Page 12 of Daddy’s Pursuit (The Daddy Guard #1)

Chapter Twelve

Jack could tell Litte Iris was glad to see him.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

He’d parked the car alongside the curb and was standing outside of it now, leaning on the open door as he looked at the Little.

He wasn’t sure if he should tell her he’d been to the apartment or not.

Then again, he wouldn’t lie to her. There was probably no way around it; eventually, he’d have to tell her.

Iris stepped closer. “Yeah. Just… walking.”

“Where you headed?”

She smiled, but it was forced. “Uh… maybe Auntie Athena’s.”

“That’s a long way,” he pointed out.

“I’m used to walking,” she replied with a shrug.

“Why don’t you hop in? I can give you a lift.”

He could tell she wanted to take him up on the offer. But it was also evident that she was hesitant to accept help. He respected that, but she needn’t feel that way.

“I can assure you I’m safe,” he added with a smile.

She giggled. “I know that . That’s actually why I’m going to Auntie’s nursery. I, uh, felt safe there earlier. I, sort of need to be close to it right now.”

He nodded. “Are you going to stay there?”

“I haven’t asked her.”

He nodded but didn’t say anything else, instead just waiting on her to elaborate.

More cars passed by on the street. A few people strolled past on the sidewalk. A lady, reeking of alcohol, who had to be at least seventy, smiled at Jack, made a phone with her hand and held it to her head, mouthing, “Call me.”

Jack chuckled.

He didn’t ask for her number.

Finally, Iris spoke again.

“I wasn’t going to let her know I was there. Maybe just… sorta sleep near it.” A tear escaped her eyes.

Jack couldn’t stand it anymore. He stepped away from the car door and kicked it closed behind him. A second later, he was standing in front of Iris, a reassuring smile on his face. “Do you need a hug?”

She sniffled and nodded.

He took the Little into his arms, closing his eyes and breathing in the scent of her hair. It felt so good to hold her. It didn’t matter that they were standing there on that pocked sidewalk, in between two street lamps—one completely out and the other flickering.

All was right in the world.

Jack gently swayed Iris for a few seconds before saying, “Let’s talk to Athena. She’d love to have you stay.”

“How do you know?”

He pulled away enough to look down into her tear-filled eyes. Placing his hands gently on her shoulders, he said, “Honey, do you know how I found you?”

It was time to tell the truth.

She shook her head.

“I didn’t just happen by. Auntie Athena was worried about you, so she asked me to drop by and just make sure you had everything you need. We aren’t trying to get into your business or meddle. But she cares about you. I do, too. Anyway, when I got there, I learned you’d been evicted.”

More tears streamed down her face. Jack hoped he wasn’t being too forward, but he had to wipe them away.

After gently running his thumb over her cheeks, he continued. “I’m sorry you’re having a bad night. But you’re not alone. And you’re sure not going to sleep on the streets. Hop in, honey. I’m driving you to Athena’s.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to impose. That’s Auntie’s home.”

“Yes, it is. But you’re not imposing. She loves sharing it with cuties just like you. Anyway, I’m afraid of that woman. I might be a cop, but I’ve seen what she can do with her paddle. I don’t want her turning that thing on me! And that’s what she’d do if she knew I let you get away.”

It took a moment, but Iris started laughing. Jack smiled even wider.

“I wouldn’t want that,” she said.

“That makes two of us. So, it’s all settled. You’re going to Auntie’s.”

He thought of offering his place, too, but that might be pressing her too much, too quickly. He didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. It was possible he’d already overstepped with the hug and wiping those tears away. Maybe he should back off just a bit.

That was difficult, though. Because he felt a pull toward Iris like he’d never felt before. How was she already capturing his heart? It just didn’t make any sense.

But it was real. Sense or no sense. Something was happening deep within him.

“In you go. Buckle up,” he said.

Once they were situated in the vehicle, he fired up the engine and said, “All right. Next stop, Auntie Athena’s. We’ll call her on the way and let her know we’re coming.”

Iris’ answer was meek and quiet. “Thank you, Sir.”

Jack pulled the SUV away from the curb and into the flow of the evening traffic.

He drove Little Iris toward the nursery but also couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to it. Was something huge happening here? Was this more than just a simple favor? More than a quick lift?

Because it sure felt like he was driving into their future. Together.