Maybe she had a dinner date.
That thought annoys me. I’m self-aware enough that it doing so is problematic. I don’t need to feel any possession or jealousy over the cute, geeky neighbor who can’t bake and who shows random aggression toward my front door.
She’s free to see whomever she wants, fuck anyone for that matter— I cut that train of thought off at the station. I can envision her face in the throes. Her creamy skin flushing with pink heat rising up her chest, overcoming her cheeks.
She’s feisty enough that she wouldn’t just lie there in bed, letting me do the work and reaping the reward.
Blood rushes to my cock at the mere thought of watching her writhe beneath me. Yeah, this is going to be a problem.
I slide my hand under my waistband just as my phone chimes. If I didn’t love my family, and frankly my job, too, I’d chuck this thing over the Continental Divide and call it good.
Cian: {picture text}
It’s my brother holding a screaming baby, mostly-naked and red, aloft. Cian’s grin is unmatched. I’ve seen it only a handful of times in my life.
Cian: Mom and baby are doing well. His big sister is in love and keeps stealing him from me. It’s a good thing I love her.
Me: Where? When can I meet him?
Cian: Sky Ridge in Lone Tree. Room 323. Come anytime.
4
nipple tractor beams
Liam
The doors swoosh open, and I tap on the reception desk. “Maternity ward?”
The older receptionist looks surprised and cautious and uses way too many words to direct me, but I get the gist and nod before finding my family.
Room 323 is on the other end of a maze in the complex. But soon enough, I knock, fighting back nerves I never experience.
My sister just had Sophia, her first, less than three weeks ago, and I wasn’t nearly as antsy as I am with my brother and his son. I shake out my shoulders as the door pulls open before me.
My brother is grinning, and I have to wonder if his face is going to hurt from all that joy. He grabs me in a hug, slapping my back, pulling back with his hands still on my shoulders. He’s not physically demonstrative like this with me. It’s telling.
“Li, I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too. But first things first.” I head to my sister-in-law, who is glowing in her hospital bed. She doesn’t look any worse for wear. I kiss her cheek quickly. “Congratulations, Mama. Again.”
“Would you like to meet your namesake?” Her voice is quiet but strong in the buzzing room.
My what?
“What did you say?” I stare at her.
“Meet Wills,” my brother offers, placing the baby in my arms. “William Ocotea Murphy.”
I stare down at the sleeping boy in my hands. He’s bundled so tight he looks like a pale blue burrito with a face. My black leather and his soft blue are the ultimate juxtaposition.
Hard and soft.
Dark and light.
Wickedness and innocence.
Taking a seat by the window, I look to our newest family member. “Hi, Wills. I’m your Uncle Liam. I’m your go-to for blood, guts, and pregnancy scares.”
