“He’s still sleeping. That’s why I called you. He didn’t want me to even say anything and worry you, but I thought you should know.”
“I’m gonna come home.”
“Oh, thank you, honey. I know it’s an imposition, but—”
“But nothing. He’s my father. I’ll call up work and book a flight as soon as I get the details worked out.”
“I was so scared.” Her whispered fear tore at his heart. He’d never known his mother to be afraid of anything.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll text you when I know my plans. I love you, Mama.”
“Love you too.”
The conversation ended, and Adam tossed the phone onto the bed, then covered his face with his hands. All his life his father had seemed invincible; the one strength he’d never questioned.
“What’s wrong? Can you tell me now?” Rico put his arms around him, pressing close, his chest to Adam’s back. The comforting thumping of Rico’s heart steadied him. “Let me help.”
“It’s my dad. He had a heart attack.”
“Oh, shit. Is he okay?”
Welcoming Rico’s strong arms wrapped around him, Adam leaned into his solid weight. “Yeah. It was mild, but my mama’s shaken, and I am too. I’m gonna ask for a few days to go down there and visit.”
“You should. And I’m coming with you.”
Honeyed warmth poured through Adam. He wasn’t alone anymore. “Are you sure? I know things are crazy with the store and everything.” He gazed up at Rico’s strong profile, loving how the once harsh lines of his face had vanished. All Adam could see was his gentle smile.
“Let Gideon handle it for a few. My place is with you. If you want me, of course.”
Words failed him, so he pulled Rico down, their lips meeting in a hard, fiery kiss that turned sweet and soft; Rico nuzzled his neck.
“The first time I saw you, I wanted you, but that was pure lust. Now that I love you, I need you too.”
“Let me take care of the travel stuff. You call up work and deal with that shit.”
God, it felt so good to share this with someone. “Thanks. It’s overwhelming, you know?”
“Yeah.” Rico’s eyes glimmered; then he brushed his knuckles across Adam’s face. “But I’m here now. So no worrying.”
Adam nodded, his throat too tight to speak, and picked up his phone again to call his captain and tell him he needed the time off. Dixon was surprisingly gentle about it.
“Of course, Barton. Take as much time as you need. You have it coming to you anyway. Family first.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Oh, and I meant to tell you. The caterers you helped? Their story got picked up by the local news as their human-interest segment of the week. So when you get back, you’ll be interviewed by their reporter. The department loves these types of stories showing us helping the community. So you did good, even though I suspect you benefited personally as well.”
“Sir?” Adam’s heart stuttered. “I, ah, don’t know what you mean.” What had Dixon heard? Or worse—seen?
“Very well. I’ll let you go. But Barton?”
“Yes, sir?” He held his breath.
“Make sure you invite me to the wedding.”
Stunned, he looked at the phone in his hand, hearing Dixon’s laughter before he hung up.
“You look freaked out. You got the time off, right?”
