“Don’t talk about him like that. He’s not a thing. He’s a beautiful human being.” The more I speak, the more Kai’s lips turn into a smile. I went down like a pin hit by the ball.
“Aww, that’s so sweet.”
“Stop talking,” I say, gesturing to him to zip his mouth. “Instead, make yourself useful by helping me get this stuff upstairs. Don’t make too much noise because Jay could be sleeping.”
We make quick work of bringing everything upstairs, and maybe our “being silent” is too loud because the door opens before I can use my key.
Jay’s shocked expression at seeing the landing full of baby stuff nearly makes me laugh. He doesn’t even notice Kai behind me with his hands full of bags.
“What’s all this?”
“Baby stuff.”
“I can tell.” His eyes sparkle with mischief. “Did you really have to buy the entire store?” He bites his lips but the giggle can’t be stopped, and it fills the space.
“The lady there helped.”
“No kidding.” His lips twitch and he bites them harder.
I’m sure he’d have laughed if I wasn’t looking at him. “Don’t.” I stop him when he tries to reach for one of the bags. “Leave it to me.”
Jay raises his arms and moves away from the door, but not before sending a sweet smile my way, making my heart skip a bit.
“You could help me,” Kai says, poking his head between me and the door to make sure Jay sees him.
“No, he won’t.” I push him out of the way, and send a dirty look his way. I’m still irked by what he said downstairs, and how not too far from the mark he is.
“Hey, stop that,” he says, pushing me forward.
“I’d swat you away like a fly if it weren’t for the fact that Jay needs you.”
Jay is smiling when I turn around, and I like it very much. He looks so young and carefree, and so at ease in my house, as if he was always meant to be here. I ignore the nagging thought of wanting things to always be like this when it takes over my brain.
“Stop drooling.”
Fucking Kai. “Shut it,” I growl, while making sure Jay doesn’t hear me.
Kai’s laughter resonates inside the apartment, and filters out, echoing through the stairwell.
“Give it a rest and do your job.” I place the bags out of the way and Kai does the same.
“Yes sir.”
I want to punch him, but the idea flies out of my mind when Jay’s face, illuminated by a smile, occupies my vision.
“Tell him,” I say to Kai while pointing at Jay. “To stop doing things, and to rest.”
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
I want to kick my own arse when his smile dims a bit. “You’re not a burden,” I scoff, trying to be less of a bastard. “You’re here because someone attacked you, not because you are a burden.”
“Don’t listen to Mr Grumpy. He’s bitter because I’m better looking than him,” Kai says, and I roll my eyes when his brows wiggle up and down in a suggestive way.
My hand itches with the need to smack him hard. “Keep dreaming.”
Jay’s laugh fills the room once again, the sound light and a bit shaky. His face goes serious after a moment. “Seriously, though. Thank you for letting me stay.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just… don’t get yourself into the same situation again.”
