Chapter 22
Kate
PoorDenisecan’tcatch a break. Turns out Jaxon was right, and they diagnosed her with the flu. She had started feeling better but then came down with bronchitis. I offered to keep Andy until she felt better. It was no trouble at all since I’m right here.
Yesterday, we spent the day apart, and it wasn’t until silence surrounded me that I realized the house lacked the energy that Andy brought into it. I’d bottle up his giggles and squeals if I could.
I’ve never been one to be excited about Mondays, but this morning couldn’t come soon enough. Andy and I have had a busy morning. We played outside, and he picked the flowers that are now sitting in a glass on the dining room table. He even picked a bunch for his house. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I didn’t mind him picking them since they’re technically weeds. He was doing me a favor. We also spent the morning drawing and coloring. He has a knack for art. Next time I swing by the art supply store, I might pick up a few more items for him. There is an endless amount of energy in him—I have no clue how my sister does this every day with about thirty students.
But he’s finally settled on the couch, resting after filling his tummy with grilled cheese and tomato soup. Now that it’s finally quiet, I think it’s a good time to check in with Jaxon. Is there a rule for how soon you can text someone you went on a date with if they live across the street and you watch their kid?
I blow out a breath when I realize my life has turned into one of those romance novels Laur loves so much. She must love this.
Me: Hey.
My phone instantly buzzes with a response.
Jaxon: Hey. Is everything okay? Is Andy all right?
Me: Everything’s fine. Calm down, killer. I was just checking in.
Jaxon: Oh. I’m sorry for freaking out.You’ve never texted me before.
Me: It’s okay. I probably should’ve started out with something more than just hey. Totally my bad.
Jaxon: No, it’s fine. I’m just a little stressed out. Natasha fucked up some stuff this morning and so now I’m scrambling a little.
Me: Oh well, I won’t keep you.
Jaxon: No, it’s fine. I’ve actually been thinking about you.
I nibble on my bottom lip as I decide what to respond with. Is “So have I?”too needy?
Me: I had a lot of fun the other day.
Jaxon: Me too. I was thinking maybe I could take you out again, just the two of us.
Me: I’d like that, but I don’t want you to think that I want you to do that. I know Andy is a priority, and I don’t expect you to go out of your way. I love hanging out with that kid.
Jaxon: Good to know. I’ll be sure to keep that in the vault.
Soft snoring comes from the couch, and I look up to find Andy sound asleep with his lips parted. I snap a quick photo and send it to Jaxon.
Jaxon: I’m jealous. Not only does he get to spend the day with you, but he gets to nap.
Me: Aww poor baby.
Me: How about I make dinner tonight for you and Andy? When you get home, shower or whatever, and then walk on over.
Jaxon: You don’t have to do that.
Me: I know that, but I want to.
I realize how domesticated that sounds and wonder for a moment if we’re moving too fast. Have we jumped into the fast lane? But Jaxon’s quick response sets my mind at ease.
Jaxon: Sounds like a date.Looking forward to it.
Jaxon: I need to get to on a call. I’ll see you later, though.
I hop up from the chair and tiptoe out of the room to see what I have in the kitchen to cook.
“Wow, it smells amazing in here.” I look up to see Jaxon standing in the doorway. He’s changed out of his work clothes, and his hair is still slightly damp from a shower.
“Do you make it a habit of walking into people’s houses unannounced?”
“Nah, not typically. But once again, I knocked before entering. And I wasn’t fully unannounced because I even said hi to Andy.”
“What do you have behind your back?” I arch my neck, trying to see what he’s hiding, but he turns his body slightly away from me. I frown. Jerk.
He finally caves as he approaches, holding up a familiar bottle of wine in one hand—my favorite bottle of red. It’s also the same bottle of red that he had bought the last of what feels like forever ago.
“I thought it was only fair to not show up empty-handed. Plus, I heard from a little birdie that it was your favorite and some dick took the last bottle of it at the store once. And I brought dessert.” He reveals his other hand, holding a plastic container with three cupcakes from the bakery.
Emotion bubbles up in my throat as I meet his gaze. There are so many more layers to this man, and it’s hard to believe I thought of him as anything more than a sweetheart.
I compose myself to keep myself from running into his arms. “You spoil me.”
“That’s the plan. I have some making up to do.” He sets both items on the counter. “So, what’s on the menu? Seriously, my stomach started growling as soon as I walked in the house.”
I prop my hip against the counter. “See, my brother-in-law might be a beast in the kitchen with meatballs, but I am the master at shrimp scampi.”
I’m grateful that Jaxon had left a spare booster seat so that Andy and I could run to the grocery store after he woke up from his nap. I close my eyes and inhale the delicious aroma of butter and garlic. When I open my eyes, I see the smile has fallen from his face into a solemn frown.