by Dallas Fire
She angled her body toward him and searched his face, wondering what more this fabulous man could say without Harper caving to her attraction and melting in his arms.
“Gimme your phone. I want you to have my number so we can connect about the tour of the station for Elliott.” He held his hand out expectantly.
Harper unlocked her phone and gave it to him. She watched a crease form in the middle of his forehead as he tapped in characters, and then he smiled as it looked as though he tapped the SAVE button.
“I’m going to send myself a text so I have your number. That okay?” He looked up at her expectantly.
Harper nodded and watched Reed intently as he tapped out a few more things on her phone before handing it back to her and pulling his own cell from his back pocket and probably adding her contact information.
“Okay. We’re set.” He ushered her the last several feet to the doorway of Elliott’s room and stepped inside with her.
“Momma! I heard you in the hallway with Mr. Reed.” Elliott grinned.
Glad I didn’t thank him for the orgasm. “I see you’re still awake.” Harper rolled her eyes. “You’re supposed to be resting so you can go home in the morning, silly goose.” She stepped to the side of the bed and pulled Elliott into her arms, then kissed the top of his head. “I missed you, baby.”
Elliott pushed away from her. “I’m not a baby!” He huffed out a sigh and slumped against the bed as he yawned.
James said, “Looks like someone needs to get some sleep.” He leaned forward and ruffled Elliott’s hair. “I’ll see you in the morning, champ. Be good for your momma and listen to the nurses.”
“Okay, PopPop. I love you!” Elliott’s outstretched arms pulled her father in and he leaned over her son, giving him a big bear hug.
“Love you, too, son.” Her dad straightened and looked away quickly, swiping at something beneath his eye.
“Glad to see you’re okay, Elliott. Take care of your mom, and I’ll see you soon,” Reed said.
“Let me walk out with you,” James said to Reed, and both men waved as they stepped into the corridor.
Well, hell. Reed is definitely one of the good guys—I’m going to have to keep my guard up to not let him into my heart. That won’t end well—for any of us.
CHAPTER THREE
James Elliott was an intimidating man. With the lanky stride of a cowboy and the sharp wit of the shrewdest businessman, he saw everything, it seemed. They were silent for the first part of the trek to the parking garage, and Reed felt like he was being assessed and wasn’t sure whether he was found lacking or passed muster.
Until James started talking.
“What are your intentions regarding my daughter and grandson?”
Reed was taken aback, but really shouldn’t have been. If he’d learned anything from observing the interactions between Harper and her father it was that they were very close. “I think I’d like to date your daughter, sir. I think Elliott is a pretty cool kid, and Harper needs to know she’s valuable as more than just Elliott’s mom.” He glanced at James as they continued walking. “Not that you don’t tell her that often, but I just don’t think she believes it.”
James shook his head. “Nope. You’re right, son. That girl of mine is stubborn as a mule.” He grinned. “Gets that from me. And, she’s the way she is because I didn’t date after her mom passed on. I devoted every waking minute that I wasn’t working to her. I may not have been a great Mom, but I think I was pretty damn good single parent, and I always put Harper first.”
“I think you did a great job with her, sir. Elliott seems to really have everything he needs with the two of you in his life.” Shit. Was that the right thing to say? Reed felt the collar of his T-shirt start itching, a sure sign he was blushing.
James stopped walking, and Reed turned to face him.
“I guess you need the rest of her story if you’re going to stick around.” James patted the bench outside the entrance to the hospital after lowering himself. “Take a load off. This might take a minute.”
Reed settled on the bench and crossed an ankle over a knee, trying to get comfortable.
“Just sit back and listen, and then if you still think you want to get involved with my girl, you can ask questions. If you’re out, just let me know. This isn’t a pretty story, and I wish I didn’t need to tell it.”
James didn’t tap-dance around the issue. “Harper was happily married to a police officer. Kane Phillips was killed in the line of duty when Elliott was a few months old. I’m not going to get into how Harper took his death, because that’s her story to tell.”
He took a deep breath. “I think the first thing you need to know is that Harper’s dated two men since. One didn’t get Elliott’s approval and one condemned her for still taking about her dead husband.” James turned to peg Reed with his icy blue stare. “That’s something you’ll never want to do if you plan on sticking around.”
Reed nodded. “That doesn’t scare me, sir. Sounds like Kane was her first love, and he is Elliott’s father. That fact will never change.”
James nodded, the corner of his mouth tipping upward in a little smirk. “Once things settled after Kane’s death, Harper became bitter and isolated. She refused to do things with her friends—who didn’t come by much, anyway. Most of them were married to cops, and Harper was a reminder of what could happen to each of them.”
“So, they disappeared when she needed them the most. That sucks.” Reed seethed for Harper—not only did she lose her husband and the father of her child, but she lost her friends, too.
The older man nodded. “So, Harper threw herself into being the best mom she could be. She’s really involved and volunteers at school every week—just like she did when he was in preschool. Elliott went to one of those co-op deals where the parents had to volunteer. Harper picked up any volunteer hours for others that worked because she really struggled to separate herself from Elliott for the longest time. I’m pretty proud of her for letting the boy ride the bus to and from school, if you want the truth.” James chuckled. “And, the way my girl’s brain works, I’m guessing she figures she’d have to give up doing something for Elliott in order to date. Even after going out a handful of times with those two other yahoos, she was beating herself up for things she hadn’t accomplished those evenings.”
“I really like Harper and Elliott, sir. I don’t think I’m interested in a relationship with her, though. She just really seems like she needs an adult friend—one that isn’t you, no offense.” Heat crept across his chest and Reed knew it was creeping up his neck and across his cheeks at the lie he told. Because he was interested in Harper—she was beautiful, smart, and compassionate. Who wouldn’t want to date her?
“I call bullshit. I see the way you look at her,” James challenged him.
Reed’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head. “You’re not wrong. But, here’s the thing. I think it’s awesome that Harper wants to be a good mom and has devoted herself to making sure Elliott doesn’t miss the fact that his dad died. Elliott is a great kid, and I think Harper has done a great job with him.” He planted both feet firmly on the pavers in front of him before straightening and taking a deep breath. “And I would absolutely respect Harper’s wishes if she doesn’t want to date. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be around. I really do like her—and Elliott, too. It’ll be hell, because I think she needs some time to herself and to do things with other adults, but if she wants to spend all her time doing stuff for and with her son, I’m not going to get in the way.”
James nodded. “As long as you respect her, I think you two will get along fine. And, you’re already a step ahead of the others—Elliott likes you.” James clapped him on the back. “Now, if you really want to make her day, see if you can find some concert tickets. She loves music and has put ’em aside for the time being.”
“Noted,” Reed said. “Anyone in particular?”
“Not really,” James said. “Oh, and if yo
u were to take a day trip to a zoo, you’d have both of them eating out of your palm.” He glanced around. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you all this, but if you were to find a video or a museum exhibit about the Titanic, she’d be putty in your hands.”
Reed laughed. “Got it. Concerts, animals, and history. Anything else?”
James shook his head. “The rest, you’ll have to figure out on your own.” The older man stood. “I’m going to turn into a pumpkin pretty quick, and I’ll need to come back in the morning to get those two home.”
Reed stood and the two shook hands.
James pulled Reed’s palm toward him. “My little girl is a good momma, but she needs someone in her life to help her see how truly wonderful she is.” James held Reed’s gaze before releasing his hand. “Don’t you go screwing this up now, y’hear me?”
Reed nodded. “I hear you loud and clear, sir.”
“Good. Because I don’t want to have to hunt you down if you break my little girl’s heart.” James strode purposefully toward parking garage.
Reed sighed and then started walking back to his truck. I guess I should make sure I don’t let Harper down or push her into things she isn’t ready for—because who wants to deal with her dad?
He unlocked his truck and climbed inside. After shutting the door he inhaled deeply and his cock started to fill. Shit. It still smells like her in here—it’s going to be really hard to keep my hands off her.
****
Harper adjusted in the recliner next to Elliott’s bedside. The nurse had just left from checking his vitals again. I swear, they’re in here every ten minutes. I no more than get to sleep after making sure Elliott is out again before they’re back.
As she tried to stop her brain and drift off to sleep, her guilt complex took over. I don’t deserve to have my baby boy—I almost got him killed today. I could’ve avoided that accident if I’d been paying closer attention.
Minutes later, after determining—for the millionth time—that there was nothing she really could’ve done to prevent the accident, Harper’s mind began to wander once more, and it landed on the sexiness that was Reed Stephens. Besides being good at his job, he was extremely thoughtful. He didn’t have to come to the hospital to check on them once his shift was over—she and Elliott weren’t his problem. Every kindness he’d shown her and her son was truly appreciated because she really didn’t have anyone to rely on besides her dad.
And the two of them had left together. Which was curious, and Harper wondered what they talked about on they way to the parking structure. If she knew her dad, he was probably giving Reed the third degree and would scare him off—if he was actually interested.
Harper drifted off to sleep thinking about how wonderfully Reed would fit in her life, and the different things he would probably enjoy doing with Elliott.
The next morning—after having her sleep disrupted several more times—Harper tucked Elliott’s things into the duffel she’d brought with her. He wore clean clothes even though he would need a bath when they got home. The boy seemed none the worse for wear and when a doctor popped in—not Dr. Lana—the grandfatherly gentleman discharged her son after a cursory once-over and after Elliott had answered a few questions.
“When do you think PopPop will be here?” Elliott asked.
She checked the time on her cell phone. “Any time now, I’m sure.”
Elliott stared at the TV absent-mindedly while Harper checked her schedule for the day and called Elliott in sick to school—as well as excusing his absence from the previous day.
A text message came in. The ID said “Reed Stephens”. Butterflies launched in Harper’s stomach as she opened the message. Hope E has been discharged. Want to meet this afternoon at the station?
She wasn’t sure what the appropriate response should be—after all, her son was being released from the hospital and should probably spend the day resting at home. But, it was important for him to see the positives in this situation.
Her father arrived. “What’s it going to take to spring you from this joint?” He approached Elliott and ruffled his hair.
“We were waiting for you!” Elliott’s exasperation was dramatic and hilarious at the same time.
“It’s true,” Harper said. “We were waiting for you to arrive. The doctor was in almost an hour ago and the nurses said they’d be coming shortly with discharge paperwork.”
James nodded. “I was hoping things would move quickly this morning.” He looked her up and down. “You didn’t sleep well last night. I hope Reed did. Maybe he can come hang out with you two today, so you could catch a nap if you want one.”
Harper felt one of her eyebrows arch until it was surely in her hairline. “I’m fairly certain I can manage a five-year-old all by my lonesome, Dad.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can. It’s just nice having adult friends, now isn’t it?” A broad grin split his face. “And Reed certainly is a nice man. Look at how much time he spent with you yesterday. Even after working a shift at the fire station.”
“It’s funny you should mention Reed.” She darted a glance at Elliott and found him listening intently. “I just got a text from him. He wants Elliott and me to meet him at the fire station later this afternoon—and I think it would be a good idea.”
Elliott launched himself at her. “Oh, Momma! We’re going to see the fire trucks? Are we really? Do you think Mr. Reed will show us how he slides down the pole or…or maybe he’ll let me slide down the pole!” His excitement bubbled over and was contagious. Harper was even more eager to check out the interior of the oldest station of Dallas Fire and Rescue. The outside was beautiful, with arched brick and an elegant facade which made Harper glad she was so interested in architecture.
It’d be a lot easier to explain away the excitement over seeing the inside of the building versus seeing Reed again.
“Looks like I need to text Mr. Reed back and let him know we would like to accept his invitation.”
She took in Elliott’s jubilant expression as he bounced on the bed singing, “I get to see a fire truck! I get to see a fire truck!”
Her father looked like the proverbial cat who swallowed the canary.
And those damn butterflies were swirling around in her belly making tension pool low in her pelvis. And that is definitely not just a friendly feeling. Harper would need to school her excitement over seeing Reed—otherwise, the lusty torch she carried for him would be as obvious as her father’s smug expression.
Harper rolled her eyes at the men and turned her attention to her phone. We would love to meet you—is 4pm okay? Maybe we can get dinner after? My treat?
A thumbs-up emoji was delivered almost immediately. Except for the whole you treating thing, that sounds great.
Harper sighed and the round apples of her cheeks strained with the grin she bore. We’ll see about that. See you soon.
The nurse bustled in the room with a sheaf of papers. “Looks like we’ve got your walkin’ papers, Elliott.”
The boy’s face creased, perplexed. “I need papers to walk now? I’ve been walking since I was a baby.”
The adults in the room chuckled.
Harper explained, “That’s just an expression that means you can go home, honey.”
“Absolutely. Now, Elliott,” the nurse adopted her most authoritarian voice, “you make sure you tell your momma if you feel like you’re going to throw up or if you get a headache. Actually, you tell your momma if anything hurts at all.” She took his hand. “It’s really important that you tell your mom, because—depending on how you feel badly—you might need to have something looked at again. Sometimes, it takes a few days for things to show up after an accident.”
“I promise. I’m always good at telling Momma when I have an owie or when I don’t feel good,” Elliott said.
Harper nodded. “He certainly is. For only five, he’s pretty in-tune with his body.”
The nurse smiled and leaned forward conspiratorially and stage whispered to
Elliott, “I do believe your ride is right outside the door.” Her eyes glinted mischievously.
Her father stepped out of the room and brought back in with him a wheelchair decked out with balloons and a crown sitting on the seat. “Looks like our little prince will be rolling out of here in style.”
After the nurse assured herself that Elliott was safely buckled into the seat, she stepped behind the customized contraption and pushed the boy out of the room.
Her dad followed.
Harper did a quick once-over of the hospital room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten to pack anything. Satisfied, she hurried down the hallway toward the elevator and slid between the doors as they began to close.
“I didn’t think you were going to make it,” Elliott said.
James chuckled. “Your momma will always be right behind you—she just had to check the room to make sure you two hadn’t left anything behind.” He regarded her with a silent challenge—almost daring her to deny his comment.
Harper couldn’t. It was fine, though. She knew she was a hyper-vigilant parent—she’d accepted it a couple years ago during Elliott’s first year of preschool.
Her father said, “You want to go to the truck piggyback?”
Elliott clapped his hands. “Oh, yes, PopPop. I won’t be able to get one for much longer because I’m growing so much.”
Harper grinned, then turned to the nurse. “Looks like we’ll take it from the doors. Any last minute words of wisdom?” She looked at the medical professional expectantly.
“Just make sure he takes it easy for the next couple days and follow up with your pediatrician in five to seven days—just to make sure.” The older woman smiled. “Don’t worry, Mom. He’s just fine, and you’ll do fine, too.”
Harper smiled. “Thanks. I think I needed to hear that.”
Her dad swung Elliott onto his back and Harper snagged the balloons from the wheelchair as soon as they reached the lobby doors.