Page 115 of Falling Stars

The whole time I help Sean with the diaper, I’m working like hell to tamp down my emotions.

And when we return to the living room, I paste a smile on my face and pretend like I didn’t just overhear an NFL coach advise my boyfriend to break up with me.

41

MAVERICK

Leaning on the bathroom counter,I try to shake off that conversation with Heller. I’m sure he thinks he knows everything, but he doesn’t know me and Bay and all the shit we’ve been through.

After I wash and dry my face, I return to the living room where Sean is about to leave, thank fuck. I see the way he watches Baylee, like she’s a tasty treat.

She’smytasty treat.

After he kisses Leo, he leans over and hugs Bay. It takes everything in me not to stalk across the room and peel him off my woman.

He waves bye, and I hold up my hand.

Once the front door closes, Bay collapses on the couch. “Glad that’s over.”

“I’ll be right back.” I run after Sean and catch him in front of the elevators.

His eyes widen when he sees me. “Everything okay?”

I cross my arms so I’m not tempted to kick his ass. “I’m glad you’re there for your kid. But I need to make one thing clear. If you hurt Baylee or Leo, I will bury you somewhere on my family’s property where the coyotes will eat your bones. You got me?”

“Y-yeah. I got you.”

“And stop looking at Baylee like she’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.”

“S-sorry. I’m sorry.”

When I turn around, I find Baylee standing in the doorway of my condo looking concerned.

I pull her into my arms and walk her inside. “We’re good. Just needed to lay down a few rules.”

“And they would be?”

I smile. “Things that would cause him a terrible death.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t joke.”

“Should we order some dinner?” No need to waste any more of our night on Sean. I want to soak up every minute I have with Bay and Leo.

I find the little dude in his basket. I pick him up. “You were such a good boy. Did you poop on your dad?” I chuckle when he grins and tries to eat his fist.

“Da.”

I look at Baylee as a smile brightens her face. “Did he…”

“Try to say Dad?”

I rest him in the crook of my arm. “Can you say Dada?”

“Da!” He grins and kicks and giggles.

I’m not sure he’s old enough to say that word with any meaning, but I’m gonna pretend he can and that he just called me Dad. Inside, I puff up like a cocky rooster. “Good job, buddy.” I kiss his forehead. “You’re so smart. Just like your mom.”

Baylee gives me one of those sweet smiles I wish I could bottle up.

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