“Grow up, man.”
“Nope. Don’t wanna, don’t hafta. Growing old isn’t an option, growing up is.”
“I hate you.”
Fletch grabbed my shoulders to pull me toward him, then kissed my cheek. “But I love you.”
I pushed him away. “Don’t do that.” I wiped his kiss from my cheek. “People will think we’re gay.”
Fletch blinked. “We’re not?”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s your answer. Great sex with me, and no babies.”
“Come home with me.”
“No. You’re not my type.”
He rested his head on my shoulder. “You can be on top.”
I shoved him away. “Find a nice girl and make babies. If you’re lucky, they won’t look like you.Ifyou’re lucky.”
***
Nursing a slight hangover the next morning, I dragged myself to the office. I booted up my computer, then left my desk to brew coffee. While I waited for it to percolate, I pondered Fletch’s dire premonition the previous night.
You’ll fall in love. And when you do, she’ll find out what you are. And pull an Elsa.
“I won’t fall in love,” I muttered thickly. “I can’t. Ican’trisk my heart, or Declan’s, ever again. Jacy is our nanny and that’sallshe is.”
Returning to my computer, I called up my e-mail while sipping my coffee. I scanned past the usual client list, deleted the spam, planned to read the daily stock reports within a few minutes. A strange address caught my attention. I set my coffee on its warmer, then clicked on the message.
Greetings, Avery. I’m in town and will pay a visit to your office at noon sharp today. Don’t even think of not answering your door. Avoid me at your peril. And remember, I represent the governing council. Should you decline to chat with me, you’ll never see your son ever again.
Chapter Seven
Jacy
I gestured toward the playground and the kids on recess under the watchful eyes of their teachers. “Do you wish you could go to school?”
Declan ate his sandwich, munching while watching the kids play, swing on swing sets, play dodgeball and tetherball. “No. I like you teaching me.”
We sat in the park not far from the elementary school, having brought a picnic lunch in a cooler. With the summer nearing its end, and autumn on the way, Declan and I often walked through the town. Though I kept a watchful eye out for Carter or his goons, I saw nothing of either.He doesn’t know where I am. I’m sure of it now.
“Don’t you think you’d want to make friends with other kids your age?”
He shrugged. “Maybe. I have you, max and my cats. And my dad.”
“That’s true,” I mused. “The neighborhood kids seem nice. You might make friends with them.”
“Yeah.”
Eating our lunch, I pondered the years ahead. Declan turning ten, then fifteen. He’ll get his driver’s license. He’ll attend the local high school, play sports, maybe date a nice girl. By then, he’ll have outgrown his need for a nanny. Avery will saythanks for the memories, time for you to leave my house. Then I’ll go, perhaps find another nanny job.
Declan suddenly asked, “What are you thinking about?”
His intuition is at it again.“That one day you won’t need me.”
“I’ll always need you, Jacy,” he said, his tone fierce. “Don’t ever leave. Okay?”
