Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
SAVANNAH
The first thing I notice when I wake up is the warmth. It’s like I’m cocooned in the softest blanket next to a fireplace. I try to push away the covers, only for them to tighten harder around me.
No, not covers.
A person.
My eyes fly open as the events of last night play in my mind.
Shopping with Blake and Levi.
Coming home.
Daniel storming over, anger blazing in those gray irises that are so much like his father’s.
You’re not our mother!
The blackness.
ER.
Can you hold me?
The bright early morning sun entering through the curtains makes me wince softly. My eyes fall shut.
Blake’s bed.
I’m in Blake’s bed.
This time, I blink my eyes open slowly, letting them adjust before I take in the simple bedroom. Plain white walls. No photos or memorabilia of any kind. Simple and efficient.
I shift slowly, but there is no space to move because Blake’s body is plastered to mine; his chest is pressed into my back, arm wrapped around me, hand resting over my middle, as if he’s trying to protect me and our baby.
A warm feeling spreads through my chest.
Let me take care of you.
There was so much desperation and fear in his voice last night I couldn’t say no. It was like all his walls had fallen, and he let me see the man hiding underneath. A man who was desperately worried something might happen to me.
Not just our baby.
But me .
I couldn’t remember the last time that was the case. I was usually the caretaker, and it felt nice to be the one somebody was taking care of.
The one Blake is taking care of.
I peek over my shoulder to look at him. His eyes are closed, his long, dark lashes fanning over his cheeks. The light scruff on his chin has turned darker overnight, making him look rugged in the most delicious way and reminding me just how good feeling that stubble against my skin felt like.
“You really have to stop wiggling that ass, Blondie.”
I jump in surprise at the sound of Blake’s gruff voice, the motion pressing me harder against him.
And I mean every. Single. Inch. Of. Him.
Holy gods.
I press my thighs together instinctively, trying to alleviate some of the ache that’s building inside of me. Which is a mistake because his hard cock only presses harder into my ass, making us both groan softly at the touch.
Blake opens his eyes, sleepiness still clinging to his face as his arms tighten around me.
“Keep. Still,” he growls into my ear.
“I thought you were asleep.”
“I was until you started rubbing against me.”
“What?” I glare at him. “I wasn’t rubbing against you! I was trying to pull away.”
The corner of his mouth tips upward just slightly, amusement dancing in his irises. “The way you’re pressed against me suggests otherwise.”
I open my mouth, but before I get a chance to say anything, the door bursts open.
“Hey, Dad, it’s—” Levi comes to an abrupt stop, surprise flashing on his face for a split second before a grin breaks across his mouth. “Sav! You’re still here.”
Heat rises up my neck as the panic slams into me.
Blake’s son just caught us in bed together.
The silence stretches in the room for what feels like forever. A knot forms in my throat, making it hard to breathe as the strong beat of my heart echoes in my eardrums. I open my mouth, but no words come out.
Dear God, make the ground open up and swallow me whole.
“Levi,” Blake shifts behind me as he leans against his forearm. “What did we say about knocking?”
“That I have to knock before entering the room.”
“More like bulldozing,” Blake mutters into my hair, so only I can hear him, his warm breath making my skin tingle as he fixes his gaze on Levi. “Then why aren’t you knocking?”
“I forgot.” He shrugs, his attention moving to me. “Does that mean you’ll move in with us?”
“Wh-what?”
Move in with them? Where did he get that idea?
I glance over my shoulder at Blake who doesn’t seem the least bit fazed by the question.
Levi runs toward us and jumps on the bed. “That way, I can be with my baby brother or sister all the time.”
“Levi, why don’t you go downstairs, and we’ll join you in a few so we can make breakfast?”
Levi lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. But it’s a good idea!” He jumps to his feet and dashes away, yelling loudly, “Hurry up, I’m starving .”
My mouth is still open as I stare at the door, trying to wrap my head around what just happened.
Groaning, Blake falls on the mattress behind me. “Fuck, this kid will be the death of me.”
Death of him? He almost gave me a heart attack.
“Moving in?” I turn over my shoulder to look at him. “Did you?—”
“What? No. I didn’t tell him anything, but he’s right, you know.” Blake gives me a pointed look. “It’s a good idea.”
“Blake…” I bite the inside of my cheek, unsure of what to say.
He couldn’t be serious.
“You know we have to figure this thing out,” he says gently. “I want you to give us a chance. A real chance, Savannah.”
He was serious about it. About us. About the idea of there being something… more. And if I said yes to moving in, he’d be hauling the stuff in a second, no questions asked.
My gaze falls to his mouth, and my tongue darts out to slide over my dry lips. I could still taste him on my tongue. Feel those lush lips pressed against mine. Feel him pressed against me.
“We should get up. Levi is waiting.” Pushing the covers back, I all but jump to my feet, a mistake because the sudden change makes the white dots play in front of my eyes. I sway on my feet as a rush of warmth washes over me, making my shirt plastered to my body.
I extend my hand, looking for something to steady myself, only to connect with a hard chest.
“I’ve gotcha.” Blake’s fingers wrap around my forearm as he pulls me to him.
I let out a shaky breath. “I’m fin?—”
I don’t get a chance to finish before Blake picks me up into his arms.
“What are you doing? I just got dizzy there for a second.”
“Exactly, I want to check your blood sugar.”
“It’s because I got up too fast,” I protest, but he isn’t listening. “Blake! Put me down. Levi is downstairs.”
“So what?”
“So you can’t carry me like that. You’ll scare him.”
Blake comes to an abrupt stop, his jaw clenching. “Fucking hell, Blondie. Fine.” He gently puts me down, his arm going around my middle. “But we’re checking your blood sugar.”
I don’t even try to protest as he steers me down the stairs, toward the kitchen, where I can hear Levi’s carefree voice chatting away, clearly not the least bit fazed by what he saw.
“And then Daniel came and yelled at Sav, so she fainted, and we had to take her to the hospital.” Levi looks toward the door. “They’re here. See? I told you Sav had a sleepover in Dad’s bed.”
If I thought Levi catching us in bed was bad, it has nothing on him blurting it out in front of Blake’s housekeeper.
The older woman glances toward us over the rim of her glasses. “A sleepover, huh?”
If I don’t die of mortification today, nobody will.
I tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear. “It wasn’t like that.”
Gray brows shoot up. “Daniel didn’t yell at you, and you didn’t faint?”
“I mean, I did, but…”
“Can we try not to chase Savannah away?” Blake appears in front of me and places a small black bag on the counter. In one swift movement, he unzips it and starts pulling things out.
A glucose monitor?
“Where did that come from?”
“I bought it yesterday.”
He grabs one of the small needle thingies and puts it into a device that looks like a pen, making sure it’s all secured properly before he extends his palm toward me. “Hand.”
“But I put it into my bag.” At least, I was pretty sure I did. Everything after the hospital was a bit blurry. I look over his shoulder. “Where did you put it? I should check my phone?—”
“This isn’t the one from your bag. Hand,” Blake repeats.
Rolling my eyes, I place my hand into his just as Levi joins us. He’s still in his PJs, his head mussed from sleep as he climbs into the chair next to mine.
“There is one in the car too. Dad said not to touch it because there are needles inside.” Levi looks at me, his eyes wide. “Why is he sticking it in your finger?”
“So he can test my blood sugar,” I explain absentmindedly as I glance at Blake, my brows furrowing. “You have one in your house and another in your car?”
“Umm…” Blake clears his throat and looks down, all of his attention fixed on my finger like it’s the most interesting thing in the world. And is that a blush that’s creeping up on his cheeks? “It’s just for precaution. You know? In case you don’t feel well.”
It was definitely a blush.
Was Blake Walker embarrassed?
“In case—” I suck in a breath as the needle pinches my finger. A drop of blood appears on my fingertip, and he scoops it onto the test strip that’s already connected to the little monitor.
Levi moves closer, his gaze is fixed on my finger for a moment before he looks at me. “Does it hurt?”
“No, it’s just a little pinch.”
“You made a face like it hurts.”
Shit, this kid was too observant for his own good.
“I just got surprised there for a second.” I grab a towel from the counter and clean my hand before showing it to him. “See? No blood.”
Levi makes a small huffing noise as if he doesn’t trust me completely. I gently ruffle his hair. “I’m fine.”
Blake grunts. “Your blood sugar is up.”
My stomach sinks at his words. Blake turns the monitor so I can see it.
137, and I didn’t even eat anything yet.
“The doctor said it should be a hundred tops.” He gives me a pointed look.
“Does that mean Sav has to go to the doctor again?” Levi asks, moving closer to me.
A dark expression passes over Blake’s face, but he quickly schools his features and gives Levi a reassuring smile. “No, buddy. We’ll make Savannah something nice and healthy for breakfast, have her drink a lot of water, and see how she feels in a little bit.”
“Oh, you don’t have to?—”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” Those serious eyes bore into me as his thumb rubs over my wrist. “Let me take care of you, Blondie.”
There were those words again.
A shiver runs down my spine at his intense gaze, warmth rising up my neck. My chest tightens, making it hard to breathe.
Seconds tick by as we just stare at one another. It seems like his gaze is sucking me in, and I’m falling deeper under his spell, unable to resist him. Not when he’s looking at me that way.
“Does that mean I have to eat healthy too?” Levi asks, breaking the tension between us. “Because I don’t like that.”
Blake and I exchange a look, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from laughing.
I wrap my arm around his shoulders. “No, you can eat whatever you want.”
“Good, because I want waffles.”
“Waffles coming right up.” Mrs. Maxwell winks at him.
“With chocolate syrup!” Levi adds.
“Is there any other kind?” Amusement dances in the older woman’s eyes. Her gaze lingers on us for a moment longer, her face softening before she starts preparing food, and Blake joins her, the two of them working in silent unison.
I feel slightly guilty for just sitting there, but Levi is chatting away telling me about his favorite character from a cartoon that he dreamt about, when plates appear in front of us, and my stomach rumbles in protest.
I gaze longingly at the waffle covered in chocolate before switching my attention to yogurt with fruit and some kind of seeds.
“You don’t like it.”
Blake starts to pull the plate away, but I place my hand over his. “No, it looks great.”
“But waffles look better.”
“What can I say, Munchkin knows what it wants. But this will be perfect. Thank you.” I sink the spoon into the bowl and take a bite, a small moan coming out. I cover my mouth as I look up to find Blake watching me, his irises dark. “This is really good.”
The corner of his mouth tips up. “Good. Eat.”
Instead of joining us, Blake goes to the coffee machine and grabs a cup, leaning against the counter as he watches us.
“Sav?” I turn to Levi, who’s enjoying his waffles, a little bit of chocolate smeared over his cheeks. “Why do you call the baby Munchkin?”
“Because I don’t have a name for the baby just yet. And I have to call it something.”
Levi thinks about it for a second, his face serious. “I guess you’re right.” Levi nods, and his face lights up. “I could help you pick it up!”
“You could help me pick it out ,” I correct. “Any suggestions?”
“Hmm…” He purses his lips, his brows furrowing in concentration. “I have to think about it.”
“How about you think about it as you get dressed?” Blake interjects. “We’ll be late for school, so finish your breakfast and go change.”
Shit.
“Okay, I’m going.”
From the corner of my eye, I can see Levi stuff the rest of his food into his mouth before he jumps out of his seat and leaves the room, just as my gaze lands on the clock on the stove.
“I should go also.” I push to my feet. “I have to get rea?—”
“You’re not going to work today.”
My shoulders stiffen at Blake’s firm tone. Slowly, I turn to face him. “What are you talking about? Of course I’m going to work.”
“Blondie…” Blake growls, clearly annoyed.
“What?” I cross my arms over my chest. “I have to work, Blake. Not all of us get the luxury to retire at thirty.”
“Thirty-five.”
I wave him off. “That’s beside the point.”
Blake lets out an annoyed groan. In a few short steps, he closes the distance between us, his hands landing on my shoulders. “Your sugar was high,” Blake whispers, some of that fear I saw on his face slipping past his steady exterior. “You were in the ER just last night. Stay home. Please? Just a few days, that’s all I’m asking of you.”
Dammit.
How was I supposed to say no when he was looking at me like he wanted to wrap me up into his arms and never let me go?
I couldn’t, that’s how.
“ Please .”
That tone.
It was my undoing.
He was my undoing, and I wasn’t sure what to do about it.
There was something about this big, strong man showing me that he cares that melted any reservations I had.
“Fine. I’ll call the school and let them know I won’t be coming in.”
Blake blinks as if he wasn’t expecting me to agree so quickly. “Yeah?”
I poke him gently in the chest so he doesn’t get any ideas. “But just for a day or so.”
He chuckles softly, a small smile curling his lips as his fingers wrap around mine. “I wouldn’t dare think otherwise.”
My body tingles at the contact, my heart thumping faster against my rib cage.
I toy with my lip, my teeth grazing over the sensitive flesh. Blake’s gaze lowers, zeroing in on my movement, and I can feel my mouth go dry under his watchful stare.
“Dad!” Levi’s loud yell echoes in the house. “Where is my shirt? The one with the Spider-Man?”
“It’s in the closet. The first drawer,” Blake yells back, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I can’t find it.”
Blake groans, his fingers tightening around mine.
“You’ve been summoned,” I chuckle softly, just as Levi calls him once again.
“Coming!”
I bite the inside of my cheek as he rubs at the back of my hand before reluctantly letting go.
My gaze lingers on his retreating back. Okay, and maybe it drops a bit lower. After all, I’m just a mere human, and that is one fine ass.
“He really likes you, you know?”
Shit.
She’s been so quiet that I totally forgot that Mrs. Maxwell was still here, and now she caught me staring at her employer’s ass.
Great. Just great.
“Oh, you have it wro?—”
“Nonsense. I’ve been with these boys for years, all the way back when Daniel was in diapers.” Mrs. Maxwell starts piling dishes into a stack. “I’ve seen Blake when he was happy, and I’ve been with him when everything fell apart. And things have been falling apart for him for a while.”
She glances at me over the rim of her glasses. I press my lips together. I wanted to ask her what she meant, but at the same time, I didn’t think it was my place to probe into Blake’s private life. If he wanted to tell me about his ex, he could do it himself. Did I even want to know about the woman he spent the better part of his life with? A woman he had two children with? Just thinking about it made the bile rise up my throat.
“You’re good for him.” Mrs. Maxwell smiles softly. “For them. ”
“I don’t know about that. All I’ve been doing is causing trouble for Blake with his kids.”
“Do you mean Daniel?” She waves me off. “The issues Blake and Daniel have had started way before they moved here. Were you the catalyst? Sure. Your whole situation is quite unusual, and I can see how upsetting it might be for Daniel and Levi, but you aren’t the root of the problem between the two of them. They go deeper than you can imagine.” Mrs. Maxwell lets out a sigh and picks up the plates, continuing as she makes her way to the sink. “In his core, Daniel is a good kid. He’s just been dealing with a lot in the last few years. However, that doesn’t excuse what he said. I raised that boy better, and he’ll get a piece of my mind later, but… Don’t give up on him. Don’t give up on them . I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen Blake so happy. And Levi? That boy’s been apprehensive about others ever since his mom walked away, but not with you. They need you, Savannah.” She looks over her shoulder and gives me a pointed look. “And I think the feeling is mutual.”
My throat bobs as I swallow, her words ringing in my head.
She was wrong though.
Wasn’t she?
Nobody ever needed me, and I didn’t think the Walker boys were any different.
Mrs. Maxwell’s gaze shifts over my shoulder, and I can see a scowl appear on her face as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Look who finally decided to wake up.”
I turn around and find no one other than Daniel standing behind me.
Shit. How much did he hear?
“Do you have to yell at me so early?” Daniel grumbles, glancing at me.
The bruises on his face were even more vibrant than yesterday, different shades of purples and blues coloring his skin and making his gray irises stand out even more.
“I should go.” I turn toward Mrs. Maxwell. “Thank you so much for breakfast.”
Before either of them can say anything, I get to my feet and slip past Daniel and toward the door.
Staying there was a bad idea.
Mrs. Maxwell didn’t know what she was talking about because Daniel most certainly did not want me here.
I spot my bag on the little table by the door. I grab it quickly and get out, my hand diving inside as I try to find the key to my place.
“Miss Parker… Savannah, wait!”
I stop in my tracks at the sound of Daniel’s voice behind me. Slowly, I turn around and find Blake’s son standing in the doorway, his chest rising and falling like he was running after me.
“I’m sorry.”
I blink, unsure if I heard him correctly. “Daniel, you don’t have to…”
“No, I do.” He shakes his head. “I really am sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you, and I shouldn’t have said those things. Maybe if I didn’t…”
Daniel’s throat bobs as he swallows, and although he’s trying to keep a straight face, I can see the whole thing upset him. My fingers itch to touch him and give him some reassurance, but I don’t think it’s what he wants, so I keep them in place.
“Daniel, what happened wasn’t your faul?—”
“I looked it up,” he interrupts before I can finish. “Last night. I have internet; I’m not dumb. It says stress can be the cause of all of this. I never wanted to hurt you, or the kid, I just…” His eyes meet mine. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know that. I never thought you wanted to hurt me either.” The silence settles over us. My teeth sink into my lower lip as I contemplate my next words carefully. We couldn’t go on like this. I knew it, and he knew it. But the least I could offer him was the truth. Because he was right. He wasn’t Levi. Daniel was a teenager, almost an adult, really. Letting my lip pop, I move closer to him. “Can I be completely honest with you?”
Daniel shifts from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable. “I guess so?”
“I don’t want to be your mother.” Although the words are said gently, I can see that I have his attention. Good. I needed him to understand this. “I would never dream of taking her spot. The idea hasn’t even crossed my mind. However, I will not push Levi away just because. Not only because I’m his teacher, and it’s not in my nature to do so, but I genuinely like him. I think he’s a great kid.
“More than that, this baby is coming. Both Blake and Levi want to be in his or her life, and honestly? I want it, too. I was prepared for it to be just Munchkin and me, but I’m glad my baby will have a real family. That’s all I ever wanted.”
It was like saying it out loud lifted some of the weight off my shoulders.
I wanted Blake and whatever this thing between us was.
I wanted to give it a shot.
“I don’t know what will happen in the next few months, but I can promise you two things right now. First, I’ll never get in the way of you and your dad,” I say softly, observing his silent reaction. “And secondly, if you ever need me, no matter what or when my door will always be open to both of you. The only thing I ask of you in return is not to judge my baby on my actions. That’s the only thing I need.”
“That’s all?” Those sharp gray eyes meet mine. “You want me to be… kind to the kid?”
“Yes, that’s all.” I extend my hand to him. “Do we have a deal?”
His gaze falls to my hand. A few heartbeats pass in silence as he just stares at me, and I have a feeling that he’ll push me away once again, but then his warm palm envelops mine.
“Yeah, we have a deal.”