Page 19 of Step Daddy

Chapter Six

As they entered the condo after the emotional rollercoaster of a day, Kit tried to focus on the positive moments. For example, the talk with Gareth. That was good. It was nice to finally confide in someone the myriad of confused thoughts that had been swirling in his head the past few years. And he felt closer to Gareth now, could tell they had a real connection and not just the leftover tenuous threads of a blended family.

And the meeting with the attorney after their park excursion hadn’t been terrible, either. Maybe he’d overreacted after all, and once they met with the guy Mr. Ochoa recommended, perhaps it would all be over.

With no reason to stay here any longer.

“Hey, you all right?”

Gareth laid a soft hand on Kit’s arm. Kit suddenly realized he’d been standing in the entryway the entire time Gareth had been putting away his keys and wallet and turning on the lights.

Kit chuckled uneasily. “Yeah, sorry. It’s just been an intense day.”

“But good, right? Henry verified there aren’t warrants out for your arrest and we’ll meet with his associate who’s the top criminal attorney in Vegas.” Gareth smiled. “I’m thinking we’ll get this sorted out in a couple days. Maybe ol’ Ted is already in the slammer.”

Kit rolled his eyes with a laugh. “Wouldn’t that be amazing?”

A tinge of guilt hit him when he thought of his mom. What would she do? How would she handle something like that? She’d married Kit’s bio dad right out of high school then gone straight to Ted the moment his dad took off. She’d never had to live alone or take care of herself.

“Oh boy.”

Kit jerked up his head, noting that Gareth was staring at him with a wry smile.

“What?”

Gareth sighed. “The wheels are turning. You’ve only been here twenty-four hours, but I can already pick up on your tells.” Gareth gestured for Kit to follow him into the living room. “Have a seat, get comfortable and I’ll grab us some drinks. Then you can tell me all about what’s bothering you.”

Kit trailed after Gareth, mortified that he could read him so well. “Sorry. You must be pretty annoyed with me by now.”

Gareth halted so fast Kit almost crashed into his back. He whirled around, his lips pinched.

“That’s not at all true. I like helping. It’s…” Gareth placed his hands on his hips, gazing around the room before locking eyes again with Kit. “It’s who I am, okay? Anyway, don’t stress, you’re fine. Let me take on the worry for you.”

Kit was more confused than ever. “Why?”

Gareth crossed his arms. “As I said, I like helping. If I get too bossy, you can take back your permission.”

“My per…?” A lightbulb went off in Kit’s head. “Oh right. What you were talking about last night.” He shifted from foot to foot then shoved his hands in his pockets. “I guess I’m not used to anyone really caring. But I’ll try.” He peered up at Gareth. “You still have my permission.”

“Thank you.” Gareth smiled. “Chinese, Indian or Thai?”

Kit almost got whiplash from the subject change. “For dinner?”

“Yeah.”

“Ted didn’t eat much beyond things of the steak and potatoes variety, so of those choices, I’ve only ever had Chinese.”

“From Mandarin King on Avenue J?”

Kit had to laugh. Sometimes when Ted was gone for the night to one of his lodge meetings, his mom would order Chinese and they’d eat out of the containers in the living room while watching a movie. Those were good nights.

“Yeah. They’re still there.”

“Hmm.” Gareth tapped his chin. “I’d like to introduce you to some new cuisine at some point, but I believe Chinese might be a nice trip down memory lane together. What do you think?”

An unexpected warmth pooled in Kit’s belly. Even if the connection Gareth was forging with him through all his caring gestures weren’t of the romantic variety, they resonated with Kit on a deeper level.

“Eat in the living room with a movie?”

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