Page 19 of Crossroads
“Don’t talk about her.”
Oh yeah, I like pissing him off far too much. I guess you could say I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Never back down from a dare or a challenge. I’m usually burned out with life until some sort of grand challenge presents itself. And God help me, I think Jasper might be the biggest challenge I’ve ever encountered.
“What are you gonna do?”
His grip gets even tighter, his fingers gripping the fabric as he stares me down, but we both turn at the sound of tires on gravel. I see an older model truck pulling up, and Jasper immediately releases me, taking off in that direction.
“Mom?” He sounds worried, but I keep my feet planted where I am. I can still see and hear everything as a woman who looks maybe around forty or so climbs out from the driver’s seat.
She’s pretty and petite and way, way smaller than Jasper. But her hair and eyes are the same color as his, and I’d definitely know they were related even if he hadn’t called herMom.
“Hi, honey,” she says, looking tired, her hair up in a ponytail, and I don’t think she has a bit of makeup on.
“What’s wrong? Dad?” I don’t know why, but I don’t like how scared he sounds right now.
I like angry Jasper. About to punch me Jasper. Virile. Strong. This—this is different. He looks like a scared kid as he waits for answers.
His mom gives him a tired smile. “Your dad is fine, but I was hoping maybe you could watch Logan? I caught an early shift, and they’re going to let me work a double.”
Just then, my eyes shift to the back seat of the truck and see a car seat with a small kid strapped in.
“A double? Mom, what time did you get home last night?”
She waves him off. “Doesn’t matter. I’m fine. Do you think it’ll be okay?” Her eyes drift toward the house, but no one is at the door—which surprises me since I know Kelly and John are wide-awake. I figured they would investigate a stranger on their property.
“Mom...” he starts but then shuts his mouth and nods. “Yeah. Of course. I can take him for the day.”
She offers a small smile and then seems to sigh in relief before opening the back door. “Logan, sweetie. We’re here.” I see the small boy is sleeping, barely stirring as she unbuckles him and then pulls him into her arms, his little head resting on her shoulder.
“He was excited to come here, but he was a little tired too.”
Jasper smooths his hand over the kid’s hair, and my breath hitches when I see the pure love on his face as he looks at the kid. Is he his? I estimate him to be around three, but what the hell do I know about kids?
I haven’t been around any kids since I was one. All I know is he’s really small and has the same color hair as Jasper and his mother. She hands him over to Jasper. It almost looks comical to see the big guy holding onto the small little body in his arms, but it’s obvious he’s doing it with care.
She hands him a little Spiderman backpack, which Jasper pulls over one shoulder while holding onto the little boy. “Thank you, sweetie.” She stretches up on her tiptoes, and Jasper leans down to let her kiss his cheek and then the little boy’s head. “I should be off work around midnight, so I can swing by?—”
“No,” Jasper cuts her off quickly. “You go home and sleep after your shift, Mom. I’ll bring him home in the morning.”
She looks like she’s going to argue, but her shoulders slump, and she nods her head, looking a little weary. “Thank you, sweet boy. Are you sure you’ll be able to do all your work today? And then handle him tonight too?”
Jasper just grins and adjusts the boy, who still hasn’t woken up. “We’ll have fun. I’ve missed the kid. Don’t worry about us. And you know Kelly will be thrilled.”
She looks pleased enough with that answer. “Thank you. And thank her for me too.”
Jasper nods and then his mom takes off, leaving the kid to Jasper. He glances over at me, his expression sayingdo not fucking say a word,and for once, I don’t. But Kelly does.
As soon as Jasper’s mom disappears down the drive, the front door bursts open, and Kelly is coming our way. “My boy!”
At the sound of Kelly’s voice, the little boy stirs in Jasper’s arms, and his little eyes light up. “Kelly!”
“Hi, kiddo! Did you come to play on the farm?”
He nods and then looks at Jasper. “Jasper!” He hugs him tight around his neck, and I watch Jasper squeeze him with both arms, a big smile on his face.
“Hey, kiddo. Nice of you to wake up.”
“I was tired,” he says in what I have to admit is a pretty cute little voice. His head turns toward me, and I can see the curiosity. “Who are you?”
