Page 132 of Anything To Be With You

"That’s because it wasn’t happening to him. He saw the truck coming and acted," I rub his hand with my other one. "You would’ve done the same thing."

Clay sniffles. "I don’t know."

I rub his hand with my thumb. "Let me tell you a story. When Mason was three, we went over to Jake’s house to go swimming," I smirk. "Mason was going through a naked phase and refused to wear anything, including his life jacket.

"He made a beeline towards the pool and jumped into the deep end. I watched it happen but just stood there. My brain wasn’t registering what I had just seen. If it wasn’t for Jake, something horrible could’ve happened." I lean over and wipe his cheek. "It can happen to anyone, honey. People freeze up when something horrible is happening to them or to someone they love. You’re not a terrible person. Mason doesn’t hate you for what happened and neither do I. We love you, you’re family." I smile.

Clay gives me a small grin and stands. "Thank you, Ms. Carter. I feel a bit better knowing that."

"Glad I could help."

"You got everything, Bubba?" I ask as he makes his way down the stairs.

The last nine weeks have been brutal. With Mason’s casts coming off, all the physio appointments and missing the first three weeks of school, I’m done. Physically and mentally.

"I think so," he answers.

I hold my hand out for his bag and stuff his lunch inside. A horn blares outside. I open the door to find Axe parked behind my new-to-me Mazda 6. I bought it with my last cheque from Archer law firm. Not the best use of the money, since I’m still looking for work, but with my lemon in car heaven, I needed something to cart Mason around.

"Damnit, Axe. You have a fucking phone, use it!"

He rolls down the window. "Yeah, but then I wouldn’t get to see you," he winks, and I roll my eyes.

"Get in here and help Mason!" I yell.

Axe gets out and walks up the walkway.

"Ma, I’m fine." Mason groans.

"You can’t carry your bag and use the crutches at the same time." I argue. He doesn't need his crutches too much anymore, however, the physiotherapist suggested using them at school of the next three weeks. With of the amount of kids rushing and pushing in the halls, it was better to be safe than sorry.

"Yes, I can." And to prove his point, he slips the bag over his shoulder and moves towards the door.

"Okay, fine. Get going then." I watch Mason make his way to Axe’s car, fumbling with the door handle. I cover my mouth. I shouldn’t be giggling at this but it’s just too funny. Maybe now he’ll listen.

He probably won't.

"Axe," I laugh out, "help him with the door."

Axe opens the door with a bow, and I burst out laughing. Mason fires me a look and folds himself into the passenger seat.

I close the door and head into the kitchen, starting up my laptop and go job hunting.

My Sweetheart

Luke

"Here are those papers you asked for, Luke." Addison purrs as she places them on my desk.

"Thank you, and it’s Mr. Archer. I have told you this multiple times." I don’t even bother looking at her as she giggles.

I didn’t want to hire her; however, I needed an assistant, and she was the only one available. While she is great at her job, she is a fucking pain in my ass. Hovering around my office door, always asking if I need her to stay late. Calling me all hours of the night to see if I need anything added or removed from my schedule.

I can feel her eyes on me. Sighing, I glance around the monitor. "What, Addison."

She comes around the desk, sitting on the edge. "I’ve noticed lately that you’ve been extremely stressed," she says, reaching out and taking my tie in her hands, running her fingers along the silk.

"Your point?" I say dryly.

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