Page 31 of Game Over
“You know what else I’m excited about?” he asked, taking a bite of bacon as soon as she set his plate down in front of him.
“What’s that, honey?”
“My daddy comes home in sixty-three days! And this time he says he’s never gonna leave me again!”
Deke hadn’t mentioned his brother’s return, or the fact that he didn’t intend to re-up after this tour. Harper could tell how much it would mean to his little boy to have him home. “Really? That’s awesome! You must be so excited.”
His head bobbed up and down and he took a bite of his toast. “It’s gonna be awesome!”
Deke stepped out of his room and his eyes locked on Harper. “What’s gonna be awesome?”
Her throat went dry as her eyes travelled up and down his powerful body. He was wearing faded ripped jeans, a white Henley with the sleeves pushed back to reveal his dark ink, and biker boots. Lord have mercy. He was the sexiest man she’d ever—
His wink snapped her out of her perusal and she released she was practically drooling while innocent eyes sized her up. “Oh, hey, good morning, Deke.” She cleared her throat. “Drew was just telling me how excited he is that his daddy’s coming home soon.”
Deke curled his arm around his nephew’s neck before dropping a smacking kiss on his cheek, making Drew giggle and Harper smile. “He sure is. This little guy’s been counting down.”
“I don’t blame him,” Harper said, handing Deke a cup of coffee, just the way he liked it. “And he’s not going to re-enlist?”
“Thanks.” His lips quirked, as though he was remembering all the reasons she’d given him to thank her last night. “Uh, no, looks like he’ll be able to get a job in law enforcement here. He’s had enough. Being away from Drew hasn’t been easy.”
“I can imagine.” If she had a son like Drew she wouldn’t be able to tear herself away from him. She piled a plate high with food and handed it to Deke. “I hope you’re hungry.”
He chuckled, making her blush. “Yeah, I am. Must’ve worked up an appetite.”
“How?” Drew asked. “Sleeping doesn’t make you hungry.” He giggled. “Well, sometimes it does. Like this morning, I woke up with a rumble in my tummy and I couldn’t wait for Harper’s eggs and bacon.”
“Is that right?” Deke asked, poking him in the stomach, before he claimed the stool beside him. “Harper’s spoiling you, huh? Don’t count on this when your old man gets back though. He can’t cook for sh—” He caught himself just in time when Harper shot him a warning glance. “Uh, he can’t cook at all. Would probably burn the toast. Am I right, buddy?”
Drew laughed, nodding his head vigorously.
“You guys are bad,” Harper said, trying to hide her smile as she filled her own plate. “Well, anytime you want a home-cooked meal, you know where to find me. I love cooking.” She smiled at Drew. “Especially for you, kiddo.”
“You’re the best.” He continued munching on bacon before he said, “I wish you could be my teacher. I bet you’re cool.”
Deke and Harper shared a smile before he said, “I bet she is too.”
Harper had forced her job dilemma to the back of her mind, since Deke was paying her salary for the summer, but she knew she couldn’t afford to do that forever. There was no way she could afford rent on the apartment next door without a job, and she refused to take charity, especially from the man she was sleeping with.
“So, what do you two have planned for today?” Deke asked, eyeing Harper curiously. It was like he could sense her internal struggle and was trying to read her mind.
“We’re going to the zoo!” Drew said, curling his little hand around Deke’s wrist. “And Harper said she’d take lots of pictures, so I can practice drawing all the animals when I get home.”
“That sounds like fun,” Deke said, smiling at her.
“It should be.”
Her job status aside, she was determined to have fun with Drew today. She’d save her problems for another day. At least she had a paycheck… thanks to Deke. Ugh. She’d promised herself she’d never be financially dependent on anyone, for anything, yet if it wasn’t for Deke’s generous offer, she’d be screwed. And that didn’t sit well when she considered what would happen when Drew’s dad returned and she was out of a job.
“Uh, buddy,” Deke said, side-eyeing her. “Why don’t you run in and finish getting ready? Make sure you brush your teeth, comb your hair—”
“I know,” he said, with a heavy sigh as he jumped off the stool. “Be right back.”
Deke pushed off the stool and came around the island to meet her. “What’s that look about, beautiful?” His eyes were filled with concern when he tipped her head back so she was forced to look at him. “And don’t tell me nothing. I can tell something’s weighing on you this morning.” When she sighed, he said, “If this is about last night—”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s not that, I promise. I was just thinking about what I’m going to do about a job. I love spending time with Drew, but this is just a short-term gig, until your brother comes back.” She planted her hands on his chest. “And I really love being a teacher, Deke. I can’t imagine doing anything else, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get a job here.” Theirs was a one stoplight kind of town, perfect for retirees, but not much to offer their kids.
His eyes narrowed and she could feel his heart rate kick up a notch. “What are you saying? You’re going to start looking elsewhere for a job? What about us?”
