Page 57 of Walk Off

Chapter 15

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Kyle

It was hell seeing Celia every night and not being able to touch her or kiss her. He even held in his flirting as she’d asked, even if it was the hardest thing he’d ever done.

Being with her was also the best part of his day.

He arrived right after school on the days Jasmine had school, and today, since it was Saturday, he’d shown up for breakfast, prepared to take them both out for a meal Celia didn’t have to cook. He wanted her to relax and not serve him for once.

Not that he hated having home-cooked meals each night. Just the opposite. It made him yearn for a future that could be theirs. One where they’d take turns cooking meals, cleaning up, and putting Jasmine to bed.

Not that she needed to be put to bed. She’d told him, in no uncertain terms, that she was too old to be tucked in.

But then she’d let him tuck her in anyway.

It was like she knew he needed those memories.

This was their last day together as a family. Yeah, he knew that technically they weren't a family. Yet. But, it sure as hell felt like it when they spent hours together, eating, laughing, and talking. Celia had even let him stay around after Jasmine was in bed, telling him more stories of things Jasmine had done as a kid.

He relished every second of their time together, even if he had to keep his hands to himself.

“Are you sure you want to take us out?” Celia asked. “What if someone sees us?”

“I’m sure.” He’d thought this over many times and had even talked to Zara about it. If someone photographed them out together, he’d put out a statement saying he was Jasmine’s dad. He didn’t want to hide that he was a father. His only issue was hurting her or Celia. The longer he could keep them out of the press, the better. But that didn’t mean they should hide. The likelihood of anyone even taking their photo was slim to none.

Celia cringed. “I don’t know.”

“Celia, it’s going to be fine. I won’t let anything happen to Jasmine.” Or her, but he couldn't say that. Not yet. She wasn’t ready and he wasn’t going to push her.

She sighed, finally giving in. “Ok, but at least let me drive. Jasmine still sits in a booster seat and it’s just easier for me to drive than to move it.”

“I have one in my rental.” By the look on her face, he’d shocked the hell out of her.

“What do you mean?”

“I asked Dallas what I needed. He told me so I went out and bought one.” He shrugged, hoping he came across as if it was no big deal. “I figure when I leave, you can have it as an extra.”

Before she could comment, Jasmine came running out of the apartment. “Can I get chocolate chip pancakes?”

“You can get whatever you want,” Kyle said. “In fact, maybe I’ll get chocolate chip pancakes too.”

“Mom, did you hear that? Dad said he might get the same thing as me.”

“I heard, sweetie.”

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