Chapter Ten
Megan was emotionally wrung out by the time she got home after working a few hours. She parked her car and started across the yard to her mom’s house. Her mother and Cole came out.
Her boy’s face lit up when he saw her. He toddled to her, arms raised.
She scooped him up, hugging her baby. “Hey, little man. You ready to go to story time?” Library story time was the reason she scheduled two Wednesdays off a month from her practice. Cole loved it, and she enjoyed taking him. Usually they spent the whole day together.
Catherine put her hand on Megan’s shoulder. “You okay?”
A lump tried to form in her throat, but she fought it. “I have to be.”
“Megan, let me take Cole to the library. You can use the time to figure out if having Adam at your house is really the best thing. You know you and Cole can stay with us.”
In her mind, she saw Adam’s face. First as he was listening to her problems and so there for her, trying to help. He had cared as best he could. She saw that now.
Then she’d told him about Cole. And anything he ever felt for her, any shred of caring, died in that instant. Regret lanced through her chest. Adam had looked at her exactly as her father had all her life.
She hated herself for that. If she had tracked him down and told him when she was pregnant, things might be different. They could have found a way to be friends, to do what was best for Cole. In time, he might have even wanted to be a part of Cole’s life. She could have helped him overcome whatever held him back. Been a real friend to him. Now he’d never trust her to help him.
Cole pressed an open-mouth kiss on her cheek, pulling her from her thoughts.
She looked into her son’s eyes and saw his sweet face so full of love. She’d screwed herself out of any kind of relationship with Adam, any kind of friendship. But that didn’t mean Cole couldn’t have something special with his father. She had to try. She had to give them a chance.
Turning back to her mom, she said, “I’ll be fine. Adam will keep us safe while I figure out how to fight whatever it is Nathan is doing. In the meantime, Adam can get to know his son.”
Catherine squeezed her shoulder. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. That being said, I do think you’re doing the right thing.”
“It’s not about me anymore. It’s about Cole.” She turned her son. “Hey, do you want Grandma to take you to story time?”
Cole held his arms out to his grandmother.
Megan laughed. “I think that’s a yes.”
…
By the time he and Logan had changed all her locks and installed the security system and motion sensor lights, Adam knew Megan’s house inside and out. It was a cute little place. Three bedrooms, open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen. She had a nice backyard littered with toys. But he hadn’t seen his son yet.
Cole had been with his grandmother at story time. Now he was taking a nap at her house next door. Megan had gone over to get the boy. He paced the light wood floor with both dogs, Ellie and Max, following him.
Adam paced through the living room, passing by a sliding door that led out to the backyard. Tucked in the corner of the room were bookshelves stuffed with books and cupboards that held toys. Above that, on the wall, were pictures of Cole—with his mom, his grandma, on a pony, playing with Max.
Tension ate through his muscles, and a low throb started in his head. He had no idea how to act. Or how to feel.
Max suddenly ran to the door, his long tail smacking into the wall from his enthusiasm.
Adam turned, trying to steel himself. He was going to meet the kid and assess the situation. Then form a strategy on how to handle this.
The door opened and Megan walked in, carrying their son. His gaze locked on them, and in that moment, he froze as he never had on the battlefield.
Cole had dark hair cut short enough to almost tame the familiar wave. His face broke out in a huge smile as he leaned over Meg’s arm and yelled, “Max!”
Meg bent down, releasing the boy, who threw his arms around the dog’s neck. Curious, Ellie edged forward. Finally she leaned forward and sniffed.
Cole looked up and squealed in new excitement. “Doggie!” He lunged at Ellie.
The dog raced behind Adam, leaning her whole body against the back of his legs. Little Cole toddled after the dog, screeching in joy. A powerful longing welled up from Adam’s chest and tightened his throat. How was it possible that he hadn’t even known the boy existed before today, and yet feel a strong connection? One that was both amazing and so damned painful at the same time?
Megan scooped up Cole before he reached Ellie. “Honey, the dog’s name is Ellie and she’s scared. Be gentle.” She looked up at him. “Adam?”
He gritted his teeth, desperately trying to drive back the tidal wave of hot agony. Except for the eyes, which were all Megan, Cole looked hauntingly like the pictures in the box.
Like Brady.
Familiar guilt rode him, a constant reminder of what he had done to his family. Destroyed it by allowing the heart of their family, Brady, to die. How could he trust himself to care for a son? It felt as if the entire house was closing in on him, pressing down from all sides and cutting off his air.
Cole giggled suddenly.
Adam looked down to see Ellie had edged up and licked the boy’s calf, exposed by his shorts.
Christ, he wanted to run, to escape, but he couldn’t, not until he finished the job in Raven’s Cove, and not until he made sure Cole and his mother were safe. Then he’d have to figure out how he fit into Cole’s life.
Summoning his will, he pulled himself together. “Hi, Cole.”
The boy stared at him with open curiosity.
Damn, his light blue eyes really were like Meg’s, except that Cole’s were ringed in darker lashes.
“Would you like to pet Ellie?”
The boy nodded, twisting and throwing his whole body over Meg’s arm.
Meg easily balanced him, obviously prepared for the movement. She sank down on the sofa, setting Cole on his feet and keeping hold of his hand.
Following her lead, Adam crouched down and put his arm around Ellie just in case. She was still healing, and they couldn’t be sure of her reaction. The dog leaned against his side. He looked down at the sweet Lab’s big brown eyes and stroked her head. “Good girl, Ellie.”
She smacked him in the back with her tail.
“Cole, go ahead.”
His son met his gaze and Adam felt something foreign kick in his chest.
With his mom’s guidance, the boy carefully lifted his hand and held it near the dog for her to smell. When Ellie lifted her head and sniffed his hand, the boy giggled, then plopped down on his butt.
Ellie went down to her belly, and army-crawled until she put her head in the boy’s lap.
Adam was riveted to the scene. Cole put his entire body into petting Ellie, and the dog reveled in the attention. Meg stayed close, while Max seemed unconcerned, stretching out beside Cole and sighing. The four of them looked so right.
His son had barely noticed Adam. It made his throat ache in a way that surprised him. He stayed crouched there, feeling like an intruder, yet worried that if he stood and walked away, Ellie would follow him.
Slowly, he stood. Ellie watched him but seemed content to stay with Cole and Max.
Megan bent her head close to the boy, and the afternoon sunlight streamed in, picking out the gold highlights in her hair. She laughed at something, her face glowing with joy. There it was again, that foreign feeling in his chest.
He didn’t like it. Didn’t want it. It had taken him a long time to learn to stop feeling. He’d never have endured his life after Brady otherwise. All the pictures of Brady were stored away. His parents refused to speak of him, unless they were drunk. Then the pictures and recriminations came out in words that cut Adam to shreds.
Silence was better. Not feeling was better. It was the only way he knew how to survive.
Megan moved up beside him. “He loves dogs.”
“Clearly.”
“He’ll get used to you.”
That got his attention. He looked at her, saw the strain in her eyes. “You weren’t going to tell me, were you? If you hadn’t gotten into this mess, you’d never have told me.” He kept his voice low and controlled.
She pulled her mouth tight, her gaze going to Cole playing with both dogs, and then back to him. “I was going to tell you. After Saturday night…” She trailed off, wrapping her arms around her waist as she stared at Cole. “I called you, but you didn’t answer. I got your message you were out of town.”
“You didn’t say it was important.”
She looked up at him, her face flushing. “You always do that. You shut down just like you did Saturday night. Then you leave.”
His gut brewed with the memory because for one moment when they’d stood at the door of that cabin, he’d wanted to tell her…things. But the words were locked down tight. Trapped. And it was better that way. “It was business, Megan.”
Her spine stiffened. “And that boy over there.” She indicated Cole. “He’s our son. He won’t understand that business comes before him. So you’d better decide what you’re really doing here, besides playing hero.” She sucked in a breath, her eyes darkening. “You’re not going to let him come to depend on you, then vanish when you can’t handle it anymore.”
He didn’t like her digging through him, touching raw places. He fought back. “You’re the one I left, not him. I didn’t know about him.”
Something vital drained from her, and she swallowed. She turned her entire body away from him. Shit, he didn’t have to be such a bastard to her. That was how his mother had lashed out and he knew what it felt like.
“I have to go.”
She nodded, starting toward Cole.
Adam caught hold of her arm, tugging her back. “I left the key to your new locks on your kitchen table.”
“You changed the locks, too?”
“I won’t take any chances with your or Cole’s safety. I also talked to Nathan. I told him I’d try to find his dog. He’s upset, says Celtic Fire is going into heat.”
She pulled her mouth tight. “And he wants to breed her.”
“Yes.”
She shook her head. “The strain of the pregnancy could kill her.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Megan…”
Jerking her arm back, she said, “I didn’t take her, Adam. I don’t know who did.”
He sighed. “The point is, if I find her, we can clear your name.”
“And then you’ll go back to Los Angeles.”
A ball of anxiety swelled in his chest. “That’s where my company is. I’ll have to go home after the golf tournament on Saturday.” He sucked in a breath. “I don’t know anything about being a dad. Don’t know how. But I’ll figure out a way to…” What? Hell, he didn’t know. He was so out of his depth here.
“What?” she asked softly, echoing his thoughts.
He shook his head. “You had nine months of pregnancy to get used to the idea. I haven’t even had a day. Give me some time.”
…
“Cole, leave the dog food alone.” Megan set down her untouched coffee and headed for the boy. He’d scooped up a handful of the dry food and was lifting it to his mouth.
She hurried across kitchen, knowing she’d be fishing it out of his mouth. Again.
“Cole,” she warned at the exact instant Adam entered the room. He scooped Cole up with one arm and caught his fist clutching the food in the other. “I don’t think so, C-Man.”
Cole’s eyes widened. He stared at Adam in surprise.
Megan halted halfway across the kitchen. Seeing Cole in Adam’s arms…it made her chest ache with the beauty of it. Adam wore only low-slung sweatpants, and his chest and arms were bare. That alone was a pretty amazing sight. But holding their two-year-old son…
Adam squatted down. “Put the dog food back.”
Cole opened his hand, letting the kibble fall back into Ellie’s bowl.
Adam smiled and stood. “There’s your mom.” His gaze locked onto hers. “Does he eat anything besides dog food?”
She couldn’t think of an answer. Adam just looked so…hot. Mussed hair, stubbled jaw, heavy tawny-colored eyes, hoisting their son around the kitchen. He opened the fridge and crinkled his nose in an exaggerated sneer. “Chick food.”
“Chick food,” Cole parroted, enjoying himself as he bounced in Cole’s arms.
“Got any man food?”
Cole nodded. “Man food.”
What happened to dark and pissed-off Adam? She knew this Adam—funny, charming, and sexy—but she hadn’t seen that side of him since the fund-raiser gala. “Man food would be food men search out and prepare.” She gestured to the kitchen. “Have at it.”
Adam grinned at Cole. “I believe we were just challenged. I don’t suppose you know how to cook?”
Cole giggled.
Adam ruffled the boy’s hair, then went back to the fridge and pulled out eggs and milk.
Megan picked up her coffee, finally taking her first sip. Heaven. Adam gave Cole a wooden spoon to hold while he gathered up more items.
“Uh, that could be dangerous,” she said, reaching up into the cupboard and grabbing a cup. She poured in some coffee and handed it to Adam.
He frowned. “Since when is a wooden spoon—ouch.” Cole caught him in the jaw.
“Careful, buddy.” Megan rushed up and latched onto Cole. The back of her hand slid along Adam’s bare skin and she froze. His eyes darkened, a slight flush rising on his cheekbones.
She felt the tension crackle from where they touched rocket straight through her. She even forgot to breathe. Then Cole threw himself into her arms, and the moment shattered. Instantly, she felt a wave of disgust at herself. Adam all but hated her now, was only being charming for Cole’s sake. After all, they were going to be forever joined through their son.
Unless Adam left and never returned.
Heaviness settled over her and she pulled Cole tighter. “I’m going to get ready for work. I’ll feed Cole at my mom’s.” She had to escape.
When she and Cole came back to the kitchen fifteen minutes later, she was surprised to see the table set for two plus Cole’s highchair.
“Good, you’re ready. Come eat.” Adam carried two plates piled with scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit to the table. “Does Cole eat toast?”
The smell of food made her stomach growl. She settled Cole into his highchair. “He likes it cut in four triangles.”
Adam leaned over her to set four triangles of toast on Cole’s tray.
She jerked her head up, reacting to his nearness. His scent and warmth crashed through her defenses. She wanted him. All of him, not just the charming guy, but all the layers underneath. The layers he refused to share with her.
Megan moved away, settling into her chair and feeling Adam’s dark gaze watching her. “Thanks for making breakfast.” She helped Cole eat his eggs with a spoon, but finally lost the battle and let him finish with his hands.
Adam set down his fork. “I couldn’t find any sign of Celtic Fire last night. Nathan has a security system. It was turned off.”
Her stomach clenched. She’d worried all night, about everything, but the most pressing problem was Celtic Fire. The few bites of eggs congealed in her stomach. “Adam, what if she wasn’t stolen? He’s doing this to set me up. Don’t forget someone called in that anonymous tip about the supposed bribe I took.” She reached for her coffee, desperately needing the caffeine.
He shook his head. “Nathan stands to make money from breeding the dog. Plus, he has a lot riding on this golf tournament. Sponsors are paying a good amount of money for advertising at the golf course. All kinds of important people will be there, including some regional TV stations. I can’t believe he’d start a scandal now.”
She frowned as she handed Cole his juice cup. “He tried to bribe me, then threatened me when I refused to take it.” Did Adam even believe her? People were going to talk once word got out that Nathan was accusing her. She’d lose clients. Who knew how bad it could get?
“I talked to Debbie, too,” Adam said. “She doesn’t appear to have the dog, but do you know of any place she could hide her?”
Megan rubbed her forehead. “No. I don’t know her that well. I’ve never seen where she lives.”
“But you went to Nathan’s house when they were married.”
She snapped her head up. Remembering Cole, she kept her voice level. “I didn’t steal the dog.”
“I believe you, Meg. I’m just trying to figure this out. Debbie could get into Nathan’s house and the dog would go with her, no problem. She’d also go with you, I assume.”
Megan’s neck tightened. “What do I do?” Glancing at her watch, she said, “I have to go, but I can make some calls at lunch. Or…” She had no idea what her next step should be.
“Go to work, but I need access to your financials. I want to see what the police might see if they subpoena your records looking for a deposit that might match the supposed bribe.”
Megan hesitated for about two seconds, and then realized it really didn’t matter. She had nothing to hide. “Fine.”
“You won’t like it, but I have some eyes on Debbie. Maybe she’ll lead us to the dog.”
She stood, getting a cloth to wash Cole. “I’d be surprised if she stole the dog. Before all this, I thought for sure she’d get custody. Seems like she has too much to lose.”
“You may be right, but I always check out every angle. That’s why I’m good at my job.”
Megan felt a flutter of relief. She believed Adam was good at what he did. He would get to the bottom of this and clear her name. “Thank you. For helping, for everything. I know how angry you are at me, but you turned on the charm for Cole, and I appreciate it.”
He pulled his mouth tight. “I’m trying to figure this out, Meg. I don’t know shit about being a dad, but I know it’s best for him if we’re civil.”
Yeah. Civil. Just what she’d always dreamed of.