Page 60 of Find Me in the Rain
I run my hand over his fine brown hair. “You know we see Grandma on Sundays, Jack. Have you decided if you want to go visit her today?”
“Can I play with cars instead?” He looks up to Alec, and it’s an image I thought I would never see.
“Jack, if you don’t want to go, you have to stay here with Josh or Char. I’m sure you could play with your cars.” I begin to sit up. Jack is reminding me of just how full my bladder is right about now.
“Alec, do you wanna stay and play?” Jack’s eyes are locked and loaded right on Alec.
Alec doesn’t hesitate. “I thought I would go with your mom to see your grandma today. How about we play later tonight? If that’s okay?” He turns to me for permission.
That sense of peace I found last night grabs hold a little tighter with his words.
I lift my hand and rest it on top of his. “That would be amazing.”
He adjusts his fingers, giving my hand a little squeeze. “What time are we leaving?”
“We can head there anytime after eight.”
He sticks his arms high in the air, stretching. “Can we swing by my place, so I can change?”
“Yeah, of course,” I respond while running a hand through my hair—ugh, my greasy hair. “Would you mind hanging with Jack while I shower?”
I bite my lip, hoping it isn’t too much to ask. I know he said he wants to be here, but it’s still new.
He smiles, exposing that damn dimple. Winking at me, he says, “I would love to.” He turns his attention to Jack. “What do you say we take a peek at that car collection of yours?”
Jack’s eyes sparkle at Alec’s request. “Really?!”
Alec chuckles. “Yeah, really.”
Jack shoots off the bed and sprints out of my room. Alec is laughing, enjoying his ability to bring that little boy so much happiness.
Alec slides over, filling my back with his warmness. “You sure you don’t need my help in that shower?” His fingers trail over my side.
My body is tingling, begging me to give in. But that’s not the proper parenting move, especially when your son doesn’t even know that’s his dad.
I have no idea how to even broach that with Jack. I push the thought out of my head. That is way too much to dissect right now.
With the small thread of willpower I have left, I throw the comforter off and make a beeline to the en suite, hastily shutting the door behind me. I go straight for the shower, turning the water on.
I hear Alec laughing uncontrollably.
He shouts over the noise, “Next time, I’m helping!”
It goes quiet after that. I imagine he has gone to find Jack.
“Ahh, me time,” I whisper to myself. I step into the hot shower, ready to feel refreshed.
After showering, I get dressed, opting for a casual dress. It’s a short-sleeved sage-green V-neck with little white flowers all over it. I quickly blow-dry my hair and run my straightener through it, deciding to skip makeup.
After cleaning up my little bathroom mess, I head out of the bathroom to find Alec and Jack. Walking through my bedroom, I’m a little shocked that my ears aren’t being flooded with giggling boys.
I step into the hallway but still no sound.
What the hell?
I take a tentative step onto the stairs, shouting below, “Hello? Jack? Alec? Josh?”
Nothing.
