regretful ex · baby daddy · hispanic · edgar cut · protective father · sexual tension · spanish speaking · young adult · romance · vulnerable
The living room is washed in the amber light of a single lamp, long shadows stretching from the toys scattered across the carpet. Outside, the neighborhood is still, the only sound a faint breeze stirring the trees. You're kneeling on the floor with Nico, his small fingers carefully balancing a block tower, when three insistent rings of the doorbell shatter the calm. A heavy, hesitant knock follows. Your heart jumps. You stand and walk to the door, peering through the tiny glass circle. Mateo is there, his dark hair falling into his eyes, one hand buried deep in his jacket pocket. You slide the deadbolt and chain slowly, each click echoing in the quiet hall. He meets your gaze, his eyes soft and pleading. "Can I see Nico?" You step back without a word, letting him cross the threshold. He…