Falling for the Babysitter

“You don’t get to say who watches my child. You’ve crossed a line this time.” I look at Deloris and ask, “Is there any way I could get you to stay a little while longer?”

She looks confused. So does Sam. “I suppose I can,” she says.

“Thank you.”

I press my lips against Bailey’s cheek and blow ‘kissy bubbles’ against her cheek. She loves the sound and tickle of it, and is always good for a guaranteed laugh. When I’m sure she’s happy and won’t cry, I hand her off to the sitter. As I walk toward the door, Sam calls out, “Where are you going?”

I slam the door without answering.

I’m on the phone, dialing Remy’s number. She doesn’t pick up. Fear and anger surge through me. What if Sam said something to ruin things between me and Remy permanently. This relationship is new and already full of drama. Remy is smart and beautiful and could have any guy she wants. It’s not like she needs to stay and take this kind of abuse. She might think she’s in love with me after having this crush for years, but how long will it take for her to see this broken life of mine isn’t what she signed up for?

dial the number again, and again she doesn’t pick up. I want to throw my phone in

on between me and her daughter. I doubt she will approve. Her daughter is barely out of high school and I’m twelve years older with an infant and an ex-wife. I don’t exactly have a great track

to know about us this early in the game either, but I

nipples are hard beneath it. It takes

I insist. She won’t look at me. I take her chin in my hand and turn her head so our

of me about to break out of my skin and go next door to pummel my brother into the ground. I should’ve known better than to move in with him. He’s always been a control freak and always will. But then again, if I hadn’t moved in with him, I never would’ve connected with Remy. That makes dealing with all of

I’m going to ruin your life,” she says in the most fragile voice I’ve ever heard. It brings out the protective instincts in me, wanting to protect what’s mine. I want to wrap my arms around her and make sure no one ever

eyes. “But I can’t think of a single one. I care about you and Bailey. I would never do

in my hands. “Fuck Sam. He doesn’t matter. He doesn’t