Page 102 of Tempt

He goes back to his treat.

“We need to talk,” I murmur.

Kat nods, leading us out to the hallway before turning back and lifting her chin. “I’m sorry.”

She inches closer, leaning in.

Fuck, I want to wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. I’m craving the same comfort she is, but I don’t deserve it. Neither of us do.

“I should have been here,” I mutter.

Kat wraps her arms around herself. “You can’t control everything, Daniel.”

We move to let a group of nurses pass hurriedly by with beeping equipment on wheels.

“I lost track of him for a second. A few minutes, really.” Defiance chases across Kat’s face. “Besides, you needed some fun.”

“Fun?” I blink. “I’m a grown man with responsibilities, Kat. Not a student. I don’t get to drop everything and have fun.” She flinches, and I immediately feel like an asshole. “I shouldn’t have put this on you.”

My words don’t have the effect I’d hoped. She’s shutting down, withdrawing.

She got him to the hospital. Got him care. I remind myself of those two things.

But they raise another question.

“You’re not family. How did you admit him…”

Kat’s gaze widens on something behind me, and I turn to see Andy’s grandparents.

Mary looks between me and Kat. Her mouth opens and closes.

Fuck.

“Jesus, Kat.”

Her fingers brush my arm, but I shrug them off.

She called the same people who tried to take my kid from me once to take care of him. There’s no way they didn’t see us argue in hushed tones, me standing way too close to my nanny. It’s more ammunition for why I’m a terrible father.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” I murmur.

“I’m sorry.” Kat shoves the chips into my hands and takes off down the hall.

* * *

“Thank you for coming.”

Mary tucks her shiny grey hair behind both ears and looks between me and Andy’s room.

“Of course. When his nanny called, she was quite upset.”

I can practically hear the judgment.

I’ll deal with that later. For now, she steps back and I head into my son’s room.

“Hey bud.”

He doesn’t acknowledge except to finish his popsicle and reach over to drop the stick on the nightstand.

---