by Hazel Gower
She paused with a spoonful of mash potatoes to her mouth. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth hung open.
“Just because I’m older than you and a cop doesn’t mean you have to keep spending time with me. If you want me to go or you’ve had enough, just say so. I don’t want to push you into something.”
She shut her mouth and then blinked. Mia put the spoon down in the container. “I am grateful for everything you’ve done, not just for me, but for Zane. One thing I’ve learned though being a single mum, and even with this happening, is that I won’t be pushed around and forced to do things I don’t want to.” She sighed. “My parents wanted me to have an abortion. I stood my ground and said no. Then they wanted me to put Zane up for adoption. Again, I stuck up for what I wanted.” She looked him straight in the eyes. “I was a straight A student at the top of all my class...well, not PE, but the rest I was the top. I’m sure with my grades I would have easily gotten into any university course I wanted. Once Zane starts school, I’ll go back and finish my education, but I’m in no rush. I’m young, and I want to enjoy Zane. This path I chose. Just like I chose to spend time with you. To continue trusting you with me and my son.” She turned a shade of pink and her gaze moved from his. “I’ve been attracted to you since the first time I saw you. I didn’t think I ever really had a chance.”
Alex knew he was grinning like a loon as he looked at Mia. The doubts he had moments ago vanished, and his respect for Mia built. He was proud of her. To be sure and comfortable with your choices took guts. “You have more than a chance. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t taking advantage of you.”
Mia shook her head. “Nope. I think it’s the other way around. I’m taking advantage of you and your kindness. I mean, you haven’t been going to work. I haven’t gotten you in trouble, have I? You’re a cop?”
“I’m a detective. Now, why would you think you got me in trouble? I took three weeks leave.”
She shrugged. “For missing work? For,” she whispered, “telling them I’m your fiancé’ when I’m not. I don’t know, what else could you get in trouble for?”
Chuckling, Alex shook his head. “You have nothing to worry about, I have my job. I have a week and a half left of leave. When that runs out I have a bunch of holidays, sick leave, and so on that I’ve accumulated that I can take if I need.” Smiling at her, he relaxed back against the seat. “I barely take any time off. I don’t, or I should say didn’t, have a girlfriend or a family of my own, so I didn’t really need it.”
“I’m sorry you’re spending your time in the hospital then.” She frowned, causing her eyebrows to furrow.
“I’m not sorry. Well, I’m sorry you’re in the hospital, but I’m happy that I’m spending time with you and Zane.” He was enjoying getting to know Mia. He didn’t regret any of the time he’d spent with her.
* * * *
Mia was so sick of being in the hospital. She’d been in for over two weeks and was going out of her mind. Granted, her first week she’d slept and done some much needed recuperating. The second week, as she slowly got better, she saw her son and heard all about his exploits. She admitted that it hurt seeing him and knowing he was having so much fun he barely missed her. He’d just left, and she’d broken down crying.
“Sweetheart, why are you upset? I thought you’d be happy to see Zane.” Alex wiped her tears and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“I am happy,” she hiccupped. “I’m just being selfish.”
“You, selfish? No, I don’t believe it. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Zane doesn’t even miss me. This is the longest we’ve been apart since he was born, and he didn’t even seem fazed when he saw me. I’ve been so worried about him, and he doesn’t even care if I’m around. He’s having too much fun to miss me.”
“Oh, Mia, you’re not selfish. We’ve all been keeping Zane busy so he isn’t upset over not being with you. Trust me when I say that when he winds down you’re all he talks about.” Alex smiled at her. “Did you know I don’t read stories as good as you? Something about me not changing voices. Well, I can’t do a girl one Zane says.” Alex chuckled. “Oh, and I dress him wrong. I had no idea there was an order. My mother says that she is told she doesn’t make ham and cheesy sandwich as good as you or mashed potatoes. Those are just the things I can think of now.”
The heavy weight on her chest from missing and worrying over her son lifted. “Thank you.”
Alex surprised her when he brushed a gentle kiss over her lips. He hadn’t kissed her before, and she held her breath and her stomach fluttered with butterflies as his lips touched hers.
“Anytime, sweetheart.”
Mia loved it each time he used his endearment for her. He was so good to her, and Mia was starting to feel like the luckiest woman to have him in her life. “I should have asked this weeks ago, I was just being selfish thinking and worrying about myself and Zane. How much time have you got off work?”
Alex shrugged. “I took three weeks so far. I have a bunch of holidays and leave banked up. If I needed more, I’m sure I could get it. You should be getting out in the next couple of days though, so we’ll see how it goes when we get you home.”
“You’re amazing. I feel bad that you’ve spent your hard-earned holidays looking after me and my son.”
He leaned forward on his seat and brushed the pads of his fingers over her cheek. “I don’t regret it, so don’t feel bad. If not for you, I probably wouldn’t have taken the time off. I have enjoyed the time I’ve spent with you and Zane.”
“There has to be stuff you’ve miss that you can’t do because of me and Zane. I know you missed one of Chad’s home games. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. That was the day I learned your favorite color is orange and you love peach roses. That you love to dance, and before you were pregnant you went to ballroom dancing lessons. If you didn’t have Zane, you would have gone to university to study English and become an editor for a publisher. You put your life on hold for Zane.” He stroked her cheeks, and she basked in his touch.
“I love Zane more than any of those things.”
Alex brushed his lips over hers, making her stomach do flip-flops at just that simple touch. “I know, and that’s one of the things I like about you.”
She smiled up at him. “It was a great day. I learned so much about you, not just that your favorite color is blue and that you always wanted to be a cop and put away bad guys, but that you worked at your dad’s construction company from a teenager until you joined the force. That you were one of the youngest men to make detective in your precinct, and worked hard to prove they made the right choice.” Mia grabbed his hand and brought it to her mouth, kissing his knuckles. “I have to say that Zane’s recount of the game was probably better than watching it.”
Alex chuckled. “I don’t know about that, but he was super cute, especially when he demonstrated the tackles and made all the noises of every score and hit. You know, it’s not just me who has fallen in love with him, my family adores him.”
Mia’s heart soared. Right now she felt so lucky that her son had found love and a family to make theirs bigger. “He adores you.” Gripping his hands, she sighed. “No matter what happens between us, promise me you’ll always be Zane’s friend.”
“You don’t even have to ask. He’s already a part of my family, and nothing can change that.”
Closing her eyes to stop tears escaping, she whispered, “Thank you.”
* * * *
Mia had spent the last couple of days catching up on the latest gossip in magazines and watching movies on the portable DVD player Alex had brought to the hospital. She missed her eReader, but felt rude asking Alex to go to her house and search for it. The problem was Mia wasn’t one for sitting down and relaxing. She was used to being on the go from morning to a couple of hours before bedtime when she put Zane to bed and read. She was bored out of her mind. Alex tried to keep her company, but she was starting to get snappy.
The do
ctor should be arriving soon, and she prayed he would give her the okay to go home. Mia was going to beg him if she had to. She couldn’t be in the hospital another minute and stay sane. She’d been in for almost three weeks. Mia was grateful she lived in Australia and medical care was free or she’d hate to think of how much she’d be in debt. She knew with a head injury and all the trauma her body went through the hospital wanted to keep her to make sure she was well enough to function. Most of the monitors had been disconnected almost a week ago, and her drip had been taken out five days ago. Mia had even had four showers with a garbage bag over her leg and taped to it so her cast didn’t get wet. It had been so good. She’d hated the sponge baths.
Mia wanted to get home and be with Zane. She’d never gone this long without him. Even though she talked to him and saw him every day, it was different from what she was used to.
Alex came into her room. He arrived later today than usual. She stood, using the crutches she was trying to get used to.
“Shouldn’t you be saving your energy to show the doctor how well you’re doing so you can go home?” He raised his eyebrow at her.
“I should, but I can’t lie on that hard bed a minute longer.”
“You do know I suspect if the doctor does let you go free he won’t want you exhausting yourself hobbling around everywhere.”
“I know. I swear I’ll just be glad to see more than these four walls. I was think—”
Dr. Raymess, her head doctor, an older man in his late sixties with short, white hair, walked into the room, cutting off what she was about to say. “Ah, I see you’re up and raring to go. The nurses told me you’re eager to leave this place.”
“Am I ever.” Mia nodded.
Dr. Raymess smiled. “Well, I have some good news. You may go as long as your fiancé here promises to look after you.”
“I will,” Alex said.
“Great.” Dr. Raymess smiled at Alex then turned back to her. “Please be mindful you were in a car crash and your body still needs time to recuperate. So no over-doing it. In four and a half weeks I expect to see you at my office.” He handed Alex an envelope she assumed was her discharge and would have his office numbers on it. “At that time, we’ll remove the cast and do an all-round checkup. All the information you need is in the envelop I have given your fiancé. If you have any question or are having headaches or any problems, please call the numbers listed.”
Mia wanted to jump up and down with her excitement that she was getting out of the hospital. She grinned at the doctor and nodded. “Thanks so much for all your care.”
“Good luck, Miss Lexington. I’ll go make sure the nurses know that you’re leaving. You will be wheelchaired out of the hospital by a nurse and taken to your vehicle.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Thanks. I’ll help get Mia organized. When a nurse is ready, I’ll go get my car and drive it around to the front,” Alex said.
The doctor nodded before he walked out of the room.
Mia knew she was grinning like a loon as she gazed at Alex. “I’m free.”
He chuckled. “Yes, you are, sweetheart. Now, before we leave, I need to tell you that I think it’s best if you come to stay with me. My house is big enough, and Zane already has his own room. I can help you get around and look after you.”
“I don’t know. That’s a huge step. You’ve already put up with me for close to three weeks.”
“I like being with you. You’ll have your own room. Your flat is so small, and there’s one big problem—there’s no elevator, only stairs. I haven’t been too bad to put up with, have I?”
“No, you’re fantastic. I’ve already put you out so much,” she groaned. “I feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”
He laughed. “Oh, I’m a big boy. You’re not taking advantage of me. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want you there.”
“Okay. I’ll live with you while I get better.” Mia gave in. It seemed she couldn’t deny Alex.
Chapter 3
Nervous energy spread through Alex as he waited by the car at the front entrance of the hospital. A nurse wheeled Mia to the car. Mia eased herself into the passenger seat. He’d placed the seat back so she could fit her cast-covered leg in.
What would Mia think when she saw his house? Would she like it? He’d bought a house a couple of streets away from his parents, because he liked the neighborhood. It was the one he grew up in, and he knew it was safe. His house backed onto a reserve. It was a three-story house, two garages, and a rumpus on the bottom floor. The second floor held the kitchen, dining room, family room, with a veranda off it, a bathroom, and the lounge room. The top floor had five bedrooms, one with an ensuite. The bathroom upstairs sat between the smallest and the second largest bedroom. Alex had given Zane the big room next to the bathroom.
The hospital was only a five minute drive from his house.
“I’m excited to see Zane.”
“I thought it best Zane stay at my parents’ house tonight so you have at least one night to get settled in before he comes back. But I can ring up and cancel if it means that much to you.”
Mia sighed and gazed out the window. “No, you’re right. I suppose one more night without him won’t hurt.”
As he turned toward the estate he lived in he thought about his house. “I know I said you should stay with me because your apartment is up so many flights of stairs and there is no elevator. My house is three stories, but before you say anything, I want to tell you that with me being home I can carry you up and down the stairs. Really you’ll only need the top and middle floors anyway.” He glanced over at her to see her staring at him wide-eyed.
“You’re full of surprises,” she muttered.
He turned down his street and drove to the very end of the cul-de-sac. He pulled into his driveway, pushed the remote to open the garage, and drove the car inside it.
“Wow, this is a nice place,” Mia said as she gazed at his house.
Alex parked the car and turned to Mia. “Stay.” He got out. Going to the door connecting to the house, he opened it, placing his keys on the rack, and sat the doorstop under it to keep it open. He went back to the car, stopping Mia who was struggling to get out. “I thought I told you to stay?”
She stared up at him with big brown eyes that shone with annoyance. “I’m not a dog. You don’t get to just say ‘stay’ and expect me to listen.”
Oh, he did. Alex wasn’t used to having his orders disobeyed. “I do.”
Mia laughed like he’d just told the world’s funniest joke. “Ha, well, you’re in for a shock.” The little minx wiggled herself more out of the car before using the frame to lift herself up.
Sighing, he picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and carried her through the open door and went up the stairs.
“Hey.” She bashed him on the chest. “I could have at least walked with the crutches to the stairs.”
He shrugged. “It’s safer this way, and you’re supposed to be resting.”
Alex sat her on the sofa in the lounge room. He walked back down the stairs and got her bag and crutches out of the car. He took them upstairs, placing them by the stairs to the upper level before going back down and shutting the joining garage door. He came back up, grabbed the crutches, and placed them beside Mia, then sat on a recliner next to her.
She looked good in his home. Alex had never brought a woman to his house. It hadn’t felt right. This was his space, and he didn’t want just anyone invading it. Mia felt right in his home though. She felt right with him. He knew now as she sat looking around the lounge room that she was special to him. He’d never felt so drawn to a woman. Things had never felt so right.
With Mia he could just sit and be. He didn’t have to entertain her or talk, and she didn’t talk nonstop like she felt the need to fill the silence. Alex thought it was important to be with someone who you could just ‘be’ with, that you didn’t have to go out to the movies, dinner, the park, and so on. Someone you could just sit and t
alk to or relax with and enjoy life. With Mia he had that. With her being in the hospital they hadn’t be able to all the usual dating things, but had enjoyed each other’s company. His parents and grandparents, as far back as he could remember, had all married the love of their lives, and Alex remembered his grandad saying to him, ‘you’ll know the woman is right, not only will she be all you think about, she will be the woman you can just sit with in the quiet and enjoying just being with each other’.
Alex was almost forty and hadn’t had any of the symptoms his grandfather or father spoke of. His brother Chad had found the love of his life. Alex had fucked around but never settled down with anyone. He’d had friends with benefit, but never a relationship.
“Cops must earn more than I thought.” Her voice had him giving himself a mental shake, and he turned to face her.
“They don’t. Owen, my brother, he took over the family construction business. He turned it around to be quite profitable. Chad helped, and once he got some of his league friends to help with ads and other things the business grew. Chad and Lockie sold their share to Owen and me years ago. Owen does have a larger share, but he deserves it. He does all the work.”
“Oh, um…well, from what I’ve seen your house is lovely.” She wiggled back on the sofa and he stood to help. “No, sit. You’ve done so much to help. Relax. I’m fine right here for a while if you turn the TV on.”
Reaching over for the remotes on the coffee table, he sat them on her lap. “This one is cable, the other is for volume.” She nodded her understanding. “Do you want some water, snacks, or both?”
“No. I’m fine, really. Sit, or go do something. I’m sure with you looking after Zane and me you’ve gotten nothing done on your vacation. You spent your first two and a half, almost three weeks in the hospital, when you weren’t with my son.”