Page 37 of What I Needed

“Hey,” he greeted on his way to the kitchen to wash his hands.

“Hey.”

“You already ate?”

“Yeah, and I bathed Rivvy already.”

“Thank you. My bad for being a little late. Everybody drives like they just got their license when it rains. I should’ve called.”

“No worries. I figured it was the weather. It sounds like it’s coming down pretty hard.”

I returned my attention to my book, and a few minutes later, River stood behind me, looking over my shoulder.

“No wonder your nose is always in a book. That’s some nasty shit,” he teased.

I gasped when I realized he could see the text on my Kindle, and I quickly flipped it over. I spent most of my evenings in my room reading, giving him time alone to bond with his daughter. Today was the first time he’d seen exactly what kind of books had my attention.

“You didn’t see the words from that far away.”

“Like hell I didn’t. I got 20/20 vision, baby. Don’t let that nasty shit get you too hot and bothered, but if it does, I’m a few doors down.”

My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. I didn’t have a response, so I kept my mouth shut and hoped he would go away. When I no longer felt his presence, I released a breath, but I was too embarrassed to keep reading my book.

“It’s lonely in here. Bring baby girl and come keep me company while I eat. I want to hear about your day,” I heard him say behind me.

Who could deny a request like that from a man as fine as River? I gathered Riverlynn into my arms and went to the kitchen table. When I reached for the chair across from him, he nodded toward the one next to him, so I sat there instead.

“How was your visit with your friend?” he asked.

“Much needed. We don’t see each other as often as we’d like.”

“You don’t have to stay here all day. You can leave and take Rivvy if you want, and you're free to do what you want with your nights when I get home.”

“I know, but I’m very much a homebody.”

“I see that, and I’m the exact opposite. I mean, I used to be. I haven’t spent this much time in this house since I bought it, and I haven’t been to my condo in weeks.”

“Having responsibilities forces you to make changes.”

“Especially when one of those responsibilities is an infant.”

“I’ve heard that having kids will change your life. I used to go out a little more, but taking care of two senior citizens wasn’t easy. I had to make some adjustments, and now I’ve gotten used to a slower-paced life.”

“Yeah. I look forward to coming home now that I have someone to come home to.”

Although his eyes were locked on me as he spoke, I assumed he was referring to Riverlynn. When he didn’t look away, the heat of his gaze forced me to. I looked down at his daughter, who I held in my lap with her back against my stomach.

“Who wouldn’t be excited to see this little beauty after working hard all day?”

“She is beautiful . . . and so are you.”

I lifted my head slowly, and our eyes met again.

“Thank you. So, umm, are you excited to see your mom and sister this weekend?”

I had to change the subject before I melted under his gaze.

“I am, but you’ll probably spend more time with them than I will because I have practice.”