Page 40 of Finding Alexei
“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.
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 blindsided me. Her sass and attitude about being independent makes me smile. Jesus, 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 need to get a real crib,” I say, watching as Ryleigh puts Ella down into the Pack ’n Play.
“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.
We bought a matching crib and dresser, bedding, an upholstered rocking chair, and a furry pink rug for the floor in front of the crib that Ryleigh seemed to like.
Later, after a dinner of steak and potatoes that she prepares for us, we give Ella a bath together and put her to bed for the night. It feels oddly domestic, but somehow right.
I’m flipping through my team’s playbook on the couch when Ryleigh joins me in the living room.
“Hey, there,” she purrs. She’s changed into her pajamas already, and I smile as I watch her approach. I love that she’s so comfortable here.
I set down the playbook and turn to face her. “Don’t freak out,” I say as she settles in beside me.
“What are you talking about?”
“I made some calls. A friend of mine’s wife owns a childcare center, a little preschool in a wealthy suburb about twenty minutes away. He said they’re hiring for a preschool teacher. The pay is good, probably not as good as what you were making at the club, but there are full benefits, and you can bring Ella with you to work. She can go into the infant program.”
Tears well in her eyes, and she blinks several times. “I . . . I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.” I smile.
“Yes.”
Thank God.
Knowing she won’t have to go back to that place ever again, won’t ever be propositioned by sleazy men outside her building after work, is huge. The tension I’ve been carrying in my shoulders unknots, and I let out a heavy exhale. What a relief.
“And with you working a normal schedule, you can finish your teaching degree. I looked into some online programs for you.”
Ryleigh brings her hands to my face, cupping my scruffy cheeks with her palms. “You big, bossy, crazy man.”
