He was now pissed and up on his feet. I knew I was chipping away at his protective shield, but we had come far last night, and I didn’t want him to shut me out.
“Jake, there is a reason why I live my life the way that I do. I like my bubble. It’s home to me. It’s where I can protect my son from anyone that can hurt us, and maybe that includes you too. I may have allowed you to fuck me last night, but that doesn’t mean you know anything about the man that I am. Now, my son is coming. Don’t make a scene, and just say your goodbyes to him.”
My jaw was clenched, and I felt every neck muscle pulsating. Here was Devan openly waging war on me, and I couldn’t do or say anything because we weren’t alone. But I would soon change that because this was not over.
“Here you go. One super double chocolate shake,” Paxton proudly stated.
“Thanks, buddy, but I’m going to have to take it to go. Something has come up that I have to take care of, but I’ll see you tomorrow at camp, right?”
“I’ll be there. You better have your game face on. I’ve been running drills all weekend, and I’m ready to score off you.”
“That’s the spirit. I’ll see you tomorrow, and thanks again for the shake.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled brightly and then ran off to see friends who just showed up.
I placed my drink down on the table and leaned as close as I could to the brooding man beside me. I said, “As for you, Mr. Knight, we’re not done here. I don’t know what has happened to put you in such a sour mood, but I’m willing to listen when you’re ready to talk to me. We can continue this conversation anywhere you wish, or in private where we will not be interrupted. Your choice, Devan. I’ll keep your side of the bed warm for you. Clearly, you have some tension to work out of your system.”
His entire body reacted to my words, which delighted me to no end. My hand brushed against his thigh as I made my way out from the table. He didn’t say anything in return on account of the boys being back.
I said hi to the other kids and then made my way from the square. I walked about a block and then called for an Uber to take me back to my truck. Yeah, that was fun. He was pissed, but what trigger did I hit with Devan? I was more determined than ever to find out. When I got to my truck, my phone rang.
“Foxtrot, what do you have for me?” I asked.
“Found her. It wasn’t too hard.”
“So? What happened to her?”
“At the time she was released from the system, her foster family didn’t street her. The Sullivan’s were a pretty solid family. They had a reputable record with the state, and along with Amy, they were housing three other fosters. Two are now doctors, and one is a large animal vet out in Texas.”
“Yeah, sounds great, but what I want is Amy Dennis.”
“You got her, Merc. She’s literally under your nose. She’s married with two kids. Husband works as a psychologist. That’s how they met. He’s ten years her senior, but on paper, it looks like they have a good life.”
“And? Where do they call home?”
“Corona de Tucson.”
“And? Talk to me, Foxtrot.”
“Arizona. They live on the edge of the Coronado National Forest. Like I said, it looks good on paper. Husband has a private practice. She runs the office. On the weekends, they donate their time to church and other local outreach programs.”
“How old are the kids?”
“Two boys, fourteen and twelve.”
“Okay, I’m going to get Marcy on the line and have her book me a flight. I need to pay Amy Dennis a visit. Something tells me she is the key to bringing down Harper.”
“Well, if you need backup, I’m here for you, Merc.”
“I never doubted it. Thanks, man, I owe you.”
“Just come for a visit, and soon, before the wife puts my ass on the couch.”
“I promise. Talk soon.”
When I got back to my house, I took a hot shower, and all I thought about was Devan. He didn’t call, nor texted. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by his silence. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on his picture, I knew there was so much more to the man. He’d been hurt and badly too. I had to protect him and Paxton. Even if he refused to see me again, I had to protect them.
I debated sending him a text before I took off, but I decided against it. It was better to leave our last conversation where it was. He would have time to sit with it and hopefully realize that fighting the attraction between us was just a futile waste of time.
Marcy booked me a red-eye flight for this evening. I was practically running on fumes but wanted to get a jump on this lead. I didn’t plan on missing camp tomorrow, but I felt it would be better to meet Amy Dennis, now Amy Watkins, on my own instead of sending Mike or Jonah.
Miles said he would cover for me until I returned. He was a curious little fucker, but I just told him something had come up and I would see him when I got back. Yeah, that’s the basic lie that you tell when you’re bullshitting out of your ass.
After I made all my arrangements, I had some time to kill before the flight. Against what I decided earlier with Devan, I called him, only to get his voicemail. Fuck! I was stressed out. I had no time to go for a run, so I did the next best thing to cool my jets. I did a hundred push-ups, and then another hundred pull-ups on the bar that I installed in my extra bedroom. My arms were burning with heat, and I was soaked in sweat. I pulled off my shirt and reached for another one.
My phone felt heavy in my pocket, and I couldn’t resist texting him. I just needed to know that he was okay.
Me: You awake?
I hated the back and forth texting crap, but since he wasn’t taking my calls, this was the next best thing. I wasn’t surprised he didn’t respond, but I had to try. I didn’t want to leave until I heard at least one thing positive from his sexy mouth. I waited two hours and still nothing. After I packed my duffle, I left for the airport. The airport was deserted at this hour, and all I had were my thoughts of Devan. I kicked up my boots on the row of seats and leaned my head back for a few minutes. I quickly opened my eyes when I heard the phone vibrate in my pocket.
It was Devan, finally texting me back. He was answering my last message.
Devan: Yes
That’s my guy, back to his one-word answers. I was up to the challenge.
Me: Why? It’s late.
Devan: You know why.
Me: Refresh my memory. I’m tired from all the fucking I did to your ass last night.
Devan: I’m suddenly tired. Talk to you later.
Me: Liar! Sooner rather than later, you will talk to me, Devan, and I’ll be here when you do. I’m a patient man, and I have no problem waiting for you. Get some rest. You’ll need it when you see me again.
Devan: I don’t think so, Jake.
I grinned down at my phone and smiled before responding to him.
Me: Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Maybe you’ll believe it. I have to go, but I’ll be dreaming of you. And I know you’ll still be feeling where I’ve been, and that’s deep inside of your tight hole that I fucked all last night. You can deny it all you want, but I know you want me, and I can promise, babe, you’ll be seeing me soon. Night, sexy.
Ha! As much as that was fun to do, I also meant every single word I said to him. I left him with much to think about, and as I boarded my flight, all I thought about was concluding my business so I could return to Devan and work out this bullshit between us once and for all.
My colleagues probably believed I lost my mind, but for the first time in years, I finally found something worthy enough to fight for. I wanted more with him. And now he’s become my reason to wake each day. Devan Knight was worth taking a chance on. I have never opened my heart to anyone before, and here I am willing to risk it all just to love and protect him. Did I just say, love? Years ago, I never would ever entertain that thought because of the life I led. It was just too dangerous to allow anyone to ever get that close, but the man with mind-drugging eyes c
hanged that for me. And now, I want it all. I want it with him.
I took my assigned seat and finally let out the breath that I was holding. I needed to secure this lead and acquire as much information as I could to help Devan and Paxton. I would never allow the Harpers to hurt them. They would have to go through me first. The sooner I took care of my business, the sooner I could return to Devan and work through whatever he’s fighting between us. I know I’m not alone in my feelings. He’s the most stubborn man I have ever met, and that’s saying something since I believed I was that guy. He’s worth it, and there is not a fiber in my being that disagrees with how I feel.
Was I that transparent to him? I felt I played right into his hands, and now he’s literally got me by my balls. He was dead on right about what he said about Carrie, and even more so about Paxton. I’m a single father for Christ’s sake! All my energy goes to my child. What the hell does he know about it anyway? Yeah, the chase has been really good for my ego, but he’s trouble, and I can’t risk falling any further for this guy. Paxton’s basketball camp is approaching its end. Then he will leave Boise, and I can get on with my life.
“Daddy, let’s go already. I’m late for camp,” he called out for the third time as I gathered my bag and work I needed to do today.
“Pax, will you take a breath? I’ll be ready in ten minutes. You’ll only miss the first few minutes of drills, okay?”
“Whatever,” he sulked.
“Pax, curb the attitude, or there will be no camp at all,” I shouted back.
My Monday was not going according to plan. I hardly slept, and when I did, all I thought about was Jake. The round of text messages between us last night didn’t help, and once again, he was fucking right, and I could do nothing to deny it. He’s gotten under my skin in the deepest way possible, and I didn’t know what to do about it. If I brought this up to my parents, they would just encourage me to stop fighting my feelings and go for it, probably all the married neighborhood moms too. Where the hell did he come from? And do I want to see him again? Yeah, you’re a stupid asshole! Yes, you do.
Paxton hardly gave me time to stop my car when he grabbed his bag and made a fast run inside. Lily, Sebastian’s mom, was chatting it up with a few of the coffee/book club moms, but I was onto their stakeout. Lily knew I had a date with Jake and probably was stalking the parking lot until I arrived for details. She was no Carrie, but she was a pretty good friend to me, and Pax and Bas were best friends.
“Hold it right there, handsome,” she called out.
“Sorry, Lily, I have a busy day, and I can’t stay for coffee.”
“You can run, Devan Knight, but we are on to you!”
“Yeah, I’ll catch you later.”
I wasn’t one for just dropping my kid off. I wanted to go inside and make sure he was settled before I left. He looked like he was having the time of his life though. I looked around and didn’t see Jake anywhere in sight. I was going to leave when Miles caught up with me.
“Hey, how you doing, Devan?”
“I’m fine, Miles, and you?”
“Better, now that I’ve seen your handsome face.”
Whoa! I knew he was a flirt, but he’s downright forward.
“Yeah, okay. See you around Miles.”
“Aren’t you a bit curious to where our fearless leader is?” He was baiting me.
“To tell you the truth, no. I wasn’t curious at all. I’m just dropping off my son. And now I’m late.”
“I’m sorry, wouldn’t want to keep you from anything important. I just figured since you two went out over the weekend, you might find it odd that he left town.”
I tried with my best effort not to show any emotion in front of him. No matter what I try to convince myself to believe, the thought of Jake being gone doesn’t sit well with me, especially considering how strong he came on yesterday.
I retorted, “You know, Miles, whatever you think you know, you’re wrong. Now, run along and be my kid’s basketball coach, because I’m not interested in anything else you have to offer. See ya.”
Fuck my life! Now I have Miles on my radar. What the hell happened to living quietly in my bubble? I practically sprinted back to my car and back home to where I pounded ten miles on my treadmill to rid Jake Mercer out of my mind.
A few hours later, I found myself walking the aisles of the party store with my mom to buy out the store for Paxton’s upcoming birthday party. Yes, the entire store. I had two carts filled almost to the top, and mom was still adding to the growing pile.
“Mom, I think we have enough. Don’t you agree?”
“Oh, Devan, where’s your sense of party spirit? Besides, this is for two parties for Paxton. One at our home and the other with his friends. So we need this stuff.”
“Mom, no more. We have everything we need,” I practically shouted and used a tone I’d never dare use on her.
“Devan, what’s wrong?” she asked with sympathetic eyes, always putting me first.
“Nothing, let’s just pay for this stuff and go. I have meetings to attend to before I have to pick up Paxton.”
“Your father can pick him up. I’m more concerned about what is troubling you?”
“Nothing is bothering me. I will pick up Paxton.”
Before I could say another word, mom called over a salesperson.
“Young man, do you deliver?” she inquired.
“We do. What can I help you with?”
“Please run this card, and here’s the address where they need to go.”
“Yes, Mrs. Knight. I’ll take care of it for you.”
“Thank you. Okay, my son, now that that’s out of the way, we are going to grab a coffee, and you are going to tell your mama all about it.”
“Mom, it’s work. I have a lot on my mind, that’s it.”
“You don’t lie very well. Devan, you are my son, and that means you come first. You know when you accepted a date with Mr. Mercer, I thought it was a sign in the right direction. But two days later, you are miserable. I thought you liked him.”
“I do! That’s the problem. He’s intense. He doesn’t allow me to get away with anything and loves to push my buttons. Mom, how the hell did this happen? I go from living this quiet, under the radar life, and now I’m out and proud, dating a guy my kid calls the Hulk.”
“Dating? As in, you plan on seeing him again?”
“I don’t know how I can avoid him. He’s quite the force to be reckoned with.”
“Awesome! I can’t wait to have him over for dinner. Let’s call him.”
“Mom, he’s out of town at the moment, and I’m not sure when he’s returning.”
She clapped her hands together in excitement. I knew that move all too well. She was planning something.
“Let’s invite him to Paxton’s party. Paxton is quite taken with him, and all the other kids will be there from camp. We can paint him green, and he can be the Hulk at Paxton’s Avengers party. What do you say?”
“You’re messing with me, right? I guess you talked to Lily?”
“Yes, and it’s so much fun. Oh, my son, I love you, but it’s time for you to get back out there and live again. You are this amazing, over the top, wonderful father to Paxton. You would die for him—any good parent would for their child—but you are so much more than that. Sacrifices come with the job. It’s what we do, but most of the time, we get to share it with another person. I know our circle is small, and it’s had to be that way for a very long time, but this is me telling you that it’s okay to let people in. If there is even an ounce of interest that leads you to Jake, what do you have to lose? Maybe it’s time for a win. Just think about it. I love you. And I want you happy.”
“Yeah, me too. Thanks, mom.”
Paxton and my father joined us back at my home, where mom was making dinner for us. While they were busy, I was in my office contemplating calling Jake. He’d been on my mind the entire day. No, scratch that, he hasn’t left my mind since I fell into his bed. A bed I
wanted to be in again. I dialed his number and got his voicemail. I quickly hung up, but then I dialed him again and decided to leave him a message.
“Hi, Jake, it’s Devan. I didn’t see you today and was told by Miles that you were out of town. He actually said you left town, totally trying to bait me. Well, it worked. I want to know why you left and why I had to hear it from Miles instead of you.”
I ended the call, and now that the genie was out of the bottle, I couldn’t take it back.
“Dad, dinner’s ready!”
“I’ll be right there,” I called out.
I looked down at my phone and thought, Okay, Jake. The ball’s in your court. Call me back. If you don’t, then I’ll have my answer.
Shit! This state is hotter than the Afghan desert. It took me two plus hours to drive all the way out here, and I’m drenched in sweat because the air conditioner in the car crapped out. I downed a bottle of water and then walked around the property before knocking on the door. It looked as if a family lived here, a happy one. Sports equipment and bikes were scattered all over the yard, and the big tree across the way had a tire swing tied to it.
“May I help you?” a soft voice called out to me.
“You can if you are Amy Dennis.”
“It’s Watkins now. I haven’t been a Dennis in a long time. Who are you?”
“It’s okay. You don’t have anything to fear from me. My name is Jake Mercer, and I’m here on the behalf of a friend. I mean you no harm. If I may, can we sit and talk? I’ve traveled a long way to have this conversation.”
“Okay, but just so you know, my husband will be home soon and my boys are right out back, so if you try anything, they know how to shoot and will not be afraid to do anything to protect their mother.”
“Amy, I swear that I am not here to cause any trouble. I just need to ask you a few questions.”
“Okay, we can sit over there.” She gestured over to a picnic table. “You said you are here for a friend? Who might that be?”
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