Page 84 of Every Bit As Perfect
His mom had swiveled the laptop away from her face to show him her TV tray outfitted with books, sudoku puzzles, the television remote, a water bottle, and a cup of herbal tea.
She then angled the laptop to show him the kitchen table which she told him was strewn with fresh bread, homemade cookies, and casserole dishes from her neighbors.
Breathing harshly, Daire dropped his head and rested his elbows on his splayed knees as his emotions battered him.
I slid my palm over his thigh and squeezed.
The laptop spun once again to frame a pretty woman with short, dark hair and large blue eyes focused intently on Daire.
She flicked me a glance and a quick smile before returning her attention to her son.
John cut in.“Daire, if you want to come, I’ll get you on the company jet tomorrow.But I’m working from home until she’s on her feet, so don’t worry about her being alone.I’ve booked her a follow-up appointment for a week from today.If you’re okay to wait, we’d love to have you and your girl for Christmas.”
He didn’t raise his head.“Mom?”
“I’m not going to say you can’t come.I know that’s the worst thing I can say.I will tell you I’m safer now than ever because John won’t let me off the couch never mind out of the house.And I’d much prefer to see you when I’m not hopped up on pain medicine.”
Daire blew out a long breath beside me.
His mom’s gaze found mine.She smiled warmly and fluttered her fingers.
I smiled back at her, enchanted by her already, and no longer so confused by Daire’s reaction.
It was clear they were close.As close as my family if not closer.It had been just the two of them since he was a young teen.And I knew what it was to worry over a family member.
She cupped her cheeks with her palms, squeezed her shoulders up, and beamed at me.
I laughed out loud.
Daire’s head shot up.Looking between the two of us, he barked out a laugh.“You’re trying to have a non-verbal conversation while I’m freaking out?”
“Something like that,” she murmured, nonplussed.“Harley, it’s so good to meet you!I’m Ashley.I hear you’re keeping my son on his toes!”
“Something like that,” I murmured back, much to her delight.
“Do you think you might come for Christmas?”
My gaze flickered toward Daire who’d yet to mention anything of the sort.
“Don’t pressure her, Mom.I wasn’t going to ask her until after Halloween.”
“We’re still new,” I blurted out.
Daire looked at me incredulously while his mother laughed out loud.
John chuckled in the background.
My face warmed.
Turning back to the screen, he grinned.“I’ll do my level best to get her to you for Christmas.”
He closed the laptop and slumped back in his seat.“I suppose you’re wondering why I freaked out?”
I stood up and swung one leg over his lap to straddle him.
He leaned forward and grasped my hips while I gently scratched his scalp, undoing the knot holding his hair back, and running the long, silky strands through my fingers.
He laid his forehead down on my shoulder, his hands rhythmically squeezing and releasing my round hips.
