Page 34 of Stray

“Don’t worry, Mama,” he coughs into his elbow before reaching into his pocket and grabbing his phone. “He’ll come.”

I stare down at the tear-stained boy, and my heart breaks for him. I can’t believe his mom would just abandon him on a stranger’s doorstep like this. I’m not a fan of kids. I’ve never really seen myself as a mom. It’s just not my scene. But still, I don’t think I could look my son in his wide, innocent eyes and say bye. I look up, and my eyes find Jackson. He’s talking on the phone to his older brother, Derek, but his eyes aren’t leaving me. His eyes shudder as though he is coming back into focus before he responds to something Derek must’ve said over the phone. And I wonder if he was thinking about what we just did. Does he regret it? Was he just swept up in the moment? Is this like a phone sex one-night stand?

* * *

Once Dorothy and Wyatt have fallen asleep, I make my way back to Jackson’s room with the bottle of medicine and tap on the door before walking in.

“Oh, hey Tink,” he sighs, coughing into his arm. I walk over and shake the container in his face.

“You need to take this medicine.” He looks at it warily.

“It’s liquid. I ain’t taking that.” He mutters before pulling the blanket over his head.

“Come on,” I groan. “That’s all I have.”

“Be gone, devil woman, and take that vile shit with you.” I look at the purple bottle.

“It’s grape-flavored.” There’s a muffled “ha” before he pops his head out.

“I’m not drinking that. Liquid medicine tastes like fucking ass.”

“Fucking ass huh? Well, I guess you would know. I’ve never partaken in such delicacies.” I hear him snort, but I walk over with the cup of liquid anyway. “Drink it.” He groans and rolls over.

“I am forty years old, I can handle a cold without that nasty shit.” I huff before walking to the other side to face him again—stubborn ass.

“You’re forty years old, but acting like you’re seven. Now take the damn medicine before I force you.” I warn, causing him to raise a brow.

“Sounds kinky, I’m game.” I try to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks at his comment.

“Come on, don’t make me fight you like I have to with your dad.” Jackson lets out a weak laugh before downing the cup and shuddering.

“Ugh, that is disgusting.” Rolling my eyes, I hand him his water.

“Stop being a baby. It’s not that bad.” He scoffs into his water before setting it on his nightstand.

“You wanna taste it?” I lean down so that I’m eye level with him and move towards his lips but stop myself. What am I doing? I can’t just kiss–

“Listen,” he whispers, and I feel his breath on my lips. “If you’re stopping because you need consent, baby, I’m telling you right now, your pretty ass has the consent to do anything, always.” I giggle lightly. How does he always make me feel so damn calm? I thought for sure I would never be able to look at him again after the phone call, but here we are.

“Put your hands in my hair,” I whisper and gasp as I feel his fingers on my scalp. My heart rate quickens, and I feel my flight response kicking in.

“Stay with me, Tink,” he whispers, pulling me back. I stare into his blue eyes before nodding.

“Pull me to your mouth.” I breathe, and he does. His lips consume mine, and… okay, the medicine is gross. I ignore it, though, as I whine against him. Jackson pulls my bottom lip into his mouth, running his tongue over it, and I let out a cry as I feel my arousal heighten.

“Shit,” I pant, pulling away.

“W-what? Did I hurt you?” He asks nervously, and I shake my head.

“No just… ummm…” I feel my face heating as I look away. “I’m just…” Fuck, this is so difficult.

“Tink,” Jackson says softly as he walks up to me. “Baby, talk to me. Can I touch you?”

“...yes,” I say softly and whimper when his arm wraps around my waist. The heat between us is almost too much. “Jackson,” I breathe as I press my back against his chest.

“Mhm,” he nuzzles into my hair, and my knees actually buckle. “Tell me what you want, Ozzy.” His voice is low and husky in my ear, just like it was on the phone, and I can’t help the shuddered breath that escapes me.

“I-I don’t know,” I whisper honestly. “This is… fuck, this is just really new.”

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