Page 43 of Brick

The more time he spent with her, the less angry he became.Witnessing her determination to find their son, and Bray’s excitement and relief upon laying eyes on her—it had dissolved whatever shit he could’ve held against her.

It fucking hurt that his son didn’t know who he was, but all he could do was move forward and show Bray that he could count on him.

Bray shrieked happily, and he fought a grin.A deep need urged him to join Natalie and Bray, but he couldn’t force his way into their moment.He’d take it slow no matter how difficult it was.

“Brick,” Natalie called.

His hand froze on a package of steaks.“Yeah?”

“Can you come here, please?”A light chuckle followed the question.

He placed the steaks on the counter and moved around the island to the main bathroom, off the hallway.Natalie was on her knees in front of the tub.Bray peeked over the edge, his curls wet and stuck to his forehead.

Brick leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.

Bray looked up at him.“Watch dis!”He picked up a cup of water and dumped it on his head.The water ran over his face and hair, and he let out a deep belly laugh.

A chuckle rolled off Brick’s tongue, and pride exploded in his chest.He could watch his son for hours.Natalie let out a peal of laughter as Bray did it again, only this time he sputtered and dropped the cup.

Hell, who was he kidding?He could watch both of them for hours.

“He really likes the water, huh?”

She glanced over her shoulder and grinned.Her hair was tied back, exposing the smooth line of her jaw.Bray might be the spitting image of him, but he also shared a lot of similarities with his mother.

“He has your smile,” he said.

Her bottom lip wobbled.“Thank you.He looks a lot like you, though.”She flicked her gaze to their son.“Which is a good thing.”

She picked up a towel and wiped her hands.“Can you watch him for a sec?I need to change my shirt.”She tugged the wet material away from her waist.The action caused the neckline of her shirt to pull away from her chest, revealing her supple cleavage.

And damn if his core didn’t stir with need.

“Uh, sure.”He cleared his throat and moved farther into the bathroom.Embarrassment washed over him.“I’ve...I’ve never babysat before.”

She planted her hand on his shoulder.“You’re his dad—it’s not babysitting,” she said softly.“You’ll be surprised how quickly instinct takes over.”Sympathy flashed in her eyes then was replaced with something else.

“I hope you know how grateful I am.If it weren’t for you...”She shook her head.

He wiped a droplet of water from her forehead.“Don’t.There’s no need to even mention it.”He flicked his gaze to Bray.“Does he need his hair washed or anything?”

“Nope, he’s all done.It’s playtime now.”She stood.“I’ll just be a few minutes.”She slipped out of the bathroom.

Bray watched him curiously.

“Can you try again?”Brick asked.

Bray grinned, filled the cup with water, and doused his head.He let out another gregarious laugh then did it again, but he breathed too soon and inhaled a mouthful of water.

He dropped the cup and flailed his arms.“Momma!”he called, through his gasps.

Brick grabbed the towel and wiped Bray’s face dry.“It’s okay, buddy.Take a breath.”

The boy swiped his cheek with his hand, getting water in his eyes and nose again, but this time he didn’t panic.

“Do you want the towel again?”Brick asked.

Bray nodded.