Page 48 of Mike's Assistant

As I continued to watch them, Mike laid his massive head on my lap, his warm breath sending gentle puffs against my wet shirt. And in that serene moment, amidst the playfulness and familial bond forming, I realized that maybe, just maybe, we were all finding our own places home.

My phone on the table buzzed, and I picked it up. The display caused me to fall back into reality. Did I tell Mike? Do I ignore it? Fuck, why couldn’t CPS leave us alone?

Mike peered up at me. His golden orbs searched my face. I smiled down at him and placed my phone on the table. I’d tell him later. Right now, I wanted to savor this a little longer. Just a little longer.

Setting Boundaries

Mike

The morning sun painted the horizon in a blush of oranges and purples as I drove down the familiar road to pick up Jake for work. My heart drummed a unique beat, one mixed with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. Our relationship had evolved, taking on layers and dimensions that neither of us had quite expected. And while that thrilled me in ways words couldn't express, I also recognized the hesitation in Jake's eyes.

I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, my fingers tingling. I hoped he knew that no matter where our feelings took us, our bond, our friendship, would remain unshaken.

Yesterday was supposed to be a day of relaxation—a day for the boys, for us, for the semblance of a family. And it was magical, almost unreal. The laughter, the splashing, and that damn cheeky move when I drenched him… The memory brought a smirk to my face. But under it all, something gnawed at Jake, a shadow that flickered behind his eyes, a tension in his shoulders. Whatever it was, he chose not to share it, and that concerned me.

As I pulled up in front of his place, I took a deep breath, readying myself for the day and the challenges it might bring. But more than anything, I wanted to be there for Jake, to be a pillar he could lean on, especially now, when our paths were intertwining so intricately.

My phone vibrated with a text, snapping me out of my reverie. Glancing at it, I noticed it was from Jake.

Jake: Henry called and said you pulled in. We’ll be out in a sec. Just getting the boys ready.

I smiled, tapping out a quick reply. Jake was surprised when I told him Satchel Industries had a daycare in the building for all the kids of company employees. It was a free benefit for all staff.

Soon enough, the front doors swung open, and Jake, along with the two bundles of energy that were Sam and Abel, emerged. I unlocked the doors as the boys ran to my car and opened the back door.

“Hi, Scruffy!” Abel shouted, climbing into his assigned seat.

Sam followed suit. “Hi, Mike!”

“Good morning, guys,” I replied.

Jake stuck his head in and quickly buckled Sam before moving to Abel’s side and securing him in place. Who’d ever thought I’d have car seats in my car? I shook my head, disbelieving that this was my new reality. Even more disbelieving, I loved it.

The passenger door opening pulled me from my thoughts, and Jake slid into the seat. I quickly leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips. His eyes widened, but I grinned. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Jake whispered.

“Oooo kissing!” the boys squealed.

“Ha ha, very funny, boys. You don’t mind if Mike kisses me, do you?” Jake asked.

His little brothers tilted their heads as if thinking hard about the question. “It’s okay, Jake. I kiss Scruffy all the time.” Abel held up his stuffed lion.

I burst out laughing as I put the car in gear and started on our way. Jake joined, laughing at his brother’s reply.

“Okay. So long as you’re fine with it,” Jake said.

“We like Mike. It’s okay, Jake,” Sam said, not to be outdone by his younger brother.

Jake caught my eye, and I grinned. Leaning close, I whispered. “Guess this means I can kiss you anytime I want.”

Jake laughed and shook his head before looking out the window.

We continued our drive, the car filled with the soft hum of the engine and the boys' sporadic bursts of conversation. The towering silhouette of Satchel Industries came into view as a symbol of modern architecture and innovation. Jake's eyes briefly darted toward the skyscraper, but he seemed lost in thought.

Pulling into the parking structure, we found my spot right up front, near the elevators—being the CLO had its perks. Gathering the boys and our things, we made our way to the building's main lobby. I could feel Jake's curiosity growing with each step.

“Here we are,” I announced, opening a door labeled 'Satchel Industries Day Care.'

---