She got the sense he was about to lean in for a hug, but a five foot ten, stumbling teenager foiled the plan. Holden knocked into her, placing himself between her and Eddie.
“It’s actually McMillian now.”
Roxanne gasped and grabbed his arm, yanking him back. She was inches from his face and glared. “Not another word from you or I’ll leave your ass here and you’ll be wearing an orange jumpsuit by morning.”
Holden clamped his lips and gave a sharp nod. Roxanne turned back around to face Eddie. She forced a smile and shrugged.
“Kids, right?”
He narrowed his gaze. “So, you’re not married to his brother? I figured he was full of shit.”
“Yeah, he is. But I am a close friend of the family and the only one available to pick him up.”
“Rox,” he sighed, glancing around the yard. There were at least four other officers speaking with parents. “I got a protocol I have to follow.”
She held up her hands. “I know. And I wouldn’t ask for a favor, but as much as he’s a dumbass,” she hooked her thumb over her shoulder, gesturing to Holden, “he’s a really good kid and I promise, I will take him straight home and make sure he stays there.”
“These fucking kids.” He shook his head, sighing. “Why do people have them?”
“Because they’re super cute at the beginning.”
Eddie snorted, eyeing her. “Look …” he sighed. “I gotta talk to a few other parents, but I’ll be back. If you’re gone, you’re gone. If you’re still here, I got to take him in.” He slowly turned, and she didn’t waste any time. She grabbed Holden’s wrist and rushed through the yard and down the side of the house.
“Rox, you’re seriously the best …”
“Shut up. No more talking.”
This big-sister gig blows.
It took another ten minutes to get Holden situated and through traffic before they were headed for his house. She realized that this was the first time she could possibly come face to face with Jonah. It wasn’t the best of circumstances. As he pointed out, she didn’t fit into his life.Yet here I am.
Roxanne pulled down to the end of the street in front of his house. It was pitch black except for the porch light. She put the car in park but kept the engine running. She’d done all she could, saving Holden’s ass from being taken in and getting him home safely.
“You want to come in?”
Was he serious? A run in with Jonah was the last thing she wanted. She glanced down the driveway and saw Jonah’s truck parked near the garage.
“No.”
Holden pursed his lips and his face paled. “I really don’t feel good.”
When he cupped his mouth, she leaned across his lap, shoving the door open.
“Puke outside!”
Jesus, what was it with these McMillian boys and her car? Roxanne jumped out, rounded the bumper and made it to hisdoor just in time to see Holden vomit. She twisted her lips. The smell was instant, and she stepped back, covering her mouth.
Roxanne could’ve let him walk into the house on his own, just watching from the sidewalk. As long as he got inside, he’d be safe. When he stumbled getting out of the car, she grasped his arm, guiding him up the pathway.
He hooked his arm over her shoulder. “Thanks for doing this.”
Roxanne held her breath and turned her head away from him. His breath reeked of an unsavory combo of liquor and puke.
Holden tried several times to open the door but couldn’t get the key to make contact with the lock. After his third attempt, she’d lost her patience. She ripped the keys from his hand, opened the door and escorted him inside. The house was dark and quiet.
Holden tripped over his feet, slamming into the wall. She grabbed his hips to steady him. He was an absolute disaster.
“Look at me.”
