Should I or shouldn't I hide? It's in the afternoon, it would make sense to take a kid out for a stroll.

"Mr Price!" He yells and shakes my world with it.

I really, really, really don't want to engage in any kind of communication with him. I thought he just jumped in for that one time, not even remotely did I think that he'd show up again. Like I wanted him to...

With trying to think away the boner I got just by the idea of naked Annabelle, I open the door and make sure like legs and lower abdomen are behind it.

I don't try to force out a smile. Faking it would make it worse than being honest and let him see I'm not exactly happy "Mr Ritchie."

"Good. You remember me." He says like a robot that likes to beat small children in its free time and walks in by pushing the door into my face.

I want to object just to make him apologise for slamming the door at my nose but I know if he's here this is gonna just get more weird and hateful. No need to enhance that.

"I didn't expect you." What I want to add is to ask him to leave. Show up unexpected? Expect to show yourself to the door.

He spins around on the heel of his shoe which... looks a lot like something my grandma would wear. Old lady's shoes. "Why that's the point, Mr Price!"

Of course, it is.

It's not my intention to ask him how he is because I honestly don't care but I still find it rude when he cuts to the chase with his particular fake stern attitude and a broom up his ass. "Mr Price, where is the baby?"

"He's in the living room?" The moment I say the statement as a form of a rhetorical question, I regret it. I shouldn't have said that as a question no matter what my intention was.

"Are you indicating on that you don't know where your son is?" He sounds almost enraged but there's something in his voice that doesn't convince me. It's as if he's beginning me to kill him.

I have to use a lot of strength and most of what is left of my energy to answer kinda politely and not drop a sarcastic bomb on him. "Given that you are only a few metres away from him, I suspected you've already seen him."

Finally, Mr Ritchie shuts up. I count that as a small victory because I know he'll stay for a while and never stop nibbling on my nerves.

How do I show I'm a decent guy who knows my manners? The last time I offered him a drink, he accused me of trying to get him drunk! Which is true but that wine was meant for Sue anyway. In the end, I decide to do nothing, follow his ass around my place and never stop waiting for him to leave.

He doesn't think of any new insults or accusations so he marches to Devon. Or the couch, who knows. When he's standing right before him, the kid peers up. I imagine my brows crash into my hairline when Mr Ritchie bends down and picks the kid up.

Maybe there is no stick up his ass after all...

I'm not sure what's the purpose of this mini-freak holding him but I hope Devon will start to feel sick again.

"He's heavy," states Mr Ritchir in a manner you might as well use in a supermarket when looking for watermelons.

Yeah, no shit. I feed him!

He doesn't make any further observations and just stares at him like a perv in the bush. That thought is... a bit too unsettling and I shoo it away for now. Mr Ritchie is about to put him down when Devon reaches forward and grabs for his dotty bowtie.

Do me a favour and strangle him.

He starts entertaining himself by tilting and mushing it between his fingers. He seems to be extremely focused on it because of the way his eyes widen and jaw drops which often leads to him drooling. That's one of the things I noticed about him during the time he's been staying with him that is unique. Most of my knowledge of babies and just kids, in general, is based on watching May and Daniel grow up and seeing Danny struggle with his own son. None of the things I remember May, Daniel and Aidan did apply to Devon which is kind of to be expected but in a way, it's fascinating to see Devon being completely his own person.

Mr Ritchie struggles but doesn't show it when breaking the bowtie out of Devon's claws. When he succeeds, I predict he will leave. Isn't his job to come by and see how the kid is doing? I don't see any bruises on Devon and he's one fat little devil, not exactly underfed.

"If I remember correctly, Mr Price," he starts as he is desperately trying to fix his bowtie without completely untying it "your office hours keep you busy from the morning to the early afternoon. Where is Devon while you are off playing with screwdrivers?"

At first, I find it very pleasing to observe him struggling but when it comes to the screwdrivers the jolly mood is gone if it ever really was there. It's just a hateful remark to refer to an engineer as a guy who plays with screwdrivers - we, especially I, are not mechanics. We are far more important!

I laugh a little and maybe a little too dangerously because Mr Ritchie's face definitely changes at the sound of my laughter "I don't play with screwdrivers. I work with solar cells and absorption and I take it one needs a lot more knowledge of physics, chemistry and other fields than someone who changes the tires on other people's cars, don't you think?"

"Either you are a very egoistic and sensitive man or you're avoiding my question. Or maybe is it both, hm?" He turns my words around and pushes the glasses further up his nose.

Little shithead.

"If I need to be so respectful towards you, I'd like to see you respect me as well." I think it's a nice save. Many would most probably disagree but people, in general, think I'm sometimes too upfront. Trust me, compared to what I'm feeling now, this is fucking smooth.

Mr Ritchie points at Devon with his index finger "You don't need to be respectful but I might mention in my report I was highly alarmed by the lack of your manners which might transcend on an innocent child you have there." A second later, right when I'm about to break his glasses in million pieces and make him eat them, he adds "But I believe this reflects the child will learn how to be confident. Very good example, Mr Price."

What... the fuck?

I don't know what this guy wants anymore. He's complementing and sabotaging me at the same time and when he speaks I never know which one is it gonna be.

His strange shift fazes me so much I forget what he asked me, however, he graciously repeats it "Well? How is the child taken care of?"

"Oh, uh, he has a babysitter."

He takes a notepad out of his pocket and starts writing something down. Now, I know what it feels like to be visiting a shrink. This is fucking terrifying. "And what were your standards when you were looking for one?"

I don't it'd be a good thing to say 'She was my only choice' but when I think about it, I did fire Carly, after I had sex with her, and gave Annabelle a chance when I saw Devon felt much better in the arms of the latter. "I was looking for someone with experience and who was well accepted by Devon."

Mr Ritchie glares at me with eyes so big as two moons due to his glasses. Then with a sudden tick, he goes back to writing down additional notes. He observes what he has written from afar, in the way my father used to before he got himself a pair of glasses.

"Very good. Why did you go for that option and not the kindergarten?"

'Cause it's cheaper and the babysitter is hot?

"I find this way to be more... intimate. It's hard to explain."

Mr Ritchie nods in understanding which is again very surprising. I'd expect him to take Devon and run for the hills. "Would you say you're bonding with a child?"

Am I bonding with Devon? I did get used to his needy royal ass expecting me to dance around him and it's hard for me to imagine a day without a complete disaster so... "Yeah, I think so."

"Mhm, so you recognise that you are becoming a family, I see." Our eyes meet when he is finished scribing something down and notices I don't quite understand what is he talking about. He clarifies it for me "You went for the babysitter Devon was comfortable with and you're going for an intimate approach. Can you see yourself raising him, let's say when he hits puberty and becomes his own person."

Oh my God, preach, brother!

Life will be so much easier when he'll know how to wipe his own ass...

"Well, yes. I don't see why wouldn't I." One of the reasons could be we'll most likely tear each other apart but sure.

"Comforting to hear, hard to believe."

And I thought he completely disappeared.

"You've probably been asked this before but what is your relationship like with your family? I recall you mentioned you have a brother and a sister."

"I'm especially close with my brother. His son is going to have a birthday party and Devon and I are going to attend it. My sister and I... We never particularly went along even as children so we're not as close."

Mr Ritchie's lips twitch in a smile. A smile is usually a comforting sign but I find it alarming when it's on his face "You're comfortable with introducing him to others as your son, then?"

"Oh, yeah, I mean, they haven't met him yet. I wanted to get him comfortable with the home first and to get familiar with me."

It's a surprise to me when I realise what I'm saying is actually true. If I take out the part where I don't want to deal with anyone, that is. Though, I doubt this is a sign of my paternal instinct kicking in, for me this is more an act of sympathy and empathy towards Devon.

I don't know why isn't Devon being raised by his own biological parents but the answer to the why hardly matters. It doesn't change a fact he was torn or separated from his family. Then this child was placed into my hands - quite literally - and everything changed for him. I am not an ideal parent but I know if I exposed Devon to other people, like my siblings and a specific nagging wife of one, it would rock his world even more.

"It seems you're very considerate, Mr Price. I must confess I saw potential in you despite the horrible home study you orchestrated for me but you're doing much better than I though you would."

I know, I'm a natural.

As I perceive how this is going, I think it's safe to say it's a much better and positive experience than our first encounter. I hope that will make him wrap this up sooner.

"Laat time, I had to push my meeting into my full schedule because Miss Nixon nicely asked me. That's why I was in a bit of a rush. How about we sit down on... your intriguing couch and talk about some details? Like the child's behaviour, his progress of slowly growing up and such?"

Is the guy even worried about the kid or does he just want to sniff my couch again?

I suppose I got too excited too soon. I'm not excited about the idea of Mr Ritchie making love to my sofa by rubbing his butt all over it knowing he's gonna stay longer than anticipated. And with this boner in my jeans, I can see this becoming more and more uncomfortable.

Oh, isn't it amazing how it hasn't fallen flat yet? Now, that's a talent!

Giving so much attention to myself reminds me of the reason for it - a naked ginger girl in the next room.

"I'm so sorry for the mess in the bedroom, I was looking for the right clothes."

As if called on time, Annabelle walks out of the room wearing only one of my shirts that hang over her body. Her hair is set loose and her hands are pushing the hem of the shirt down in an attempt to cover her thighs.

I can see she is braless. I mean, obviously, she gave me the bra to wash it but... the idea still shocks me. If my boner was anywhere close to wearing down, that has changed. Oh, boy, has that changed! When these two will both leave, I'll have to jerk off like crazy.

I nervously look over at Mr Ritchie who is not doing so good. His jaw might as well hit the floor and if I put the darkest of blush on his cheek, I wouldn't manage to recreate his face.

"Who are you!" He exclaims in a rough tone in which I head a lot of embarrassment. He's trying to hard to be professional but he's not doing so well, however that won't erase the scandal Annabelle is causing by beind here half-naked!

Annabelle's panicky look darts at me, clearly unsure how she'd respond.

"That's, uh, Mr Ritchie. He's from the adoption agency." I state, praying the nervous my hopeless and nervous tone is out of it.

Her face expression changes in a second. What has once been a panicky look with trembling lips becomes a pair of radiating eyes and a jolly smile. "Oh, you didn't tell me he was gonna come by!"

What?

"I-I didn't know he was coming."

She's playing at something and I'm not completely sure what. If I don't come up with a good and believable explanation that would clarify why a woman, whose name never appears in my record adoption agency received, came trodding from my bedroom, dressed only in a loose shirt of mine and her underwear, Mr Ritchie is gonna have my balls! -and Devon!

"Tell me, who are you!"

Oh god, this is a disaster!

"I'm Annabelle," she stretches out her hand and leans forward. If I weren't as nervous as I am, I'd let myself enjoy the view of her pale grey panties that stretch tightly over her buttcheeks.

What is going on...

Even he stutters at her show "I-I..."

With a bubbly smile that can make anyone come to her side, she greets him and sits down on the edge of the couch on my side.

Maybe having her here, charming him and all that wouldn't be such a bad idea. It's still a mystery how will I explain this. Mr Ritchie might see her pale thighs and be aroused by them but it doesn't change a fact what I said about bringing people in Devon's life all looks like a lie.

She looks at him, smiling small.like as if asking for permission but not really. Safe to say this is all done in a passive-aggressive manner. "Is it okay if I'm here with you two?"

I'm immediately up for it. If she's decided to make a show out of it, it must be with a reson and a plan. "Well, I don't mind, really."

I try to make an eye contact with the guy and judge what is he gonna do next but Annabelle unexpectedly giggles. With a gentle touch of her fingers on my jaw she averts my gaze towards her and suddenly kisses me.

I think my heart stops at that very moment and if I think about it I can't remember if I closed my eyes or not. Did I perk my lips to meet hers half way?

It can barelly be called a kiss. It was merely... more like brushing two lips together. Does that qualify as a kiss then?

"Of course, you wouldn't mind," she murmurs when her mouth is still close to my and her breath warms my lips.

I look up and as I do I realise I did close my eyes for that brief, shocking second. It os a conscious reminders Mr Ritchie is still here that makes me focus on him and now explain that too.

Annabelle's hand that helped her turn me to her finds its place on my cheeks as she looks at Mr Richie "Mister?"

I look at him as well and if my heart wasn't pulsating as if it was preparing for an implosion, I'd feel spitefully cheeky. Mr Rithchie looks like he'd pay a millions bucks to see us makeout and have sex.

His recollection is so forced even Devon on the floor glances up with his fingers in the mouth "I didn't know you were in a relationship, Mr Price. YOu didn't tell me about it the last time we met."

"Uh, I-uh... We kinda, uhm..."

"We recently went official," says Annabelle and sinks into the couch and in my lap "We didn't want to tell anyone about it yet in case it'd prove to lead nowhere. That could affect the boy, isn't it so, Devon!"

THe kids turns to her an offers a toothless smile on display.

Mr Ritchie loosens his bowtie a little. Normally, I'd chuckle but I am trying to figure out how to keep Annabelle away from tackling my boner with her lower back.

"Very considerate, Mr Price. You have to pardon me, Miss-?"

"Taylor. Annabelle Taylor."

"Miss Taylor. Forgive me but I have to ask, why did you two start the relationship and how mature is it?"

She shifts and soon her fingers are intertwining mine. She also sinks lower into me.

Annabelle, stop!

She smiles and sits up, relieving me in a way of the pressure "Nathan and I met when my sister and his friend became a couple. It... took us a while to go out and to... deepend our relatipnship but when it happened-" she sighs"-it felt right. Then on our sixth official date, there were a lot of unofficial ones, he told me he decided to adopt and soon Devon was introduced to me."

God, I think my palm is sweating...

"That's... You two are very lucky. I-is that your full name, Miss Taylor? If you don't mind, I should put that in Mr Price's file for future references."

I intervene when I get back my voice "I don't think that's so impor-"

"But of course!" She exclaims even though my intervention adn the threatening squeeze of her hand instructed her otherwise. "It's Annabelle Lois Taylor."

I... didn't know she has two names and the first thing that falls to my mind is: "Hi, Lois. Guess what, your Superman is waiting in my pants." I should really take a look at my priorities and do something about them one day.

Mr Ritchie writes down her name and his fingers caress my couch.

This is getting too freaky!

"Do you, Miss Taylor, live here?" He asks with his tone drifting off at the end.

"No, no... Maybe we would have moved in together if things were different when when Nathan got Devon, he sadi he'd rather take things slower than usual."

If I'm gonna get an approval from him again that Devon is in a good and safe place, it'll be because of Annabelle. She even makes him smile! He uncomfortably and melancholically shifts as he gets up. I take it, it's the sorrow he feels because he must leave the sofA. Once he's standing, he tugs down on his shirt to fix it out and gathers his things "You certainly... look like a happy family. But I'll be on my way and... stop bothering you."

I break free from Annabelle's grasp and use seeing-him-out as an excuse. I have to put some distance between me and this madness.

'You look like a happy family.'

Are you shitting me?! I never came across a happy family because there is none and I learnt that first-hand. Because a family screws you up and when you have your own family, you fuck it up just like your parents did. We can conclude this is a neverending story and Devon, I am so sorry but you're gonna grow into a fucked up guy, apparently.

More important, when I make sure Mr Ritchie won't be able to hear us, I'll have a little talk with our Lois, here, and ask her where did she come up with such a romantic story worth of throwing up and why the fuck did she kiss me like that!

A/N: So sorry for being so late but I hope you're not too mad with me. I can grant you that the next week an update will be late as well because two tough exams are nearing on me.

But tell me what you think of this chapter! What did you like, what didn't you and why? Did you miss Mr Ritchie, though?

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~Blackie