Page 26 of Beating Heart
I’d already failed him when it came to giving him the perfect family.
I couldn’t control what his mother did, but I sure as shit could control what I did. So I woke every day, determined to provide the best I could for him.
Most of the time, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but I was trying.
I got him into the tub, and we washed him up quickly before drying him off and helping him slip into his pajamas. We had his teeth brushed and hair brushed in record time, and he didn’t even fight me when I carried him to bed. He dozed off quickly, and I dropped to sit in the chair beside his bed as I sent a quick text to Doc Dolby asking what I should do. He said to keep an eye out for fever, but hopefully, it would pass. He told me to make sure Cutler stayed hydrated, and if he woke up during the night, to give him some Gatorade or ginger ale, which, of course, I didn’t have on hand. I said I had apple juice, and he said that would be fine until I could get to the store.
I made my way out to the kitchen and started cleaning up the vomit before sending a text in the group chat.
Cutler just vomited exorcist-style. We’re talking liquid exploding from his little body like aliens had invaded. I won’t be at work tomorrow, King.
Romeo
Oh shit. That’s the worst. Poor Beefcake. Do you need anything?
River
That sucks, dude. Let us know if you need anything. I can drop it off.
Hayes
I’m at the firehouse tonight, but I’m off tomorrow. I can swing by if you need me.
King
You know that vomit freaks me out. I have a very sensitive stomach. But for Beefcake, I can deal with it.
River
How are you ever going to have children with all of your sensitivities?
King
Are you kidding? I’m ready to put a dozen babies in my girl.
Hayes
Fuck you, King. What did I tell you about that shit on the group text?
I barked out a laugh. Kingston loved fucking with Hayes, and I had to admit, I found it very entertaining. There was a knock on the door, and I set my phone down and moved toward the door.
When I pulled it open, I was surprised to see my neighbor hurrying away from my porch. There was a six-pack of Gatorade and a box of Saltines sitting there.
“Hey, what are you doing?” I asked, and she turned around, eyes wide like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
“Oh. Hey. I was just dropping these on your porch for you.” She turned around to face me, but it wasn’t the drinks that I was staring at now.
It was the white tank top she was wearing and the little pajama shorts.
The light from the moon was shining down on her, making a silhouette around her pretty face.
Her tongue swiped out and ran along her plump bottom lip, and my dick sprung to life with no warning.
I didn’t miss the way her eyes traveled down my bare chest before snapping back up to meet my gaze.
“I heard you might need these.”
That wasn’t the only thing I needed.
