I shuffled backward a bit towards the kitchen where I could see the bathroom and everything, really, all easily. I didn’t hear any noises in the bathroom, though. So I assumed someone was hiding now.
“No worries,” Beckett closed the door behind him with a soft click.
What did he think of my small space here? Did he see the places that hadn’t been cleaned yet? Did he wonder how two people could stay in such a small place?
“How are you?”
“Fine.” I somehow kept the sir from slipping out, but I did look up at him briefly. In that one look, my knees threatened to give out. Those stormy blue eyes caused my stomach to swirl with need.
Crap. So not what I needed right now on top of everything else.
“You look tired.”
Well, that took away the feeling of needing to kneel.
“I’m fine.” I wasn’t, but who the hell cared about me? “I’ll...go see what’s taking Noah so long.”
I felt his heated gaze on me as I walked away. I knocked lightly on the bathroom door before opening it.
Noah stood leaning against the sink, eyes wide. “I don’t think I can go, Ashie.”
I slipped into the room, shutting the door behind me. Once I was right in front of him, I cupped both sides of his face, forcing him to meet my gaze.
“You can. Beckett won’t dare hurt you.” I spoke from my gut, knowing it had to be the truth. “He likes you. You like him. Get to know him and see what happens.”
He nodded as his shoulders dropped. “Just be you. What’s not to like, Noah?”
“Right. Be me.” He took a deep breath, which seemed to settle something in him enough. “I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.” I smiled, stepping back. When my hands fell from his face, he grabbed one, holding onto it tightly.
I lifted a brow but didn’t say anything. Instead, I led him from the bathroom and took note that he did at least have shoes on.
“Hello there, little one.” Beckett dipped his head to try to meet Noah’s gaze, who somehow ended up hiding behind me.
“Hi?” he squeaked, unsure and shy, which caused me to turn around enough to look at him. Was he not wanting to go? He had been so excited just minutes ago. What changed?
Or was it just Beckett? Did he bring out something in Noah like he did to me? Something that we didn’t exactly know was there until it popped up?
Swallowing past my dry throat, I squeezed Noah’s hand, hoping my last thought was it. If that was the case, then this boy needed more of a push than I really wanted to give.
“You...can hang out here for a little while.”
Noah nodded, pressing himself up against me even more.
“Sure we can. Lunch will be there when you are ready to leave, if you still want to go, that is. I’m fine with just staying for a bit. I can even go now if that’s what you want.”
“Stay?” Noah’s question was quiet.
“Sure, little one.”
“I’ll just...let you two....” I trailed off. I didn’t like the idea of Beckett in my place. The safe place that I had created just for me. It made things worse with the man himself anyhow. Nowhere would be safe as long as he was around.
Noah clung to me tighter, causing me to stay right where I was. Even if I wanted to move, I wouldn’t be able to.
“Do you have coloring books?” Beckett stepped forward just a tiny step. “Or we can play a card game. Or watch something. Or just talk.”
“How about you find something to watch,” I coaxed Noah. “While I go do the laundry.” I didn’t think right now was the best time to mention that we shared a bed. That’d surely put Beckett off, and ruin anything that may happen.
