Henry (The Beck Brothers 1)

Henry's smile softened and his eyes warmed. Claire rolled her lips in. She wasn't completely sure why seeing Henry soften because of her son made her want to cry, but it did. He was already amazing her by being here and bringing dinner. But now he was looking at her son with something close to affection in his eyes and it was doing crazy things to her heart.

" Ethan, say hi to mommy's boss Henry", Claire called from where she unpacked the bag that was filled with sandwiches and soups from the deli down the street that they liked.

" Hi Henwee", Ethan chirped, making the r in Henry's name sound like a w.

Henry chuckled, " Hi Ethan"

" Why don't you come in and take a load off, Henry", Frank said, moving back to the couch to sit down next to Ethan again.

Claire went back over to Henry as he unbuttoned his suit jacket. He must have left work early and came straight over. " Here, give me your jacket", Claire murmured and went around behind him, helping him shrug out of his jacket.

Claire took it and hung it up in the coat closet. Henry muttered a " thanks" as he went to work on his tie, pulling it down just enough to unbutton the top button of his shirt. Henry glanced at her before moving into the living room and sitting down on the love seat, putting him adjacent to Ethan.

" How you feeling buddy?", Henry asked, his voice gentle.

Ethan scrambled up to stand on the couch and lifted his shirt to show Henry his stitches, " I got boo boo"

Henry frowned, " Aw, that's not so bad, you're tough right?"

Ethan smiled and nodded before plopping back down on the couch. Henry smiled. Claire couldn't help but notice how his eyes crinkled at the corners. She's never seen him smile so genuinely before. Apparently Henry had a soft spot. Claire never would have guessed.

" I brought you a little present", Henry said, holding up the gift bag.

" Me?!", Ethan asked excitedly.

Henry nodded and handed him the bag. Ethan grabbed the back and looked inside. He shoved both hands inside and pulled out a one of those old fashion looking sock monkey. Ethan stared at it in awe for a minute before clutching it to his chest and hugging it.

" You like it?", Henry asked. Claire could here the hint of nervousness in his voice. She found it cute as hell too.

Ethan nodded furiously, " Uh huh!"

Henry smiled and Claire thought her knees were going to give out. She never thought he could be more gorgeous then he already was, but then he smiled like that and somehow became breathtakingly gorgeous.

" Ethan, what do you say to Henry?", Claire prompted the little boy clutching his new best friend.

" Tank you Henwee", Ethan said sweetly to Henry.

Henry nodded, " Your welcome little man", he murmured quietly and patted Ethan's leg.

Claire was seeing a whole new side to Henry. She never thought he could be so sweet and caring. And so thoughtful. At work he was all about work, getting the job done, no fooling around. He was stern and wanted shit his way. They worked well together because Claire did everything he asked without question. He was the boss. She liked that side of him. He was commanding, it was kinda sexy.

Now there was this whole other side. This soft side. With smiling. Who was this Henry? Claire found that she desperately wanted to find out. Did he secretly wish he had a wife and kids? Normally she would answer no, but seeing how he was reacting to Ethan, she might have to change her answer to yes.

Claire brought the sandwiches and soups to the table, then went back to grab bowls, plates and silverware. Henry was relaxing on the love-seat watching Yo Gabba Gabba in curiosity. He glanced at Ethan a couple times then looked at Frank.

" Kids find this amusing?", Henry asked, dumbfounded.

Frank laughed, " They do, I take it you don't have kids?"

Henry shook his head and turned back to the tv. " I don't have the time for kids", he muttered.

Frank raised an eyebrow then glanced at Claire. Claire shook her head, silently telling her father to let it go. He did, thank God. Claire didn't want them arguing. Claire understood what Henry meant. He was a very busy man and didn't have the time to give kids the attention they needed. But he was here, making time to see Ethan. Claire thought that if he really wanted kids, he'd find the time to be with them. Maybe it wasn't a matter of kids per say, but finding the right woman too.

" You guys wanna come and eat?", Claire announced as she put the bowls and stuff on the table.