“He’s just never been away from me. Ever.”
“Are you worried how he will react or you?” He asks. If that question came from anyone else, I would say the person is being sarcastic, but with Ronan, he honestly wants to know.
“Both, I guess.”
“If it gets to be too much for you, I’ll either take you to their house or go pick him up myself, no matter what time it is,” Ronan reassures me.
For the first time since Ollie was born, I know I’m not the only one that he has anymore.
“You have my number in case I need to come get him or if something happens?” I say to Alessia.
“Yes, dear. I promise to call if a reason arises. But I’m positive that we will be just fine, right, junebug?” Ollie reaches for her without prompting.
“Mo,” Ollie yells as he bounces on her hip when she takes him back from me.
“Mamó,” Ronan corrects.
The moment he says it, Ollie glares at him, “Mo,” he says back to Ronan.
“Mamó,” Ronan repeats. Ollie grunts and starts chanting Mo Mo Mo. Ronan, being the adult that he is, repeats Mamó just as many times. It’s a fucking verbal tennis match between a one-year-old and a grown-ass man. I start laughing until I have tears in my eyes.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, Ronan, give it a rest. He’s one.” Alessia is laughing as well.
“He’s saying it wrong.”
“Yes, but he’s a baby, and he’ll learn. Now you boys have a good night, and we will see you in the morning.” Surprisingly, she leans down and kisses the top of my head. “Thank you for trusting me.” And with that, she leaves. My whole world is that little boy.
Ronan is staring intently again.
“What?” I ask.
“You trust me, right?” he asks.
“I just met you, but yes, I do.”
He steps around the chair and pulls me close to him. “Then trust that I would not let Ollie out of my sight if I thought he would be in danger.”
“You wouldn’t?” I chuckle. “You say that like he is your responsibility.”
“You both are.”
Chapter 19
Ronan
Colton blinks up at me. I grip the back of his neck as I have so many times before. My thumb traces his pulse, and I can feel it speed up. He needs me, he needs what only I can give him. I need him not to fight it.
“I’m going to order some dinner from the cafeteria. Anything in particular you want?” I ask.
“Nope, I’m not picky. Make it something small, I’m not really that hungry.” Colton says.
“You didn’t finish lunch. You’ll eat. I’ll get a couple of subs and salads.” I pull him in for a kiss. I keep it light, barely a brush of my lips. I want to deepen it. But we still have a couple of hours left before we call it a day. I place the order and return to my own work.
Thirty minutes later, a light knock on my door comes, and I call out, “Come in,” before going back to my computer.
“Good evening, Mr. Murphy. Would you like me to set this up in the sitting area or on your desk?” I look toward the voice I don’t recognize. Our on-site cafeteria only allows approved staff to deliver to my family. This guy is not one of them. I stand and close the distance, only the cart he’s pushing between us.
“What’s your name?” I ask harshly.