I dug through my bag I had brought to work with me, pulling on fresh jeans. Kelly appeared in a pair of long shorts with a sleeveless blouse. She looked pretty and fresh, her eyes dancing and a smile on her face.
Watching her, I knew I was in trouble. The feelings I’d had for her were still there. Bubbling and simmering under the surface. But I was keeping them locked down. I refused to let them out. She had made the rules when whatever this was between us first started, and I had broken them. Lesson learned.
This time, I told myself, I knew what to expect. I knew she would leave, and I would be ready. Knowing the rules, I could be prepared. This time, when I was alone, I would be able to handle it. In the meantime, sex with Kelly was epic. I enjoyed spending time with her. And without the inevitable call from Carl telling her to pack up, we were actually getting to know each other on a different level.
Still, I knew it wasn’t forever. She didn’t work that way. I tamped down the churning feeling in my gut and stroked her cheek when she frowned at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I lied. “You look pretty.”
“Should we go over separately?” she asked, anxious.
“Whatever you prefer. You head over, I’ll slip down to the garage and come out by the other side door,” I offered.
She hesitated then shook her head. “No, I’m being silly. Let’s go.”
When we came around the building, Maxx, Stefano, and Theo were playing football. I jogged over to join them, and Kelly headed toward the gazebo. I heard laughter and chatter as she approached. Stefano looked at me, one eyebrow raised, and I met his gaze steadily. Then to throw him off, I grinned.
“How’s your mama? Or should I call my dad and ask?”
He tackled me to the ground, and we wrestled, laughing as Theo jumped on us. I spied Thomas waddling over, and I sat up, holding out my arms. “Come play with the big boys, Thomas,” I encouraged, lifting him high when he got close. He was another great kid. From the gazebo, Vivvy watched us, safe on her mother’s lap, her dress a frilly bunch of material around her. She had zero interest in tussling with us in the dirt. Luna was still a bundle in Gabby’s arms, so it was just us boys. We wrestled a while, Thomas shrieking in delight as we tossed him around gently. Finally, we set him on his feet, and he headed back to the gazebo. Mary swooped him up, giving him a sippy cup he eagerly took. We headed to the barbecue, grabbing a cold drink from the cooler. I sipped it gratefully.
“Chase not here?” I asked.
Stefano shook his head. “He said he had plans.”
“He’s been quiet the last couple days,” I said. “I asked him yesterday and today, but he says he’s fine.”
Charly came out of the house, carrying a platter loaded with chicken. I hurried over, taking it from her and giving it to Maxx to put on the grill. She joined us. “This is a tough time for Chase.”
I exchanged a glance with Stefano. “Oh?” I asked. “Have I missed something?”
She sighed. “Since it’s the first year you’re living with him, I guess you’ve never noticed. He never talks about it. It’s the anniversary of Wes’s death. His dad died a year later, but only a few days apart. He still carries guilt over it.”
“Ah, shit,” I muttered. “Poor kid. Why didn’t he tell me?”
She shook her head. “Because he thinks he shouldn’t talk about them. Because of what Wes did. All the things his dad covered up. I can’t make him understand that they were still his family. He has the right to mourn them. And as his friends, we would understand that.”
“Dammit. I’ll call him and tell him to get over here,” Stefano said, reaching for his phone. “He shouldn’t be alone today.” He held the phone to his ear, frowning. “No answer. Voice mail is full. What the hell?”
“Leave him. You should take him out tomorrow and talk to him.” She fixed her gaze on Maxx. “You too, big guy. He shouldn’t feel he needs to hide his emotions from us.”
Maxx slid his arm around Charly, pressing a kiss to her head. “Okay, Red. We’ll take him for breakfast and talk to him.”
“Good. Now, don’t burn the chicken.” She turned and walked away.
“You heard her, big guy. Don’t burn the chicken,” I mimicked.
“I heard that!” Charly shouted, turning and flipping us the bird.
We all laughed then became serious again.
“I’ll talk to Chase in the morning,” I said.
“Good plan. Charly’s right. He doesn’t have to hide away because of his family. I get it,” Maxx said. “I miss my parents. Despite everything that happened, Wes and his dad were Chase’s family.”