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?

doesn’t pick up. I want to throw my phone

out front and once I go to her house and Remy’s mom sees how upset I am, she will know there’s something going on between me and her daughter. I doubt she will approve. Her daughter is barely out of high school and I’m

in the game either, but I have to see her. I need

that ticks by without it opening feels like an eternity. I’m about to knock harder when it opens. Remy stands in the doorway wearing a summer dress with no bra. Her pert nipples are hard beneath it. It takes all my self-control not to scoop her up and carry her away with me. Her long blonde hair cascades over her sun-kissed shoulders. The skin around her eyes is

at me. I take her chin

ground. I should’ve known better than to move in with him. He’s always been a control freak and

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

for you.” Her chin trembles and more tears fall from her eyes. “But I can’t think of a single one. I care about you and Bailey. I would never do anything to hurt either of you.” She pauses, then shakes her head. “But maybe

her by the shoulders, holding her firmly in my hands. “Fuck Sam. He doesn’t matter. He doesn’t