Chapter Twenty-Six
Eric
I felt like a total ass for falling asleep on Jamie.
She’d waited up late for Hunter’s arrival, and I’d wanted to stay awake with her. But after the day we’d both endured, exhaustion had won.
Still, I wished I’d been able to distract her. Especially with so many effective techniques at my disposal. I could have easily taken her mind off her worries.
Letting her sleep in this morning seemed like the least I could do. Besides, she looked breathtaking with her hair spread across the pillow, dark lashes fanned against her cheeks.
Utter fucking perfection.
The house was quiet, yet I found myself surprisingly comfortable making coffee and breakfast. Almost like I belonged.
I was relaxing with my first cup when Hunter stumbled into the room.
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, he shuffled toward me with a giant yawn, blond curls sticking up everywhere.
When he noticed me staring, he seemed anything but awkward.
“Good morning,” he said, like finding a strange guy in his kitchen wasn’t at all unusual.
For a moment, I wondered if it was normal, then dismissed the thought. Jamie was nothing but responsible when it came to her son. He was her priority. No way was she subjecting him to random men.
Although right now, I was categorically random.
“Morning.” I felt awkward myself, unsure how to proceed.
Jamie and I hadn’t discussed this meeting. I didn’t know how she wanted me to explain things, or if she wanted explanations at all.
Did she even want me to meet him? Maybe she’d expected me to sneak out before he woke up.
But he was important to her, which made him important to me. If I had any hope with Jamie, I’d need her son’s approval.
“Is there cereal or anything? I’m starving.” He stretched, drawing out his starvation into four long syllables.
I chuckled at his exaggerated hunger, pulling open the cupboard where Jamie and I had stored groceries.
Our groceries. The thought sent satisfaction through me.
“No cereal, but we’ve got bagels. There’s butter in the fridge. Juice too.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” He dragged himself to the fridge. “Orange juice. My favorite.”
He poured himself some juice, then fixed me with curious eyes. “So…I’m Hunter. Who the heck are you?”
Holy shit. He was a mini-Jamie, and I wanted to laugh and hug him for being so damn awesome.
“I’m Eric. I’m a friend of your mom’s. Just helping her out.”
“I didn’t know my mom had friends here. Are you friends with my dad too? Did you know her from before?”
“Actually, I just met your mom six days ago. Your dad and I aren’t friends yet, but I’ve met him.”
“Yeah, my dad and I aren’t really friends yet either. But he’s trying to help me get a dog, so I guess he’s kind of cool.” He examined me over his orange juice as we waited for his bagel to toast. “Do you like dogs?”
“Of course. Who doesn’t like dogs?”
“Exactly. This is what I keep telling my mom. I know she likes them, but she keeps saying no. She just won’t give in, even though I think she’d like to have one too.”
“She’s stubborn sometimes, I’ve noticed.”
“No, she’s like that all the time, trust me.” His eyes went wide with sincerity.
The kid was absolutely right. Jamie’s stubbornness was legendary.
“But I found her weakness.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially.
“No way. She doesn’t have a weakness.” He crossed his arms, expression skeptical. “My mom’s the strongest lady I know. She’s even stronger than some of my friends’ dads.”
“Yeah, she’s tough, that’s for sure. But I did find her soft spot. Want to know what it is?”
“Is that an actual question? It’s redundant, right?” His sarcasm was perfect—obviously he’d inherited his mother’s best traits.
“You got me.” I laughed, finding it hard to stay serious. “But if I tell you, it stays between us. If she finds out we know, we’re screwed.”
Shit, language.
I wasn’t sure what was appropriate for a nine-year-old. I’d been on my own when Caleb was this age. I’d have to watch my mouth.
“Okay, I can agree to that deal.”
“Oh, shit. You already know the secret.” Fuck, the language thing would be harder than I’d expected. I’d gotten too comfortable without responsibilities.
He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
“Making a deal,” I explained. “She can’t resist. It’s like setting up a dare or making a bet. She’ll agree to what you want if you offer something she can’t refuse. You just need to know what she wants.”
“You said you met her six days ago?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Yeah.” I laughed. “It’s been a busy six days.”
“She must really like you.”
“Why would you say that? You haven’t even heard of me until now. I bet she hasn’t mentioned me once.”
“Nope. You’re right. Not once.” The kid really knew how to make a guy feel good.
“But you’re here. My mom doesn’t really have friends.
Especially not ones hanging around our house at eight in the morning.
She only sticks around people she really likes.
You’re here, and you seem to have her figured out, so that must mean she really likes you. ”
The wisdom of a nine-year-old made it all sound simple.
But maybe it was that simple. Jamie and I liked each other, we’d become great friends with incredible benefits, and I didn’t want to be away from her. Didn’t want to miss any of it.
“You’re a lot like your mom. You’re a pretty cool kid. And I really like her too.”
“Yeah, don’t get too comfortable, Eric. She’s the best lady in the world, and she’s the most important person to me. If you mess with her, I’ll find a way to mess you up. My dad’s a cop, you know.”
“Hunter, I think you and I are going to get along great.”
An hour with Hunter had exceeded every expectation. After the initial awkwardness, we’d fallen into comfortable, effortless conversation.
Jamie’s child was as easy to fall in love with as she was.
He was smart. Raised with honesty, love, humility, and a healthy dose of humor. It showed in how he interacted, how he projected those qualities back. His awareness seemed light-years beyond his age. He considered the impact of his words and actions.
His take on what happened with his friend Jackson absolutely blew my mind. For nine years old, he was damn insightful. And it was almost a shame he was so aware, since it was obvious he was hurt by his friend’s betrayal.
He was a good kid. Jamie’s worries about her parenting skills were misplaced. Considering she’d done the job of two parents without support from her own, she’d done better than average.
Way better than Jackson’s parents, that was for sure.
I’d been hoping Jamie would join our lazy morning before heading to the hospital, but my hopes shattered when she rushed into the kitchen, frantic.
She looked wild, ready to trample anyone in her way. Something was very wrong.
Hunter didn’t seem to notice. “Mom, you should’ve told me you had a cool friend like Eric. Did you know his brother can skateboard? He’s practically a pro. Eric said we could all go to the hospital together. I want to meet Caleb. Eric says if you agree, I can hang out with them sometime.”
“Only if you agree.” I added, watching Jamie’s distracted movements.
We’d talked about Caleb nonstop. Once mentioned, he’d become Hunter’s favorite topic.
But Jamie didn’t acknowledge us. She bustled around, grabbing water and her purse from the counter.
Whatever was wrong, it was bad.
“I have to go to the hospital. Now. They called.” Her voice was tight with barely controlled panic.
“Let me grab my stuff.” I stood, taking charge. “Hunter, go change out of your pajamas. I’ll drive you both over.”
This I could handle. I’d been prepared for this moment since we’d left the hospital together.
It didn’t reduce my worry, but it reassured me that her behavior wasn’t about me being here. She wasn’t upset because I’d befriended her kid after spending the night in her bed.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’ll go alone. I’m okay.”
“Mom, you shouldn’t go by yourself.” Hunter’s concern was evident.
Smart kid. He was absolutely right.
“I love you, bud, but I can’t wait. Everything will be okay.”
She gave him a quick, tight hug before turning to me, her beautiful face void of emotion.
“Can you take care of him? Please? Stay here, enjoy the morning, take him to the park or to meet Caleb—whatever you were talking about. I’ll call when I’m there and know more about Dad’s condition. I just need to get there now.”
“No problem. You go. I’ll handle everything. I’ll bring Hunter to you as soon as possible.”
“No.” Her plea was desperate. “Don’t bring him until I know it’s okay. If things are too bad…”
“Of course, beautiful girl. Whatever you need.” Just like every other time I’d said this, I meant it. I’d do anything to make things better for her.
On instinct, Jamie wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down for a solid, quick kiss.
My reaction was selfish, but it felt good that she’d turn to me this way. I couldn’t resist holding her tightly for that brief moment. This was exactly where she belonged—in my arms, trusting me to take care of what mattered most to her.
Hunter’s reaction was less enthusiastic. “I thought you said she was just your friend, Eric.”
“Not now, dude.” I shot him a warning look and pushed Jamie toward the door. “Call me soon.”
The moment Jamie was gone, I ignored her instructions, turning to Hunter. “Go get dressed. We’re following her to the hospital.”
No way in hell would I let her carry this burden alone. Never again.
There wasn’t much I could do, but I could be there. I could be ready when she needed someone to lean on. I could have her kid waiting when she needed him, too.
She still hadn’t figured out she wasn’t alone. Didn’t matter how many times I’d told her—it wasn’t sinking in.
So screw it.
I’d show her.