Page 32 of Your Last First Kiss

“What?” Dillon and I say in unison.

“Well, he’s bigger than Ashton. Even if Ashton left any clothes at his house, he wouldn’t fit into them, so unless he plans to shovel snow in whatever designer made that suit, he’ll need some jeans at a minimum.” Turning to Dillon, he laughs. “You’re going to be here a while.”

“How long is a while?” Dillon’s gone a little pale.

Miller pats him on the back. “We’re in New England. There’s really no way to know. Come on. You can tell me all about what my idiot cousin did on the drive over. The TAC— Take A Chance—is across the street. I’ll plow a path for your Batmobile.”

“It’s a Tesla,” Dillon grumbles. He glances over his shoulder, and I cover my mouth with both hands when a giggle tries to break free at his horrified expression.

Just before he reaches the front door, he speaks over his shoulder in a hushed tone, “Kai is a good kid, Penny. But he was scared.”

Dillon holds my gaze for a moment, then glances around my home. Heat rushes to my cheeks as he takes in the mess that comes with having three boys and never enough time. He focuses on the pile of shoes for a beat too long and I pull at the hair elastic on my wrist. But when he turns his attention back to me, it isn’t judgment I find there. It’s something much more dangerous to my heart—understanding.

“I guess I’ll see you soon?” The hope in his tone makes me more than a little melty.

I nod and watch him walk out the door. The second it closes, air rushes out of my lungs like a popped balloon.

What the hell just happened?

“Mom?”

I turn to find Kai sitting at the bottom of the stairs. He has almost six inches on me now, but with his shoulders slumped and fear in his eyes, all I see is my little boy.

“What happened, Kai?” I sit next to him on the steps, and he rests his head on my shoulder.

A little boy so close to manhood but with so much left to learn.

“Dad,” he chokes out. “He went to talk to Mr. Blaine. I…I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t want him to ruin the one good thing you have for yourself.”

I wrap my arms around my not-so-little boy. “Kai, you’re not the parent, buddy. I am. And I can handle your father. But most importantly, my job isn’t the one good thing. I have you and your brothers. You’re the only ones who matter.”

He nods, and his shoulders shake against mine.

“I’m sorry your dad scared you, but you have to trust that I can take care of us, okay? You should have called me and let me handle it.”

Please trust me, baby boy. I’m working as hard as I can to provide for us. I just need a little more time to get all the kinks worked out.

“I—I know,” he whispers. “I knew as soon as the train took me into the city. But then I checked our family tracking app and saw he was in the train car behind mine. Mr. Blaine said he wouldn’t fire you. He said you’re good at your job.”

Once again, Eddy’s carelessness put my son in danger, and I guarantee he doesn’t even remember that app is on his phone.

“Mr. Blaine is a good boss,” I say into Kai’s hair.

“Dad was—” He chokes on his words, and I squeeze him a little tighter. “He was drinking. And he was really mad at the hotel. But I got so scared, Mom. He wanted to drive Gage to school, but I could smell the sour stink on him. I knew he’d been drinking, and it wasn’t safe. We—we had a big fight, and he—he…”

I close my eyes and pull Kai in closer. How can I be drowning with no water in sight? It takes a full minute before I’m strong enough to speak. “Did he hurt you, Kai?”

“He just shook me a little. I kept Gage in the house, so he didn’t see anything.”

I can’t hold the tears back. They fall from my eyes no matter how hard I try to force them away, but I refuse to make a sound. I hate Eddy with everything I have, but he gave me my whole world.

“I’m sorry you had to handle these adult things, Kai,” I say, wiping the tears away with my free hand before he can see them. “I’m trying to be everything you need, and I’ll do better, but no one, not even your father, has the right to put their hands on you. Not ever, do you understand?”

He nods against my shoulder, and I release a shaky breath. “I will always protect you. I promise, but I need you to trust that I can handle everything. And I’ll talk to Mr. Blaine in the morning. Then I’ll deal with your dad.”

“I…” His voice breaks with his first tears. “I know you can take care of us. And you’re the best. But who takes care of you?” He hiccups, and I hug him so hard my knuckles crack. “I’m sorry.”

Oh, sweet boy.