Page 21 of Doubling Down

Dane snorted.

Ezra gave him a confused frown.

“It’ll be fine,” Eric assured him.

“You have a crush on me?”

Why had Ezra remembered that part of Dane’s story? Couldn't he go back to being worried that Eric was going to get in trouble? “I plead the fifth.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to work,” Dane said unhelpfully.

“It’s not.”

Eric huffed. “This is not how I wanted you to find out. I was supposed to start romancing you.”

“I…I’m so confused,” Ezra said.

“Is it that much of a surprise?” Eric had been flirting. Hadn’t Ezra realized it?

Ezra shook his head before he swayed. His complexion turning green under his pale face.

“Dane!” Eric shoved the toddler at his friend and Dane scrambled to hold her. Eric caught Ezra as the boy went limp.

“I don’t feel so good,” Ezra mumbled.

“Fuck!” Dane spat as he gently held the toddler up against his massive chest.

Eric picked Ezra up and carried him over to the couch. The boy was smaller than Eric had realized. Light. Crouching next to Ezra, Eric ran his hand over Ezra’s head as Ezra blinked at him. His boy was burning up.

“It’s okay. Just rest. I’ll take care of everything,” Eric promised.

“Annabelle?”

“Dane has her. He’s great with children.”

“Okay. I’m just going to sit here for a minute.”

“Don’t lie to him,” Dane whisper-shouted. “Come get this baby.”

Eric stood. “I’m going to pack a few things for them. Hold her.”

“Eric!” Dane followed behind as Eric walked into the bedroom.

“What?” Looking around the bedroom showed more of Ezra’s ingenuity. There was a twin bed covered in a dark blue quilt pushed to the wall. The small, raised toddler bed, painted pink, with white and yellow daisies was adorable. There was a matching two-drawer dresser that Eric was guessing belonged to the little girl.

“What exactly is your plan here?” Dane asked.

Eric crossed the room. “I’m going to pack a small bag and take them home.”

“They are home.”

Eric noticed a black backpack next to the twin bed. He grabbed it before turning to Dane.

He had to blink twice. Leaning against the doorjamb, Dane took up the entire width. The precious girl in his arms seemed even smaller. Thinking quickly, Eric pulled his phone out and snapped a picture, capturing Dane’s scowl. It was still an endearing image.

“What was the question?” he asked.

“They are home. Why are you packing a bag?”

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