Chapter 4 #3
Strolling back in, Hendrix said, “Thanks for the endorsement.” He offered Ryder a fist bump, which thrilled her son.
So. Many. Changes.
Biting back a smile, Joey said, “Take a seat. We’ll eat while the pancakes are still warm.”
Hendrix sat beside Ryder and Joey used the outside chair on the other side of the counter.
Before having a large man as a guest, the tiny cabin had felt plenty big enough.
Now, she realized just how little room they had.
Not that she’d change a thing. It was far too entertaining watching Ryder watch Hendrix.
When Hendrix put a napkin in his lap, Ryder did the same.
Hendrix used his fork to cut a reasonably sized bite.
..and Ryder paused with an entire pancake hanging from his fork, the syrup, thankfully, dripping more into the plate than on the counter.
Trying to copy Hendrix, he struggled to get a bite cut just right, then got it into his mouth with a little bit of stuffing.
As if it was routine for him, Hendrix said, “It takes a little practice.” He put his hand over Ryder’s and helped guide him into using the side of the fork for cutting.
Wow. She forgot her own food, forgot her problems, forgot.
..everything. Hendrix wasn’t the Grinch.
No, it was her. She knew because her heart was growing ten times.
It got so big that she felt her eyes sting and her nose tingle.
No, no, and no. She would not get emotional, but even as she made that vow her throat tightened.
Ducking her face, she sipped her coffee, hoping to have a moment to regroup.
Suddenly Hendrix’s hand closed over hers. Funny, because it was sticky with syrup, which could likely be blamed on how he’d helped Ryder. By the time they finished breakfast, Ryder would have syrup on his ear lobes.
She snickered, but because she’d been on the verge of being weepy, the sound came out all wrong.
“Mom?”
That did it. The sickly snicker turned into a laugh, and then she couldn’t stop laughing. She tried to contain herself, she really did.
Hendrix elbowed Ryder and said, “Don’t worry, bub. It’s just one of those things women do.”
Unconvinced, Ryder whispered, “She’s sort of cry-laughing.”
“Yup. Good feelings hit people differently. She’s glad we’re pals, that’s all.”
“She sort of sounds like a donkey, huh?”
Joey tried to look affronted, but instead she just laughed more.
Hendrix spoke louder to be sure she’d hear him. “Give her a hug. Mom’s love hugs from kids with sticky fingers and faces and –”
Quickly rising from her seat, Joey held up a hand. “No, no, I’m fine. We’ll clean up all the sticky stuff before doling out hugs.”
In challenge, Hendrix slowly rose from his seat. “Now Joey, you know you want those hugs.” He held up his own sticky fingers.
Catching on, Ryder held out his hands, too. “Yeah, Mom. Sticky hugs are the best.”
Playfully shrieking, she tried to dart past them, but seriously, there wasn’t much room to maneuver in the tiny space. Hendrix caught her first, holding her face with his one sticky hand, he kissed her mouth. This time Ryder didn’t mind. He was too busy taking part in the fun.
By the time the two of them had wound down, they were all on the futon, her draped over Hendrix’s lap, Ryder draped over hers, and they were all a syrupy mess.
More in control now, Joey smiled at Hendrix. “I can’t be held responsible for any damage to the futon.”
In answer, Hendrix smoothed back her hair, then hauled her upright. “What do you say, Ryder. Should we give your mother time to shower?”
Cagey, he said, “We could just use the hot tub again.”
Brows up, Hendrix turned to her. “What do you say?”
It sounded like a wonderful plan to her. “We could do that, but the hot tub isn’t a bathtub, so I think Ryder and I both need to clean up first.”
“But –”
“No buts, honey. You need to clean your hands and face, and brush your teeth.”
Her son did the most amazing thing. He pivoted to Hendrix as if for assistance.
“Ha!” Hendrix said. “Don’t look at me like that. What your mom says goes, and besides, she’s right. How about you get cleaned up while I help her with the dishes?”
“Oh, all right.” He started to huff off.
Joey didn’t let him get away with that. “Ryder.”
Cautiously, he turned back.
“Going to the hot tub is for fun, but if you’re in a bad mood, we’ll just stay here.”
“I’m not.” Immediately, he straightened up and hurried into the bathroom.
“Well done.” Hendrix drew her in for a warm kiss, but he kept it brief before lifting her to her feet. “You continually amaze me.”
Joey couldn’t say which thrilled her more, the positive comment on her parenting skills, or his amazing strength. What she’d heard most often from Ted and her in-laws was criticism over her every decision concerning Ryder. It meant a lot that Hendrix was quick to dole out compliments instead.
Then there was the fact that he so easily held her.
His biceps bulged, but not with strain. Even in a flannel shirt, or sweatshirt, his muscles were pronounced.
All the physical work he did around the park showed in his physique.
It was more than that though. The warmth in his eyes as he looked down at her sent an equal warmth spiraling through her.
She caught the front of his shirt and stole her own kiss, lingering until they both got a little breathless.
When she finally freed his mouth, his arms loosened and he let her slide back to her feet. “I like this relationship of ours,” she admitted.
“I more than like it.” He took her hand. “Come on. I have something to tell you while Ryder’s busy.”
“What is it?” His tone immediately put her on edge, and she remembered again how he’d been near the gate. “What’s wrong?”
Gently, he pressed her into a chair. “Do me a favor and sit while I clean up the breakfast.”
Of all the... She started to rise, but he put a hand on her shoulder. “I need to talk, and it’ll be easier if we’re not bumping into each other.”
Worried, she sank back into the seat. “Okay, but hurry. Ryder won’t take long.”
Nodding, he said, “I saw a car idling at the entrance to the park today. White four-door. Older model.”
Her heart dropped and her stomach clenched with dread.
With measured calm, Hendrix took in her reaction. “Looked like a Sebring, but before I got close enough to tell for sure, the driver gunned it and took off.”
And that, more than anything, felt like proof. “Ted.” His whispered name sounded like a curse, because that’s what he was.
“He drives a Sebring?”
Drawing necessary oxygen into her lungs, she nodded. “Used to, last I saw him.” Which hadn’t been long enough. Her thoughts sped ahead, trying to figure out how to dodge him, how to avoid a clash. Dear God, she’d brought this trouble to Hendrix.
“First,” Hendrix said, “You’re not alone anymore. I won’t let him near you or Ryder.”
Her head snapped up, and he took her mouth in a searing kiss.
Only when they heard the bathroom door open did he let up. “Second, I have a few suggestions, but we’ll go over them while Ryder plays. Agreed?”
That seemed the wise thing to do – except this wasn’t Hendrix’s problem, no matter what he said.
Zooming back into the room, Ryder announced, “I’m all done.” When he saw her sitting and Hendrix unmoving, he skidded to a halt and frowned. “Aw, you guys aren’t ready.”
Hendrix said, “I decided you and I could do it together to give your mom a break.” After that decision – made without her input – he took her hands and tugged her to her feet.
“Your turn to get dressed, and while you’re in there, try having a little faith.
” He gave her one last kiss, then turned back to the mess.
Dishes clattered as she walked into the bathroom.
Faith. Yes, she had faith in Hendrix. So much faith that she’d fallen in love with him when she hadn’t thought she could ever love another man. Of course, she’d been free-falling that way since the day she met him. Having all his single-minded attention on her had only sealed the deal.
If Ted knew, he’d be enraged, and he’d definitely go after Hendrix.
That thought scared her most of all.
The warm sunshine, Joey by his side, and Ryder’s laughter had all conspired against Hendrix until he felt primed. Protective. Territorial.
In lust and in love – a powerful combo.
Long after they’d dried off from the hot tub and Joey had changed into a floral sweater and skinny jeans, he kept thinking of her body, her slender thighs and the breasts he badly wanted to bare. He wanted to touch her all over, kiss her all over.
He wanted to stake a claim.
For a long time he’d been without a woman, and there’d never been a woman like Joey. She affected him in ways he hadn’t known were possible.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, they hadn’t had a minute to talk privately. He’d kept the gate locked and his phone close at all times. Not a minute went by where he didn’t think of the flash of fear on Joey’s face when he’d told her about the Sebring.
“Here you go.”
Hendrix glanced up to see Joey put a quilt over Ryder’s legs.
The kid looked tuckered out. He’d zipped through three puzzles before playing with the dinosaurs.
Now he was camped out on the couch, watching cartoons on what he called “the big TV,” which probably seemed enormous when compared to the tiny television in their miniscule cabin.
It was nice seeing Ryder there, comfortable in his living room. Watching Joey stroke his hair, then stroll barefoot into his kitchen to get a bottle of water.
The two of them belonged here. With him.
Following Joey, Hendrix stopped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “When everyone returns after Christmas, I’ll be busier.”
“Hmm,” she said, as she leaned back against him. “Me, too. Ryder will be back at school and I can find a part time job, but still tutor sometimes in the evening.”
Pausing, Hendrix considered that. If she planned to work that much, it wouldn’t leave much time for them to be together.
Trying to circle in on that, he said, “I think today was the best day of my life.”
With a light laugh, she turned in his arms. “Really? Pancakes do it for you, huh?”
“You do it for me.” Her eyes flared, and that made him want to kiss her. And more. So much more. Cupping a hand to her cheek, he said, “I don’t want to spook you, babe, but I’m feeling pretty serious about us.”
Her breath quickened, followed by an uncertain smile. “I’m feeling pretty serious, too.”
“Good to know. Then maybe you won’t fight me on moving in here.”