Chapter 17
Isighed, closing the door of the office building I’d stayed late cleaning at. It had been a hectic month since my scary evening. So much had transpired. All the cleaning agencies within the area were aware of the situation, and my boss was being so supportive and understanding. He didn’t have any issues with the fact I had things going on that were completely out of my control.
Nat had continued settling in at school and her friendship with Lexi, and even her older sister, had continued to grow. There had been lots of girl’s nights, at my house, and Monica’s. I’d repaid the favor a few times and watched all the girls, keeping them for a weekend myself so Paul and Monica could have time away.
Lucas and I had continued to see each other casually, usually meeting for lunch dates, so that we could have time together.
Nat was playing in her first volleyball game at seven o’clock tonight. I glanced at my watch and saw it was already six. I’d have just enough time to swing through somewhere and grab a snack on my way. There was no way I was missing my baby’s first extracurricular activity. She’d been ecstatic that Lexi and her had made the team. I was beyond grateful that Monica had taken her after school today and fed her to get back in time for warm ups.
I had been able to tell Lucas everything about my past, including my relationship with Clark, over the month. It had been hard for him to hear, but he was very good at removing himself emotionally when he had to. He was born to be a cop. He did let himself rant a bit and stated he wished he could get his hands on Clark and Larry.
We hadn’t had any updates on my ex or his whereabouts, and nothing else had happened. I was starting to feel at ease again, although wary, like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I finished going through a drive through and ate my sandwich on the way to the school. When I slid into a parking spot at six forty-five, I was relieved to be on time. I would be able to embarrass Nat by screaming good luck when she joined her teammates walking through the doors.. I grinned to myself as I grabbed my tote and got out, locking my car up. I was glancing down at my phone, texting Monica to let her know I was here, when a hand touched my arm.
I let out a startled scream, dropping my phone. I spun around to find a cringing Lucas, holding his hands up in surrender.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare the shit out of you. I said your name but you didn’t look up,” he bent down scooping my phone up.
I placed my hand over my heart, shaking. I felt like the organ was going to beat out of my chest. “I’m okay. It's okay. I should’ve been paying more attention.”
He raised an eyebrow, “With everything going on, probably. You worry me sometimes. You get so wrapped up in your head with your to-do lists, or taking care of Nat that you aren’t even aware of your surroundings, Becks. It actually terrifies me,” he admitted.
I looked up into his eyes and moved in wrapping my arms around his waist to hug him, laying my head over his heart.
“What’s this for?” he asked in his gravelly voice, returning the hug.
“For caring about me. About us,” I replied, as his arms tightened around me.
The past month of mini dates with him had been fantastic and we’d found out a lot about each other. We’d had several heavy make out sessions, similar to that night in the park but nothing had gone further. He was treating me like I was made of glass and while I appreciated the sentiment, I wished he’d take it a step further. I was terrified to initiate anything based on years of the reactions I’d gotten from Clark. I had a feeling Lucas wasn’t that way in the bedroom, but it was hard to get out of my own head.
“Becks, where’d you go again?” Lucas said, reaching down and tapping my nose lightly.
“Nowhere. I was just soaking you all in,” I teased, backing away and looking him up and down. His uniform did something to me. All those tattoos peeking out of the sleeves and up his neck. Some of our hottest kissing sessions had involved him wearing that uniform.
I bit my lower lip.
“Stop.” he said, his voice low, “or we’re not going to make Nat’s volleyball game, because I’m going to drag you into my truck with me.”
My entire body heated before I remembered why we were here to begin with, my eyes widening in alarm, “Oh my god.” I turned and started jogging into the school as he laughed and followed me.
“I can’t believe you came tonight,” I confided as I walked into the noisy gym, with him still following close behind me, “It’s not even your night to monitor is it?” I asked, looking up at him after ensuring the teams hadn’t taken the court yet.
“Nope, but I had a coworker cover the rest of my shift. I told Nat I’d be here at dinner the other night, and I’m not breaking my first promise to her,” he said seriously, eyes scanning the gym, zeroing in on Paul and Monica waving at us up the bleachers. I just stared at him, until he looked back down at me.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing, ” I replied.
Everything, I thought to myself. I was in so much trouble. I’d known this man for no more than eight weeks and I was falling in love with him. It was terrifying. Nat loved him. They got along great when he came to dinner at Monica and Paul’s house or they came to mine. They always talked and teased each other as I watched, terrified. Scared something would happen and we’d have to leave. Then she’d get hurt. Or me. Or both of us.
She ran out to greet him when he came over. Developing a secret handshake they laughed over no matter where they were or met up. She was his sole focus and had his undivided attention when there were stories to tell. He’d taken to calling her Peanut, endearing himself to her, and making my heart melt further.
Monica was thrilled with the developments and our growing relationship. She said that Lucas and I deserved any and all happiness we could find together.
I was still convincing myself I was worthy of it.
Sitting down by Monica as Lucas and Paul nodded at each other. I listened for a bit as they caught up on shop talk. Monica leaned in and said, “I’ll just warn you now, the girls are plotting again.”
“Oh God. What now?” I laughed.
“They want to have a sleepover at my house after the game,” she grinned, “I pretended I was put out by it, but I really don’t mind. Their friendship is so beautiful. I’m just so relieved Lexi found Nat.”
I laughed, “Are you sure you can handle them again?” I asked.
“Becks, they’re both at your house just as often as mine. I don’t mind in the slightest, and you know it. We were going to the mall and a movie tomorrow though. If you wouldn’t mind us keeping Nat into the evening?” she asked, “Lexi would get a kick out of it if I told her Nat was coming with us to do everything.”
I nodded, “If you’re sure. She’s already got a change of clothes and things in her gym bag just in case of emergencies at school and needing to change. I’ll give her some cash after the game to do some shopping.”
Monica grinned, “Perfect!”
I spotted Nat coming out of the locker room onto the court, and stood up, “Good luck, Natasha Wareman!” I yelled, not giving an absolute shit that I was embarrassing her again, and probably myself.
She predictably turned bright red and waved half-heartedly as all of us laughed and Lexi tackled her onto the team’s chairs teasing her.