Page 141 of Single Teddy
“I…I know,” he said after a while. “But if I can’t blame myself, then you can’t blame yourself either. Or King, or anyone else.”
“I wasn’t blaming King,” I said. It hadn’t even crossed my mind. “How was he supposed to know Bear would sneak out instead of sleep? I mean, what kind of kid sneaks out at that age?”
He smiled.
“I’m glad you think that way.”
I tugged his hand one more time then put both hands on the wheel and focused on the ride, wishing we were at Slade and King’s already. My whole body was on edge.
“Thank you, by the way. For saving us. I don’t…I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
I sighed and shook my head.
“You don’t have to repay me. Don’t be silly. Why would you say that?”
He shrugged.
“I owe you my life. It’s only right I pay you back somehow. If anything can ever come close to saving someone’s life.”
I chuckled and shook my head, placing my hand on his thigh.
“You can pay me back in kisses and hugs for being silly like that.”
He scoffed.
“What about repaying you for my life?”
I sighed.
“I don’t know. Maybe you can give me your love forever and ever,” I said, then grimaced. “Too much?”
Wesley smiled.
“No. Not too much at all. It’s not enough.”
I came to a stop in front of King and Slade’s house, and I took a moment to look at him and take strength from his beautiful, loving eyes.
“I love you,” I said.
“I love you too.” He didn’t miss a beat, and that somehow gave me comfort, despite my current state of mind.
“You really think we’ll find him?” I asked.
He closed his eyes and nodded.
“I’m sure,” he said.
I took a deep breath, as if breathing in his certainty, and we both got out.
“Teddy! Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I don’t…I feel horrible. I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry,” King collapsed on me as soon as I stepped through his front door, and I put my hands on his shoulders to try and soothe him.
“King, you did nothing wrong. I don’t blame you.”
His pained gaze, pale skin, sweaty forehead, and red eyes made my stomach clench.
“Come here.” I pulled him into my arms and held him there for a few moments while Slade, who had already gotten back, and Teddy watched us.
He seemed a little calmer when I let him go, and I held his hand to look into his eyes. We really needed to get back to the search.
