Page 11 of The Neighbor's Son

“Brayden,” Casey’s eyes are wide as she takes in the cat in my arms. “What are you doing?”

I flash her a conspiratorial grin. “Mo wanted to visit. We’re on a clandestine mission. Let us in.”

She smothers a laugh as she hurriedly ushers us in. “Quick before she sees.”

After we’re safely inside, I pass her the cat. She’s all smiles as she cuddles him.

“I got you some presents today, Mo,” she says in a singsong voice.

Mo meows happily.

She sets the cat down and then leaves the kitchen. We follow after her up the stairs. In the bathroom, she’s set up a litter box and two small bowls. One is filled with water and the other has dry cat food in it.

“This is all yours for when you visit,” she tells Mo. “I have toys for you too in the living room.”

The cat sniffs at the litterbox. We take our cue to leave, letting him have his own space to do his business. As we exit, I glance into the guest room. What I see makes my heart ache for Casey.

It’s a nursery.

Unable to stop myself, I step inside, taking in the pretty shade of mint green on the walls.

“I know we’re not supposed to paint,” she utters quickly. “I’m sorry. I’ll paint it back white.”

I turn to look at her. “It looks nice. Don’t change it.”

Her eyes water and she looks down at her feet. “I might as well. It won’t happen. Not now.”

My gut twists as if I can feel the pain inside of her at this very second. Unable to stop myself, I approach her and tenderly stroke her cheek.

I just… I don’t know.

I want to make her happy.

Her sadness is so heavy. Maybe I can share it with her to lighten the load.

“You and Derek are over, but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen again for you,” I tell her firmly. “You deserve everything you want in this life.”

She gives me a watery smile but then bottom her lip starts to tremble. And, like a dam giving way under the weight of a river, she hunches in on herself and sobs.

I can’t stop myself and pull her into my arms. She’s warm and soft and smells like salty sadness. Can I hold her until she’s better? How long will that take? I’m a patient man.

At first, she’s stiff, but then she melts against me. I stroke her back, whispering sweet words of encouragement as she cries. She goes from leaning on me to clinging to me. It’s an honor to be able to give this to her.

“What can I do?” I murmur. “Tell me so I can make it better.”

“You’re already doing it. God, I’m so embarrassed, but I needed a good cry.”

She doesn’t need to be embarrassed. If anyone should be, it’s me. I’m so addicted to this woman who’s out of my reach, and yet, I swipe the air, longing for her anyway.

Maybe I’m a stalker.

“Thank you.” She sniffles and pulls back, lifting her chin so I can see her pretty, tear-streaked face. “You’re a good man.”

My chest puffs out a bit. I’m so used to being Reid’s kid that I forget sometimes people see me as my own man. Of all people I want to do this, Casey is at the top of my list.

Unable to keep from touching her, I reach up and use my thumb to swipe her cheek. Her lashes flutter at the gentle touch. I make note to do more of these things that seem to please her.

“Want to stay over for dinner? Maybe watch a movie?”

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