Ryker
He slept in her bed; her curvy body pressed up against him all night long. It felt right to have her by his side while they slept. It was almost dawn when he finally fell asleep, and he wasn’t sure how he was going to keep up this crazy pace. All he did know was that he had finally found a woman that he wanted to stay up all night for and now, she was snoring softly next to him.
“Mommy,” Iris called from the side of the bed. Ryker’s eyes popped open to the sound of her little voice, and he smiled down at her before realizing that they were breaking Harlow’s rule about sneaking around.
“Shit,” he whispered.
“Shit,” Iris repeated.
“Um, Harlow,” he said. “I think you should wake up now,” he ordered. Harlow moaned and snuggled into his body, her naked skin brushing over his, instantly making his cock spring to life. Double shit.
“Harlow, we have a little visitor wanting your attention,” he said. Her eyes popped open, and she looked over the side of the bed.
“Shit,” she grumbled.
“Shit,” Iris repeated.
“We might want to stop saying that word around here, honey. She keeps saying it back,” he warned.
“I know, it’s one of those words I can’t seem to break the habit of using. Unfortunately, she’s a little parrot,” Harlow said.
“I picked up on that,” Ryker breathed. “What about your sneaking around plan?” he asked.
“Well, I guess that’s shot to hell now,” she grumbled. “You hungry, honey?” Harlow asked. “How about we use the big girl potty and then I’ll make pancakes?” she offered. The toddler seemed to like this idea, clapping and squealing. “You go to the bathroom and get on your potty and mommy will be right there,” she said. Iris nodded and toddled off.
“We’re trying to potty train—it’s touch and go. Promises of food and treats help,” she said.
Ryker pulled her against his body as she sat up in the bed. “Morning,” he whispered.
Her skin tinted the cutest shade of pink as she dipped her head to kiss him. “Morning,” she said.
“Mommy,” Iris shouted, “I need help.” Harlow sighed and got out of bed.
“That’s my cue,” she said. The doorbell rang as she slid on her robe, and she groaned.
“Ugg,” she moaned. “Can you get that for me? It’s probably my mother.”
“You don’t think that she took us up on our offer to sleep in this morning?” Ryker asked.
“My mother doesn’t sleep in—ever,” she grumbled. “She probably left her key here last night and can’t get in now.”
“I’ll grab the door and you go to Iris. Meet you in the kitchen,” he offered.
“Thank you,” she said. He nodded and pulled on his jeans and t-shirt. The doorbell rang again, and he mumbled for whoever was on the other side of the door to hold their horses. It was something his mother used to say all the time and remembering that made him smile.
He pulled the door open and found a police officer standing on the front porch. “I’m looking for Harlow Eden,” he said.
“What’s this about?” Ryker asked. He really had no right to ask the guy that question, but he didn’t care. Every protective instinct roared to life inside of him, and all he wanted to do was protect his girl.
“I’m sorry, I can’t discuss that with you. I need to speak to Harlow Eden,” he insisted.
Harlow was holding little Iris when she came downstairs to find the officer standing at her front door. “What’s going on?” she asked.
“Are you Harlow Eden?” the officer asked.
“I am,” she admitted. “Can I help you?”
He handed her an envelope and Ryker was sure that she wasn’t going to like what the guy said next. “You’ve been served,” he said. “Have a good day.”