Page 104 of Stone
Because of love.
CHAPTER 28
Stone
“Thank you for being okay with me barging in,” Tyler said as he hoisted his duffle bag higher on his shoulder.
“You’re welcome,” I told him. Nothing had ever felt so fucking awkward before. We’d spent hours together and I couldn’t shove aside the emotions or the questions I had. Not only about him. The burning need to confront Bradford was stronger than ever. The funny thing was that Tyler hadn’t broached the subject of an extended family. Did he not know or had he been told not to bring up the subject? “I know you have your life, Tyler, but you have a home here. Or just a place you can crash.” I tried to laugh off my awkwardness.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He held out his hand, his body stiffer than before. “I enjoyed getting to know both of you.”
While I shook his hand, I had the desire to pull him into a bear hug, but even that didn’t feel right. As if I wasn’t allowed.
He nodded and turned toward Dani. There was a flood of emotion on his face when he looked at her. I could see the feelings rolling through him, the uncertainty and questions that he continued to have yet hadn’t asked. “You’re very beautiful, Dani.”
She laughed the same way she always did when she was nervous. “That’s very sweet of you, but I’m not certain I can live up to that right now.” She took a step closer, wrapping her arms around him. “Take care of yourself and tell your parents thank you for me.”
“Sure. I’ll do that.” He finally slid an arm around her, holding her for just a few seconds.
When Dani pulled away, she tried to hide her emotions, but I could tell she was close to breaking down. She hid her reaction to him leaving by pulling out her phone. “At least allow me to get one picture of the two of you together.”
“Okay,” Tyler laughed. “That would be cool. Maybe you could send me a copy.”
“She’s like this all the time. It’s the artist in her.”
“I do the same thing. It drives my mother… I mean my adopted mother crazy.”
“She’s your mother,” Dani quickly said and fussed with the two of us until she had us exactly the way she wanted. “And I’ll be happy to send you a copy.”
I could tell his request brightened her mood. At least we’d exchanged information. I wasn’t certain if that would mean anything. It wasn’t like the kid was prepared to alter his entire life.
With more than one photograph taken, the passengers were being ushered toward the door.
Dani sighed, nodding to both of us as her face illuminated the storm clouds I knew were capturing her mind.
“I’ll see you around,” Tyler said.
When he was several feet away, she squeezed my hand and rushed toward him. I remained where I was, both confused and uncertain why the truth had been kept from us.
What dark and ugly secrets were crawling beneath the surface? Gray had yet to call and that pissed me off as much as everything else had.
I’d never felt more like we were sitting ducks than I did right now. What I knew and hadn’t elaborated on with Dani was that if Tyler’s father had easily discovered my whereabouts, why should I think my location and address wasn’t common knowledge by now?
People talked.
Especially those who kept secrets and told lies. Eventually, they caught up with you.
Dani finally said her goodbyes, remaining where she was. I allowed her time alone as I debated contacting Gray or waiting. I’d also considered demanding a call with the great vice president, but had a feeling I wouldn’t be allowed to get through to him.
Maybe I’d hunt him down myself. Apparently, I was damn good at that.
I tried to ward off the angry ideas swimming in my head. At least I’d had a full twenty-four hours with my flesh and blood. It still amazed the hell out of me.
Family.
I had a family.
Not just memories shared from years before when growing up in Virginia or even with the men in my unit who would die in order to protect what we shared. But a family that included a son.
