Page 34 of Buckin' Around

I sway by the counter to soothe Ivy as we wait.

I test a few drips of warmed formula on the inside of my wrist as Ivy wriggles, losing her patience with me.

“Alright, babe.” I move to the sofa and adjust her in my arms as I sit and press the bottle to her lips. Her greedy little mouth sucks it in immediately.

I chuckle and huddle her closer. “Slow down, girl. You’ll get a bellyache.”

Laying back on the world’s softest, most enticing sofa, I close my eyes and lose a long, slow breath.

I can do this.

I can absolutely do this.

I crack an eye, squinting to see the oversized clock above the fireplace mantle, and gasp.

9:54

“Bollocks! We’re going to be late for class, sweet girl.”

I have no idea if I’m allowed to take Ivy to class, but that’s the only plan I have right now.

I push off the sofa, careful not to startle Ivy, and gather my bag and books, laptop sliding into my bag last.

Tossing some supplies for Ivy into the front pocket of my bag, I head out. When I get down to the foyer, Ivy in my arms, Henry intercepts me.

“Miss Riley? Are you looking for the car seat?”

I stop, taken aback. “Um, yes?”

Henry smiles. “We have a spare behind the reception desk. I can have it installed in five minutes.”

“Oh, sure. Thanks.”

Fecking hell, how did I forget the car seat.

How did I think this was a viable option?

Between Spencer’s and my unpreparedness... What has my bleeding heart got me into?

Chapter 9

Spencer

Iall but fall out of the elevator and trudge my way to the apartment door. Hell, what a damn day. Between avoiding Mrs. Princeton, taking the monthly property inspection on horseback, and the budget meeting from the depths of Satan’s lair, I’m fucked.

My phone buzzes as I unlock the front door and walk inside.

Brady.

Hey bud, carpool this Friday?

With less than thirty minutes separating us, Brady and I have been traveling the circuit together for almost as long as I’ve been on it. I tap out an affirmative response and drop onto the sofa.

I sit for a beat before I realize that my apartment is too quiet.

A sliver of panic sets in as I remember Ivy...

And Riley.