Page 114 of Mine For The Winter

Kris winced. “That’s not your fault. You’re just trying to keep a roof over your heads.”

She shook her head, feeling miserable. “I’m his mom. He’s just a little kid. It’s my job to know what’s happening.”

“You’re the best mom.” Paul had walked over to them and patted her on the arm. “No kid could ask for better.”

“See?” Kris smiled at her and she tried to smile back. “Let’s just get through the next hour or so and then you’ll feel better.”

She nodded and he smiled at her again, and it was funny how warm he made her. How safe she felt with this man. How much she wanted to believe in him.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Any time.” He leaned forward to brush his lips against her.

And then the door opened and it felt like everything went to hell.

30

Kris hadn’t seen Lyle in more than a decade. Since that night he’d asked Kelly to leave for London with him and she’d told him she was pregnant. He’d cleaned himself up, that much was clear. His hair was cut, his face tan, and he was wearing clothes that looked like they must have cost him more than a few bucks.

It was weird because behind the face of the man, Kris could still see traces of the boy. The one he’d been friends with since kindergarten. The one he’d got up to no good with, the one who was always by his side.

Until he wasn’t.

Kelly stepped out of Kris’ embrace, reaching up to wipe her fresh tears away with the back of her hand.

“Where is he?” Lyle asked Kelly, ignoring Kris completely. Had he even recognized him? Probably not.

“In surgery.”

Lyle nodded. “How long will it take?”

“About an hour. Then we can go see him.” She blew out a long breath. “I didn’t think you’d get here this fast. Aren’t you living in L.A.?”

“I’ve been working in Virginia.”

Kelly frowned and Kris knew exactly what she was thinking. Lyle had been in the next state over and hadn’t bothered to let her or Cole know. Hell, he could have made it to Cole’s father/son hockey game, or arranged to see him at Christmas.

A wave of fury washed over Kris. Lyle had cleaned up physically, but emotionally he was still an ass.

Lyle still hadn’t looked at Kris. He was too busy looking at Kelly. “I.. ah.. you have health insurance, right?” he asked her.

She shook her head.

“Fuck. I can’t afford to help with this,” Lyle said, wrinkling his nose as if it was Kelly’s fault. “My girlfriend’s pregnant. We’re trying to save for a house.”

“I’ve already taken care of it,” Kris said, because this asshole needed putting in his place. “I’m paying for it.” Lyle still hadn’t looked at him. He was too busy glaring at Kelly.

Had he really left her behind all those years ago to deal with this?

Kelly frowned. “No, you can’t.”

“I told him you’d say that.” Paul chuckled and shook his head. Kris had spoken to the front desk and the billing department would call him tomorrow. It was the least he could do while Kelly bore the brunt of the pain.

“I’m sorry, who the fuck…” Lyle finally looked at him. Recognition swept over his face. “Winter? Why are you here?”

“I’m here for Kelly. And Cole.”

Lyle looked from him to Kelly, his brows pinching as he took in their closeness, the way Kris was looking at her. The way he was still holding her back.

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