Lib Novel Page 57
What’s not cute is the murderous look she’s giving us, and my dick—of course—twitches. Sick fucker. “What’s on the agenda today?” she asks with zero humor. “Alien invasion? End of the world? Or the usual LC nonsense like the last time you all barged in telling me about my dad and Fanny.”
“Well, now that you mention, I am concerned about crocodiles—”
“Jacob,” she interrupts at the same time as Joy slaps his stomach. “That was a rhetorical question. What are you doing here at six-thirty-three in the morning?”
“Apparently, saving you from a stray who probably has flees and needs a tetanus shot based on his roster,” Joy says, and I glare at her.
“For the last time, I am not a stray. I’m a good puppy.” For a good measure, I let out a few barks, and Jacob gives me two thumbs up and a huge grin that his wife slaps away.
Zoe looks heavenward, rubbing her face. “He’s not a stray, Joy.”
“See?” I smile with glee at her. “Now that that’s settled, where is my baby?”
As if my Mellie can hear me, she lets out a loud piercing cry and I take off after her, finding her fighting against the swaddle in her cot as she lays on top of Zoe’s bed. “Shh, my little watermelon, I got you.” Gently, I slide my arms underneath her, lifting her up and onto my shoulder and she immediately nuzzles into my neck, making me smile.
“You really like to do that, don’t you, Mel?” I breathe her in and wince. “Watermelon, you have no business smelling like that. Let’s go change your diaper,” I tell her and lay her on the changing table Zoe has in her bedroom, since Mellie is not using her own yet.
I’ve never changed a diaper before, but I was watching Zoe do it last night and later I totally watched some YouTube videos on how to do it. So now is the time to test my knowledge.
I open it all up and lean away slightly. “Jesus, Mellie, you are lucky you are so cute,” I tell her and get busy wiping all the yellow poop. I freaked out seeing the color yesterday, but Zoe assured me that was normal.
It’s not that I didn’t believe her…but I definitely looked that up as well. Hey, I needed to make sure my baby was all right, all right? I made quick work of the diaper change, smiling as I was zipping her back up.
“See, baby girl? I’ve got you. Always,” I kiss her forehead and come out of the room to hear Joy saying, “My baby?” she hisses.
“I leave you alone for one night. One, Zo, and you manage to find trouble.”
“I didn’t find him, he came all on his own and declared he’s moving in.”
“He’s what?” Joy shrieks.
“Moving in, yes,” I confirm for everyone who still didn’t get it, and stroll up to Zoe with Mel in my arms. “When did you take her? I didn’t hear you at night?”
“A few hours ago. I needed to feed her.”
“See, this is why I need to relocate to your bedroom. That way you wouldn’t have to get up at all. Just roll over and pop the boob out. I assure you, both Mellie and I will appreciate it.” I wink at her as she blushes but tries to hide it with a cute scowl.
“There will be no relocating anywhere unless it’s back to your apartment.”
“Nah, Beastie, it’s too small for all three of us there.”
“Shut up,” she murmurs under her breath but none of us miss how much deeper her blush has gotten or the way she averts her eyes. My girl is too stubborn for her own good. “Give her to me, I need to change her diaper.” Zoe leans in, intending to take Mellie away from me, but I turn from her hands.
“No need. I already did.”
“You changed her diaper?” Zoe looks at me like I just told her I flew to the moon and back. “A poopie one?” She accentuates that point.
“Yep,” I tell her, kissing Mel’s head, and Zoe visibly relaxes right that moment, watching us with longing.
Hell yes, I’m wearing you down, woman, and I haven’t even started trying yet.
“Oh hell,” Joy groans. “This is so much worse than I thought. I warned you.” She points her finger at Zoe. “Damn it, I warned you! I told you to stay away from that cursed bar, didn’t I? And you didn’t listen. Congratulations”—she throws her hands up—“you are screwed big time.”
I’m still trying to figure out what she means by all that when Jacob’s strong hand lands on my shoulder and he grins at me. “Love the nickname! Call me for tips.” Then adds more quietly, “And don’t give up, brother. It’s all worth it.”
“Stop fraternizing with the enemy, Jacob,” Joy snaps. “Where are Hope and Grace? I need reinforcements.”
Love Hive: