An Unexpected Love (Hudson Brothers PI Book 1)

by J. Haney

  I put two pieces of bread on the plates in front of each of us. The kids look at the bread, trying to figure out what we are doing. The looks on their little faces make my smile widen even further.

  “First, we need the bread, and as you see I’ve placed two pieces in front of each of you.” They nod their heads and I continue. “Second, we need to spread the butter on the bread. Jaxson, it’s in front of you. Could you please hand it to me?” Jax hands me the butter and butter knife. “Now watch closely at what I do with these next steps.”

  They watch as I spread butter on my bread. Once I’m finished, I watch Jax and Ava as they do the same. “Now we need to add sugar on top of the butter, but not too much. Just watch how I do it.” I take a spoon out of the drawer and dip it into the sugar, bringing out just a little, and dust it onto my bread, then watch as the kids do the same.

  “Okay, only two more steps, guys. Are you with me?” I ask as they nod with wide toothy grins on their faces. “Now we need to take the cinnamon and sprinkle it on the bread.” I show them how on my own bread. They do the same then watch me for more. “Okay, now we are going to use our spoons and make sure everything is spread evenly over the bread.” I start to use my spoon and show them how to do it. They do the same. “Okay, guys, one last step then I will take care of the rest. We need to place our bread on the baking sheet. Then I will put them in the oven.” Before I’ve even finished talking, Ava and Jax already have their bread on the baking sheet. I place mine on there as well then put the baking sheet into the oven.

  After turning the oven on, I reach over and hit shuffle on my phone’s playlist. “My Guy” by Mary Wells is playing. I walk over to Jaxson and smile down at him.

  “Can I have this dance?” I ask and put my hand out for him; he nods and takes my hand. As we are dancing, I sing the song, which makes Avaline giggle. As the song ends, I pull our snack out of the oven to let it cool. Then the song “My Girl” by Otis Redding is playing. I pick Ava up and start spinning her around the kitchen as I sing to her. This is mine and Avaline’s song, just as “My Guy” is mine and Jaxson’s song.

  Once the song ends, I’ve danced with both Ava and Jax more than once. I lead them both over to the table and place their snack in front of them with a glass of milk. I always enjoy days like this with my babies.

  ***

  I must have dozed off because the next thing I know I’m waking up on the couch and I don’t hear the kids, Caleb, or the dog. What the hell, where is everyone? Jumping up, I go to the kitchen, where Caleb has the kids helping him make lunch? No, it’s too dark out to be lunch. I glance at the clock. It’s eight pm. Holy shit! I seriously slept the day away. Caleb notices me leaning against the doorway, walks over, and kisses me on the forehead. He looks into my eyes; I guess to see if I’m okay.

  “Feeling better, gorgeous?” he whispers to me. I give him a quick nod and look over his shoulder at the kids stirring something.

  “What are y’all up to in here?” I ask as Caleb gives me his sexy-as-sin smirk.

  “We’re making dinner. So you could rest.” He starts pushing me back to the living room. I sit down on the couch and look around for something to do. My laptop’s on the table, but there is no way I could focus on anything dealing with that thing right now. My Kindle’s sitting beside it. I pick it up and start scrolling through to find a book. Ashlee and Micah have been talking about a few different series. What were they? I think as I’m scrolling through and I see a book called Axel by Harper Sloan. That’s right, Corps Security. This is one of Ashlee’s favorites. Clicking on it, I think why not, it will give me something to do to take my mind off my crazy life right now.

  It feels as if it’s only been a few minutes, but as I hear Avaline telling me dinner is done, I’m already halfway through the book. Damn, I really don’t want to put it down. I’ve actually forgotten about my insane situation for a bit. I set the Kindle on the table and head to the kitchen to see what they’ve made.

  They are already seated at the table, plates ready as they wait for me. Ava and Jax are smiling like a pair of Cheshire cats. That’s when I notice another plate sitting there with food already on it. As I walk over to the seat, Caleb stands and pulls my chair out for me then grabs a glass of wine and sets it beside my plate before taking his seat again.

  Everyone begins eating and I can’t help the slow grin that forms because they seem so happy. My dream comes back and I can feel my face expand. That earns me a weird look from Caleb, who sits there watching and the look on his face is saying, are you going to clue me in on what you’re thinking? His different looks alone make me into a smiling fool, just as sitting here at the table with my babies does, but this is all because of one memory I think I need to experience again.

  “Ava? Jax? Do you two remember when you were about five when we made cinnamon toast and danced around the kitchen?” I take a bite of my food as both their little heads bob.

  “What do you think about after dinner we do that again? It’s been a while, but I think it’s something we need. It will make us feel more at home.”

  “You’re making another dessert?” Caleb chuckles with wide eyes.

  “No, just the dancing this time,” I answer him.

  After dinner, I find my phone and turn my music on. Caleb and I take turns dancing. However, Avaline refuses to dance with me and Jaxson refuses to dance with Caleb.

  After a few hours, the kids go to bed and I help Caleb clean up the kitchen. After we finish, Caleb and I continue to dance. I have to admit, that man has moves. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat comes through the speakers and I pull away from Caleb, spin myself around, and start singing. I look at him and snicker as I sing the chorus, not to him but directed at him.

  I’m twirling my hair playfully, the words spilling out of me. I crinkle my nose at him, my grin wide as I go. Caleb fills the space in front me and brings his hand up to my face; his fingers curl into my hair and I’m speechless, transfixed by his beautiful eyes.

  His lips crash into mine, and my arms instinctively wrap around his neck, as we stand in the middle of his living room kissing like it’s going to be our last. I hate to break contact, but I’m afraid if I don’t I won’t be able to breathe. We gasp for air as Caleb puts me down. I didn’t even realize my feet were dangling. Wrapping his arms low on me, he keeps us dancing, although I’m not paying attention to the music. With my head on his chest all I hear is the thumping of his heart. When I hear him whisper, I look up, unsure of what he’s said.

  “Huh?”

  “I’m calling dibs…” Caleb repeats a little louder.

  That’s when the song hits me, Dibs by Kelsea Ballerini. I can’t help but giggle at him. As the chorus hits he says the words in a low, gruff voice.

  With each part of the chorus he touches me. It starts with a kiss on my forehead, then a caress of my lips with his fingers. I tilt my head back, leaning into his body, his lips teasing mine as his fingers circle my reddened cheeks. Then his hands find mine and he kisses them gently, too, and I can’t help thinking what a man I’ve found.

  “You’re all mine.” He kisses my lips again, and I fall to pieces as he picks me up by my ass, my legs locking around his waist. Before I know it, we’re on the move. Lord, please don’t let the kids walk out here right now…

  Caleb stops abruptly and puts me down. Looking around to see what’s wrong, I realize we are at the foot of the stairs.

  “Gorgeous,” Caleb says to get my attention, then takes my chin between his forefinger and thumb so I will look at him. “I need you to go to your room and shut the door.”

  Confusion takes over my flushed face. “Did I do something wrong?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

  “No, absolutely not, but if you don’t walk away from me right now, I’m going to take you up against this railing, with your children in earshot,” Caleb practically growls.

  “Okay, Caleb.” I just nod and head upstairs. Before I can get into my room, he grabs my arm and turns me back to
look at him, his chest heaving.

  “It’s not that I don’t want you, gorgeous, because I do more than anything.” He’s got me pinned and all I can do is stare at those lips as they move.

  “It’s that you’re not ready for me. You yourself have said you’ve only been with one man. We need to take this slow. Not because I want to, but because that’s what you need.” Caleb swallows hard as he opens my door. “Please,” he begs.

  I go straight in, my body barricading the door, until I hear him close his own. I let out a heavy sigh and head for the bathroom. An icy cold shower is in order.

  I swear steam rises off of me as I climb inside. My mind replays the day as I touch my lips, which burn from his slight stubble. Some of the day was rough, but for the most part, I loved this day. The dancing and feelings of joy were the best parts. Okay, kissing Caleb was the best part. I change into my pajamas and get into bed, and before long, I fall into a blissful sleep.

  Chapter Twenty- Six ~ Caleb

  I can’t sleep. I’ve tossed and turned and tossed again, and now I’m staring up at the ceiling with too many thoughts running through my head. I get up and do my usual checks. Padding softly to the kids’ room, I look in on them. They’re fast asleep with Buddy lying at their feet. He picks up his head with a tail wag and I shush him, so he puts his head back down obediently.

  I crack Kyler’s door. With the light coming in through the window I can make out her shape under the sheets. She snores like a kitten, which makes me smile.

  Downstairs, as I head for the kitchen, a box in the dining room we never use catches my eye. In the mood to punish myself completely, I grab it. I know what’s in it, all the old pictures that I haven’t gotten around to putting up yet. Taking out the old Hudson family portrait, I continue to the kitchen and look at it while I wait for the kettle to boil.

  There are pictures of me at twelve years old, my mom, Pops, Liam, and little Kymberly, all together, all safe, without a care in the world. I wish things had stayed like that, but now it’s just me, Liam, and Pop, no mom to nag me, no sister to annoy me. I shake my head and lay the photo face down on the counter so I can’t see it. I don’t want to think about that stuff now. As I get the milk out of my fridge, I smile to see little yogurts for the kids. There is half of a home-baked pie left in there, and meat and vegetables ready to be cooked for dinner. I seem to have gained my own little family.

  Once I’ve made my hot chocolate, I go and sit on the couch for a minute, and then turn to the matter at hand; my little family is in trouble. I need to get myself together; otherwise I could end up losing everything again, and I can’t have that. My eyes coast around the room, landing on the kitchen counter and the photo laid flat. I shut my eyes. I can’t just wait for things to happen, for Kyler to be ready to face her past. I have to push things forward.

  With a heavy sigh, I pull out her laptop and have a look at the e-mails and the addresses of her father’s buildings. I jot down the number to the real estate agent who’s been taking care of the properties. It’s time to check one of these out at least. It’s just about six, people should be waking up about now.

  I quickly get showered and dressed. The agent can meet me, so I secure the house, locking windows and such as quietly as I can before I go in to Kyler.

  I sit on the side of the bed next to her; she’s barely moved. I lean over and kiss her, and she opens her eyes with a quick intake of air.

  “It’s just me, gorgeous.” I squeeze her hand, slipping one of my revolvers into it. “I have to go sort a few things out, but I will be back around four.” I kiss her gently on the mouth as she looks at the gun. “You will be safe here, but just in case.”

  She slides the gun under her pillow with a tired little yawn and snuggles back down into the bed.

  I leave the house and head out in my truck, going slow at first, then opening her up as I hit the highway. I turn the music up loud, trying to keep awake and drown out the past memories in my head. A few hours and two coffee stops later, I’m at the address I was looking for. I take a photo on my cell; as I get out, I see the estate agent staring at the truck. He looks as tired as I feel.

  “Mr. Hudson? I’m Adam, we spoke on the phone. It’s good to meet you.”

  We exchange pleasantries and then head inside the building. I head toward what looks like the office. I see a few files on a shelf, layers of dust and cobwebs, then tucked in a corner, a small black book.

  “Adam, where does that door lead to over there?” I point so he is distracted as I grab the book, tuck it in my hand and up my sleeve. When he turns back, I’m just leaning on the shelf. Adam looks at me quizzically as he explains that it is a fire escape. He must think I’m bizarre because it has “fire escape” written on it! I nod at him and then fold my arms as I lean forward and tuck the book inside my jacket. After another walk around, I say my thanks, shake his hand, and depart.

  My thoughts float back to Kyler and the twins, making me smile. I’m looking forward to showing her what I found and the pictures I took of her dad’s work unit. When I walk through the door, she’s lying on the couch asleep, almost picture perfect. Just then, her alarm goes off and she nearly jumps out of her skin and I can't help but laugh.

  “Hey, gorgeous, you miss me?” I walk up to her and give her a kiss on the lips. I’m rewarded by her big lovely smile and the promise of dinner. She sure knows how to take care of me. As I walk to see the kids, I tap my pocket to feel the book, hoping this is a key to unlocking the Jefferson mystery.

  Chapter Twenty- Seven ~ Kyler

  After being scared shitless, when my alarm went off. Caleb is laughing at me. This of course earns him a scowl, which he never sees as he’s too busy putting on his sexy-as-sin smirk. You know, the one that would make any woman in their right mind drop their panties. Yeah, that one!

  I swear this man is testing me. He flirts, kisses, and touches me, but he will not go any further. I know we aren’t ready, but there’s just this tingle I get every time he’s around me. UGH, MEN. Of course, he kisses me, and I automatically smile at him.

  We’ve followed the same routine every night since being here, and tonight is no different. We have dinner and then go for a walk. Ava and Jax really seem to like it here. Jaxson is finally warming up to Caleb. They don’t get along as well as Caleb and Avaline do, but I’ll take whatever I can get at this point.

  I’ve finally gotten the kids settled and down for sleep, so I can sit down and talk with Caleb. He’s acted a little strange since coming home this evening. Damn, did I just say home? Huh, I guess it does feel like home. I never expected to find a real home, especially with a man who takes to my children as though they were his own.

  As I round the corner into the living room, Caleb taps the couch next to him. I sit down, give him a smile, and he hands me a drink.

  “So, how was your day, sweet man?” I ask after taking a sip from my drink. Caleb smiles at me, then takes out a small black book and slides it on the table. I’m eyeing him a bit suspiciously now. The look I’ve given must say hurry up and explain as he rushes into his next statement.

  “On my little trip today, I found this.” He pushes it toward me. “It’s from one of your dad’s lockups.” He sits back and just watches me. Replaying his words in my head, I set my glass down and lean back against the couch. It takes me a few minutes before I can look at him, my emotions going wild.

  Finally, I am able to look him in the eye. “So today you went to my dad's office building and you found this book...” I say slowly, calming my emotions and staring at the book.

  “Yes,” Caleb says quietly. I’m sure he’s feeling me out here.

  “What’s in it?” I ask, pointing at it.

  “Just some dates and numbers. I’m not sure what it is yet. It seems that your dad was into antiques, from the looks of what he’s got stored there. For all we know it might just be a sales ledger.”

  I pick up the book, so I can take a closer look, but instead I set it back on the table
, pick up my glass, and down my drink.

  “I think I am going to need something much stronger.” I look over at Caleb, who seems to be waiting for me to react. “Quit worrying, I’m just fine. Maybe a little emotional and a bit pissed, but I am fine."

  Caleb gets up, taking both our glasses, and leaves the room. I sit there looking at this black book, which I’ve yet to open. Do I want to open it? At this point, I’ve cried so much, it’s a matter of deciding if I want to dig deeper and rip the Band-Aid off, or not know anything at all.

  Caleb walks back into the room with a bottle of Jack Daniels and two glasses. He takes his seat beside me and places the glasses on the table before filling them. He hands me mine and sits back with his. Mine is a bit fuller than his. I don’t notice that he’s picked up the book till I see him flip the page.

  Caleb closes the book but has his finger in it, keeping his spot. He takes a sip of his drink and looks over at me but says nothing, then looks back at the book and sighs. What the hell does his sighing mean? My emotions are already on high alert. Picking up my drink, I take a sip and think about what I’ve seen and what Caleb’s said. After thinking about everything, I take another big drink and set the glass down.

  “Okay so what’s next?” I ask. “Do we go somewhere else? Do you need to talk with someone else?"

  I’m starting to get a little worried about the twins. Caleb wraps his arm around me and squeezes me tight. I’ve gone into panic mode, which is something that is no good for anyone.

  “Just breathe, gorgeous. We are safe here, all of us. We have to check out your cop guy, though.” Caleb passes me the book and opens to the page he’s been holding, leaning into my space as he points to a specific line.

  Charles Ryan.

  Next to that is a large sum of money. My eyes go wide. SHIT! How could he? He’s always treated us as family! Before I can freak out anymore, Caleb begins to speak again, standing up beside me.