to get a glimpse of sweet little Bea all nestled into her mom.
“Teddy.”
“Oh my goodness, Vi, I had no idea you went from ‘ I’m working on it ’ to ‘this is my bed, sir, let me introduce you .’” She giggles and I can’t help but laugh with her. “His truck isn’t in the driveway; you should have told me. You know, since you didn’t forget we were going for a walk.”
I toss her a side eye as I remember him parking on the road in front of the house next door and she snickers.
“Look, I don’t need to know anything, but you two seem to fit together, take it while you can—happiness, I mean.”
I look at her and smile, feeling more comfortable and just needing my friend.
“I’m not really at the place in my life to be taking it while I can. I was married, I have Hollie.”
Teddy makes a face at me and picks up a strawberry from the bowl still on the counter.
“And that didn’t work out, life is about adapting. Trust me. And Troy and Rowan are nothing alike. Do you want my honest opinion?” she asks softly, fixing Bea’s little bonnet.
I finish pretending I care how clean my counters are, ringing out the dish cloth and resting it on the edge of the sink before turning back to face her.
“I don’t know, but I think you’re going to give it to me anyway.”
“Troy was the safest option, and the furthest thing from every man you’ve ever known. I know a thing or two about worry, Violette. But safe doesn’t always mean better, it just means safe, ” she says, giving me a true look of knowing on her end and mine. A million other things are left unsaid, namely that I ran from this town and the people I loved who risked their lives for this job, and I am trying not to do that again.
“This was just one night, I have no idea what will happen now, don’t get so invested,” I fire back at her, downplaying what I know is more than one night.
Before she can say anything more Rowan is coming back down the hall, in his clothes from last night, yet somehow, he’s still devastating, and he’s left his hoodie for me. My heart skips a beat when he doesn’t hesitate for one second, approaching me and tucking a piece of hair behind my ear before kissing me intentionally right on the lips—twice—then backing away slowly taking in the look in my eyes.
Teddy clears her throat and Rowan smirks.
“It’s been fun, ladies. I’m gonna meet my crew then head to the gym.” He turns and begins to move toward the front door, stopping only to grab his keys and wallet from my kitchen island. He gives Teddy’s shoulder a friendly squeeze.
“Good to see you, Teddy, Bea’s adorable. Hey, uh, if you see my sup before I do, say hi,” he says.
“Pretty sure he’s seen enough of me for a while,” Teddy says way too quickly then averts her eyes from his. “But good to see you too, King,” she says back, fussing with Bea.
Rowan toes his shoes on and cracks the front door before turning back. “Oh…and I’ll see you tonight, Vi,” he says with a smug look on his face.
I say nothing. I just nod, because who am I kidding? I want him to come back; in fact, I’ll probably be counting the minutes until he does.
The moment the door closes Teddy is doubled over, her words come in between snorts.
“One night, my ass!”