Page 43 of What A Croc
“You need something besides rabbit food,” he told me softly.
Shaking my head, I put a hand on my churning stomach. “A salad is fine. Besides, my pants are getting a bit tight.”
“You look beautiful,” Jackson told me, giving me a heated look that had the server looking away with a smile.
“You always say that.”
The corner of his lip turned up in a smile that had me flushing more than I already was. “Because it’s true.”
“We’re having shakes, Mr. Robert,” Aiden announced, interrupting our moment, blissfully unaware of what was happening between Jackson and me. “You should have one with us. They make the bestest shakes here. This is where my birthday shake was from.”
What was it with these Sobek men and ice cream? If only I had their metabolism.
“I do like them,” I told him, handing the server my menu. “But I think I’ve had a few too many lately.” I patted my belly, and Jackson frowned again, while he ordered for himself and Aiden.
“If you want something else, make sure to order it,” he told me.
“I’m fine, J,” I assured him, my insides warming and turning to absolute goo when he reached across the table to take my hand in his. I didn’t miss a few appreciative glances thrown his way by some of the omegas in therestaurant, and I sat up a little straighter knowing he was mine.
“Daddy said maybe we can have a movie night this Friday.” Aiden colored the back of his menu, where there were games and a picture to keep the little ones occupied. “He said we can invite you, Mr. Robert, so you’re invited.”
“Maybe Mr. Robert can bring his pajamas and stay the night.” Jackson waggled his brows at me, and I felt myself blush.
“Maybe,” I said, non-committedly, laughing when he stuck his lower lip out in an adorable pout.
My nerves started to settle after that, glad that Aiden seemed to be just fine with his dad and me dating. I wasn’t sure what I had imagined his reaction might be, but clearly I had made a mountain out of a mole hill in my head. Aiden was a very gentle, kind, and understanding child, but I knew I was the first person Jackson had dated since Levi had passed. But Aiden had been just a baby, and only knew Levi through what Jackson and his family told him. Perhaps because of that, accepting me into his dad’s life–into their lives–was easier for him. I wasn’t trying to replace his omega father, and I wasn’t competing with his memory.
While we ate, Jackson and Aiden told me all about their trip. Aiden went through all the presents he had gotten, to which Jackson moaned about trying to get everything tofit into their luggage. Finally telling his parents he would pay to have some of the items shipped.
Dinner finished, we left the restaurant, Aiden’s hand in Jackson’s and his other arm wound tightly around my shoulders, holding me close to his side.
“I’m parked next to you,” I told him, as we made our way to the parking lot.
“Good,” he grinned at me, “because I got you something. Means I don’t have to trek it across the parking lot.”
Rolling my eyes at him, I looked around the fairly small parking lot. “Because this place is so big. And you didn’t need to bring me anything.” Though I was secretly thrilled. Jane had only believed in gift giving for birthdays and Christmas. And then it had pretty much been a gift card or something equally useful, that she hadn’t bothered to put much thought behind. She had never just bought me something just because.
“I’m jet lagged,” he faked a yawn. “And, really? We’ve been over this. Love language, remember?”
“I helped pick it out,” Aiden told me proudly.
“I’m sure I’ll love it,” I told them both, as Jackson dug into his carry on and pulled out a white plastic bag, with an airport logo on it.
“Don’t let the bag fool you,” he told me seriously, “this is absolutely a must have gift.”
I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped me. “I can’t wait.”
“Brace yourself,” he still clutched the bag to his chest, and Aiden shouted, “Give it to him, Daddy!”
“Yeah, Daddy, give it to me!” I made a grab for the bag, then realized how that had sounded.
Jackson grinned at me, “Oh, I kinda like that!”
“Stop!” I pointed at Aiden. “Little ears. Behave yourself. Now let me see this wondrous gift you have bestowed on me.”
Reaching into the bag, I pulled out the soft plushie, running my fingers over the fluffy green fur.
“It’s a crocodile!” Aiden shouted in glee. “Like daddy!”
