The House Mate (Roommates, #3)

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Ding-dong.

I whirled around just as the toast popped up from the toaster and Dylan shrieked from her high chair.

“What the . . .” I glanced at the clock. It was seven thirty-a full thirty minutes before the nanny was supposed to be here. I hadn’t even combed my hair or brushed my teeth yet. And as for the kitchen?

I glanced around, looking for any place where the counter was actually visible.

“Damn,” I mumbled, and then plowed my fingers through my hair as I made for the door. When I opened it, I found Addison on the step with a suitcase, her long brown hair swept into a neat ponytail on top of her head.

“Good morning,” she chirped.

I’d bypassed my typical morning wood since I’d been awakened by the sounds of the baby screeching, but now, with Addison at the door like the opening shot to a porno flick titled Naughty Nanny’s First Day, my cock swelled.

“Uh, hi. You’re early,” I said, stepping aside so she could walk into the foyer. Catching sight of her bag, I scrubbed my hand over my face. “Shit, you probably have stuff you wanted to bring. Should I have sent some movers or-”

She shook her head and held up a hand. “I’m completely fine. I’ve got everything I need. I’m just going to run my stuff upstairs, and we can get started.”

“Perfect,” I said, my tone slightly annoyed as she headed for the stairwell beside me while I was careful not to reel around and try to catch a glimpse of that round peach of an ass.

God, five minutes in and I was already acting like a fuck-stick. What was wrong with me?

Dylan squealed again and I rushed for the kitchen, pulling the bread from the toaster and slathering a healthy portion of peanut butter over the browned surface.

“There you go, kid.” I set the toast onto the tray of her high chair. “One for you, and one for me.”

She reached for my piece, ignoring her own, but I chomped on it, brushing away some of the crumbs I was dropping all over the floor.

Watching Dylan navigate her piece of toast, I was suddenly hit with a wave of worry. Am I doing the right thing by leaving her here today with a perfect stranger?

The coffeepot dinged and I made my way over, briefly debating whether to pour one mug or two before realizing there was only one clean mug left, anyway.

“All right, all settled.” Addison appeared in the doorway. She was wearing a light blue button-down top with polka dots. It was prim and proper, very Carol Brady-not that Addison was old enough to know who that was.

She glanced around the room and winced, but then covered it quickly with a smile. “I can take it from here.” She aimed that grin at Dylan, who cooed in delight. “All I need to know is what Dylan’s daily schedule is usually like.”

She turned her gaze on me and I frowned, unsure how to respond. “Her schedule?” Dylan was a baby. She didn’t exactly have a to-do list.

“Yeah, what kind of routine do you guys have?”

I blinked. “We, um, we’re sort of free spirits. Not much of a schedule.”

Addison tilted her head slightly, but her expression didn’t change from its placid, thoughtful state. “That’s cool. Since I’m new around here, Dylan and I can probably develop our own schedule over time. You’ll be surprised what a difference routines make for little ones. I’m sure you’ll see the improvement.”

“I’m sure I will.” I glanced at the door, then back at Addison. “Maybe I should stay around since this is your first day? I can work from home while you learn the ropes. I don’t want to just toss you in here.”

Dylan cackled, and I became uncomfortably aware of the electricity buzzing between Addison and me.

This poor woman must think I’m insane. One minute I’m an asshole, and the next I’m leering at her.

She swept her arm through the air, waving me off. “Don’t be silly. You need to work, and Dylan and I need a schedule. It’s a perfect arrangement for everyone.”

“I left a list of important information on the fridge. Phone numbers too.”

Addison nodded. “I appreciate that.”

Already, she was wiping away the smudge of peanut butter from Dylan’s cheek and clearing the crumbs from her high-chair tray.

“Don’t be afraid to use it, all right?” I said, suddenly filled with a strange apprehension at the thought of leaving.

“I won’t.” She picked up a few errant mugs from the table in front of the wide bay window and plunked them on top of the mound of dishes that filled the sink. “It’s almost eight. You should probably get going. Do you need some coffee first?” She motioned to the pot, and I shook my head.

“No, no, I’m fine. That’s for you.”

She grinned. “Thanks, that’s really nice.”

“Don’t be afraid to call me if something is wrong. My cell is the first number on the list.”

“You bet. Don’t worry. You have my number, and everything is going to be great,” she said encouragingly. The dimple in her cheek made the briefest appearance, and despite myself, my lips split into a matching smile.

“Yeah.” I nodded, and I wasn’t sure how she did it, but twenty minutes later, she managed to push me out the door of my own house. Before I knew it, I was standing on the steps where she’d been only moments before, staring at my truck and digging in my pocket for my keys.

I had half a mind to walk back in there and read aloud to her everything I’d written down. I was nearly to the point of turning the handle when she appeared with Dylan at the front window, both of them waving me off.

“Bye-bye, Daddy,” Addison cooed. “Say bye-bye.”

I waved back at them, then trudged toward my truck with a full heart. As I backed out of the driveway, they never moved from where they stood. All the while they waved after me, and I watched them in my rearview mirror until they were only specks.