Page 10

Kelly

In that sacred space between awake and sleep, my ringing phone jolted me up to sitting. No one called this late, except maybe my parents and only in an emergency. We didn’t have a close relationship. I doubted they even knew how old Wyatt was.

I picked up my phone and saw the number I’d saved in my contacts. Bearly Baked. It was late, so why was Gideon calling me at this hour?

“Hello?” I asked, realizing my voice was groggy.

“I’m so sorry, Kelly. Did I wake you?”

I cleared my throat. “No. I was almost asleep though. Is something wrong?”

“No. I couldn’t go to sleep without talking to you.”

I leaned against the headboard, wishing the circumstances were different. If I was a different omega. If I hadn’t been hurt before.

“Okay. Talk.”

He chuckled low and deep. I closed my eyes, imagining he was next to me. That laugh would certainly make my body come to life. His lips would graze mine. It would be the beginning of a night of lovemaking and bliss.

“I wanted to apologize for being so forward today. I realize you’re just out of a relationship and you’ve got Wyatt to think about. That was wrong of me.”

“No,” I protested almost before he ended his sentence. “I was flattered. I really was. But yes, I have Wyatt to think about.”

“That’s why I have another proposition.”

“Go on.”

Another chuckle. This time lower and even sexier. “How about a friendship? I really like being around you and Wyatt, and I could use a friend.”

“You can never have too many in my opinion.”

Gideon sighed. “I think that’s true as well. Thank you for giving me a chance. So, friend, how about lunch this week? There are so many fantastic places to eat in Oliver Creek. I have this Saturday off. Would that be good for you?”

“Can I bring Wyatt?” I asked. I couldn’t afford a sitter, and the daily drop-off rate for the daycare center was a bit much.

“Please do. He’s always welcome as far as I’m concerned.”

“I would love to, then. Meet you at the bakery at noon?”

“Sounds perfect. Good night, Kelly.”

“Good night, Gideon.”

I hung up the phone, but there was no way in hell I could sleep after that conversation. It somehow made my deer fall even deeper for the alpha. I’d turned him down for a date but he still wanted to hang out with me as a friend and with Wyatt?

He couldn’t be more endearing if he tried.

I got out of bed and made myself a cup of tea. I hoped Gideon was able to sleep tonight. Running the bakery and then making cakes must’ve been hard work. Running a business was hard work.

And this hardworking, sexy, handsome man was making time for me. As a friend, of course, but the gesture and the meaning behind it struck me right in my heart.

I would have a hard time not falling in love with him, but I would try.

Tea in hand, I went to the living room and tackled the pile of laundry waiting for me. It was a chore, but I loved folding the little shorts and shirts my son wore. I would have to go to the thrift store in town soon. He was growing like a fertilized weed, and the T-shirts were becoming crop tops by the day.

After the folding was tackled, I cleaned up, trying to rid myself of the chains of overthinking. I checked my bank account.

Goddess, I needed to find a job and quickly. I had enough for us to make it on meager means for about three to four more months, but that was it. I had nothing else to fall back on.

Something would come up, I told myself. It had to.

I could ask Judson for child support, but he would string the whole thing with a legal mess and trouble and threats. He loved to threaten me. Keep me scared. Because scared equaled control, and my ex mate loved nothing more than to be in control.

I’d rather work two jobs than to ask him for a dime.

Despite the two cups of sleepy tea, I was wide awake. I tried a hot shower but as I lay in bed, the only thing I could think of were my troubles and Gideon. He was one of the troubles.

I couldn’t let my heart get broken again. I was still picking up some of the pieces from Judson.

Gideon wouldn’t break my heart; I was sure of it. He was so kind and observant. He saw that I didn’t want to give Wyatt more sugar. He picked up on little cues no one else would ever notice.

Even so, there was a speck of doubt inside me.

I had to figure out my life before I involved anyone else.

My deer didn’t like the idea of keeping Gideon as a friend, but he was also happy I didn’t dismiss him altogether. This way, we would get to spend time with him.

This way, my heart wasn’t on the line.

I groaned, rolling over to bury my face in the pillow.

Who was I kidding? I wanted Gideon. A part of me needed him in my life.

Damn this human mind of mine. Debating. Changing opinions. Flipping from one thing to another.

If only I could let my deer take the lead and lean in to Gideon. Let him ease all the doubts I had and take up the life I deserved. Happy. With a fated mate.

If only.