Page 21 of Peer & Coco

Her stepbrothers and stepsister held such contempt for their father since he walked out of their lives as kids. They never got over it. Each one had their own set of problems dealing with personal relationships, and as an outsider, she could tell it came about by being abandoned by the man who was always supposed to love and cherish them.

Her own dad had left before she was born, and she barely remembered her stepdad. He only stayed around a couple of years when she was only a few years older than Tyr.

She turned and slowed down as they approached the house. In the driveway, she shut off the engine and looked over her shoulder. She sighed, grinning stupidly.

Tyr had fallen asleep with his thumb in his mouth.

Her vision blurred. She loved his sweet face.

Peer opened the car door. She blinked feverously, unable to imagine losing them to another country.

She left the car, hurrying to the front door. Over the last year, she'd become accustomed to the routine of living with Peer, going to work with him, coming home.

The simplest things like making sure Tyr had a dry diaper on, picking up toys scattered all around the house, and snuggles from a baby straight out of the bath became things she didn't want to lose.

Unlocking the door, she held it open for Peer. He squeezed in front of her and stopped. Her skin prickled at his closeness.

"I know you're tired, but wait for me." He searched her eyes. "Please."

She nodded, catching her bottom lip between her teeth. His eyelids lowered, and his gaze warmed. She caught herself leaning forward, drawn to him.

"I need to put Tyr in his crib," he said roughly.

As if she couldn't catch her breath, she nodded again and closed the door when he walked toward the hallway. The moment he was out of sight, she rushed to the bedroom, throwing off her work uniform, and slipped under the shower spray.

Peer's conversation. His look. His closeness. His attention.

Maybe the other women were right, and he wanted her.

If she stood a chance, she wasn't going to wait around smelling like beer and fries from work.