Page 62 of Hold Me Tight

I catch her fingers before she pulls away, giving them a quick squeeze. “Nora will be fine. And so will you. Go to work. I’ve got this.”

Callie studies me like she’s trying to decide whether she can trust me. Just when I think she’ll balk, she gives a small nod before heading toward the elevator.

The moment she disappears around the corner, I turn to Nora, who’s still snuggled against my chest. “All right, ladybug. What should we do first?”

Ten minutes later, she’s settled in her highchair, and it’s a total shitshow. She’s eating strawberry yogurt like it’s a competitive sport. There’s more on her cheeks, hands, and on the tray than in her mouth. I’m pretty sure some made it into her hair, and I’m starting to rethink my breakfast choice. Unless I plan on giving her a full-on bath, I’m not sure how I’m going to clean her up.

My phone buzzes just as I’m wiping a blob of yogurt off Nora’s forehead. I glance at the screen and see that it’s my sister before swiping to answer.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Nothing,” she says casually. “Just checking in about the situation.”

With a frown, I rack my brain. “What situation are we talking about?”

“Come on, River. Keep up. The single mom you’ve got your eye on.”

“Ah. That situation.” I glance at Nora, who’s trying to feed me a spoonful, her hand wobbling as she holds it out. “I really wish you would have called fifteen minutes earlier. You probably would have told me that letting a two-year-old feed herself yogurt was not going to work out in my favor.”

“Rookie mistake,” Willow says with a laugh. “Although, if you don’t mind, I’d love some photographic evidence.”

“So you and Mav can laugh your asses off at my expense? Hard pass.”

“Aww, come on. We’re an old married couple. Don’t take away all our fun.”

I snap a quick selfie of me and Nora. The yogurt definitely made it into her hair and onto her nose.

Willow sighs, “Oh my God, she’s adorable.”

“Yup, that she is.”

“Speaking of which.” Willow none too subtly changes the topic of conversation. “Have you taken Callie out on a date yet? Wined and dined her a little bit? Busted out that famous Thompson charm? What’s your game plan here? I want all the details.”

I lean back in my chair, still holding the spoon Nora handed me. “Didn’t I mention she’s living here?”

There’s a moment of stunned silence before Willow practically shouts, “I’m sorry, what?”

I wince. “Yeah. It’s a temporary situation. It just kind of happened.”

“How was that not the lead of your last ten texts?”

I rub a hand over my face. “She and Nora were in a tough spot, and I offered to let her stay here until she figures things out.”

“And how’s that going?”

I glance at the toddler, who’s smearing the pink dairy product all over the tray with both hands like she’s finger painting. “Honestly? Better than I expected.”

“You sound different, Riv. Like you’re really into this woman.”

“I am,” I admit. “I like her a lot.” Even saying that feels weak. Like it’s not nearly enough.

“I love that for you. Truly. I want you to be happy.”

“I know.” I pause, swallowing hard. “She doesn’t know it yet, but I don’t want her to leave. I want this to turn into something real.”

“So… she has no idea this is more of a permanent situation?”

A crooked grin tugs at my lips. “Not yet.”