Page 25 of By The Book
“Have you talked to him since this morning?”
She shook her head and blinked at the sting of tears. “I haven’t. I’m not sure how or what to say. I mean…what do you say?”
“It has to be addressed, Claire. That’s violence. Abuse.”
“Iknow.It’s just… I have to figure out the best approach. One that isn’t physical,” she added, pursing her lips.
“I think I got my point across.”
He stated it with a twinkle in his eyes and she found herself shaking her head. “I suppose instead of yelling at you I should be thanking you. If Dad hadn’t said— Oh! Lunch. I totally forgot. Dad’s making sandwiches and wanted to know what you like on yours.”
“Anything’s fine,” he said. “I’m not picky. Claire, are you going to be okay?”
The question gave her pause, but only because she wasn’t sure of the answer. “I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.”
Denz lifted his good hand and tapped his injured shoulder.
“Might be a little messed up but it’s here if you need it.”
Sweet. That was all she could think as she stared at the handsome man across from her and the air left her lungs. Today on the beach, she’d wanted so badly for someone to lean on and shoulder the burden and responsibilities, and here Denz was volunteering.
He’d taken a bold step where her son was concerned, but after talking with him, she realized it was out of fear for her and who Tommy could become if he continued on the way that he was. She reminded herself Denz was the type of man who ran into the burning building, not away. And he’d done just that with Tommy. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I-I should go. Come and eat when you’re ready.”
“Yeah. Okay.”
He moved to the door and opened it for her, and she felt small and feminine as she walked by him. She’d always been attracted to tall guys, but Scott had been lean whereas Denz was more solidly built.
“Claire?”
She paused on the landing and turned, her teeth sinking into her lower lip as she waited for whatever he was about to say.
“You’re a good mom. Don’t let this thing with Tommy make you think differently.”
“How do you know what kind of mom I am?” she asked, reminding herself as well as him that it had been a whole twenty-four hours since they’d met. Granted, a lot had happened in those hours, but still. She couldn’t let a handsome face and kind offer change her perspective when it came to his job—or his interest, if he even was interested in her.
“Sweetheart, you were fit to be tied when I opened this door, ready to defend your baby boy. That’s what a good mom does. What she doesn’t do is back down. Understand?”
Chapter 12
Claire waited until that evening to approach Tommy. Her father had left the house to take his evening walk, so she used the opportunity for what it was. “Turn off the television.”
Tommy’s face turned red and his mouth immediately set into a hard line, but he did as he was told. Small victory that was. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”
The words were softly spoken but firm, and she watched her son simply shrug. “Really? Nothing?”
“It’s my game.”
The air left her lungs in a loudhathat left Tommy flinching. “Your game. Who paid for it?”
“You,” he said begrudgingly.
“And who got it taken away because of his behavior and, I might add,illegalactions?”
No response once more. She shook her head, her entire body trembling from the force of her emotions. From the upset and anger and frustration of not being able to break through the shell he’d built around himself in the last year. “Tommy—”
