Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Testing the water, I wrangle Camden, dispose of his diaper, and lift him into the tub. He instantly splashes and squeals with delight. He doesn’t complain when I wash his hair, just zooms his little toy boat around the tub and lets me do my thing. In no time, I’m draining the water and wrapping a towel around his little body. His little lip quivers from the chill of the air conditioning.
“I’m sorry, bud. Let’s get you dressed to warm you up.” He wiggles in the towel when I lift him into my arms. I toss him over my shoulder, knowing damn well I could be getting pissed on right now, but that’s why I brought extra clothes.
In his room, I set him on his feet and see that Baker’s laid out a diaper and clothes for him. I make quick work of getting him dried off and dressed, including a fresh diaper, then run the towel over his hair.
“You have your daddy’s dark hair, don’t ya?” I ask him.
“Daddy.” He nods. He reaches out and touches my hair.
My hair is what most call dirty blonde. It’s basically a mix of blonde and brown. Camden’s hair is dark like his daddy's, and I have no doubt this little boy is going to be a heartbreaker with the ladies when he’s older.
Stretching out my arm, I snag the comb from the dresser and comb his hair. “You’re so handsome,” I tell him. I don’t know if he understands, but he launches himself at me, wrapping his little arms around my neck and melting my heart into a puddle right here on the carpet of his bedroom floor.
“Thank you for the hug,” I tell him, enfolding my arms around him. He’s not in a hurry to let go, so I hold on to him until he is, letting him soak up all the love and affection he needs.
“Daddy!” He pulls away and stumbles a little as his little legs carry him to the door. Looking up, I see Baker standing in the doorway, his legs crossed at his ankles and his hands shoved into the pockets of his shorts. His hair is still wet from his shower, but he’s fully clothed, and those damn gray sweats are nowhere in sight.
Baker stands to his full height and puts his hands out to catch his son. “You smell better,” he teases him.
“Swoan, swide.”
Baker smiles at his son before turning those pearly whites my way. “Yeah, Sloane is going to slide with us.”
Camden leans over, practically jumping out of Baker’s arms and into mine, and wraps his arms around my neck. “Goodness,” I say, feeling my heart squeeze inside my chest. “Such good hugs. Come on. Let’s get your shoes on and pack a snack and a drink to take with us.”
I move to step past Baker, but his hand on my arm stops me. Tingles slide up my arm from his touch, and I draw in a breath. Baker’s hold tightens. Does he feel it, too? When my eyes find his, I can’t read his expression as his gaze bores into mine. Clearing his throat, he says, “Thank you, Sloane. I can’t tell you how much your help means to me.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile, ignoring the way his touch burns my arm. “We’re helping each other.” With that step forward, it forces his hand to fall from my arm, and I carry Camden downstairs. I try to think back to a time that I’ve even been alone with any of the guys, and Landry and Knox are the only two I can think of. Maybe that’s why I’m having this weird reaction to Baker. Regardless of the why, it’s not happening. I’m not here to get it on with Daddy Sin. I’m here to look after this sweet little boy, and I plan to do a damn good job of it, too.
Downstairs, I place Camden on his feet, and he runs to the mudroom and plops down, wiggling his toes, waiting for his shoes. “Which ones are we wearing today?” I ask him.
“Shoe.” He points to the slip-on sandals.
Feeling his presence, I look up to find Baker watching us from the kitchen. “These okay, Daddy?” I ask. His eyes flare, but he quickly masks his before nodding. And now, I’m turned on trying to put his son’s shoes on him. Get it together, Peterson, I think to myself, clearing my throat. “Dad approved, kiddo. Let’s get these babies on, shall we?” I make quick work of slipping on his sandals before he climbs to his feet and runs to the kitchen.
“Daddy, swide.” Baker’s deep rumble of laughter fills the room.
“I’m just grabbing us some drinks. Are you ready?”
“Weady!” Camden wiggles his little body as he can barely contain his excitement.
“Do we drive or walk to the park?” I ask Baker.