“Hey,” he said. “You’re not alone. You sure you don’t want to stay with me?”
“Yes.” It was a generous offer, but he didn’t have room for them, and she couldn’t fathom how four feet of hallway would make a difference. It wasn’t worth the hazard of Cal growing more attached to Alex.
“All right. I’m right down the hall. If you hear or see or feel anything is off, I mean anything, you call me. Turn the deadbolt behind me.”
She nodded. Even if they weren’t a thing, she knew he would help in an emergency. If nothing else, the firefighter in him demanded that.
He kissed her firmly and left.
She went straight to the shower, piling the filthy clothes on the floor. What a roller coaster the last few weeks had been. From rags to riches, safe to being hunted, and alone to, well,notalone. She wasn’t sure how to define her relationship with Alex, but whatever they were, she didn’t feel so isolated anymore. But was that a good thing?
The irony was that Alex, without even trying, was ticking all her boxes. He’d handled in real life almost all the hypothetical situations she threw at her dates. And dealt with them like an expert. Taking care of Cal while she was sick, encouraging Cal to do something out of his comfort zone and climb the rock wall on the roof, handling Cal’s emotions after Charlie died, dealing with him wetting the bed, staying calm at the tree farm. And, of course, running around a burning building to save him. He seemed perfect, and he checked every box but one. He didn’t want the job.
To make matters worse, she could feel herself falling for him. She had to slam the brakes on those feelings. She was an adult and could deal with potential heartache, but she would not, under any circumstances, let Cal’s heart get broken. Alex had saved them, and she’d be forever grateful to him for that, but she still had to find a way to put some distance between them.
Worried it might already be too late, that Calvin had already become attached, she had to think drastically. Alex’s vacation idea had merit. She could use her credit cards to fund it and pay them off when the cookbook money came in. Perhaps it was time to meet Ellie. Certainly, England was too far for someone to follow her. As soon as she slept a little, she would research tickets and book something.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Alex arranged for some time off work. He’d promised Julia he’d be around, and working twelve-hour shifts for days at a stretch would make that impossible.
After a long shower and a longer nap, he went to check on them. Julia invited him in, and Calvin jumped into his arms and thanked him again for saving him. His voice sounded normal, which was a good sign he hadn’t suffered any internal damage from the smoke.
“Hey, little dude,” Alex said, setting Cal on the couch. “Whatcha doin’?”
Calvin had paper and crayons spread over the coffee table. “My letter to Santa,” Calvin said. “Sam’s helpin’ me with it. Wanna see?”
“Sure,” Alex said, completely unprepared for what came next.
The list consisted mostly of toys and games, but number one read, “Mr. Alx to b my dad.”
Shit!Alex’s mind raced. Julia had warned him this was inevitable and had done her best to avoid it. Alex agreed but thought he had more time. If it weren’t for the threats, he would have already walked away. Clearly, it was too late for that. If he abandoned them now, he’d be leaving them in physical danger. But if he stayed, Cal’s heart was at risk.
“That’s great, buddy,” Alex said. “Keep working on that while I talk to your mom, okay?”
Calvin returned to his list, and Alex walked to the kitchen where Julia was pouring coffee. “You want a cup?” she asked.
“No,” he said. “Thank you. I gotta go. Just stopped by to check in. Call if you need anything.”
She raised an eyebrow at his curt reply. Calvin came up behind him. “Mom, I finished my letter to Santa. Can you mail it?” he asked, handing her the sheet of paper.
Alex could tell when she read the first line. Her eyes met his and widened in panic.
“This is great, honey,” she said, her voice shaky. “Why don’t you find a safe place for it in your room? We’ll mail it on Monday.”
As soon as he cleared the kitchen, she turned to him. “I take it that’s why you’re running out of here?”
He nodded. “I don’t know what to say.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I’m an idiot,” she said. “I’ve been so cautious about keeping men away from him. So vigilant about sheltering him from this exact thing, yet here we are.”
“It’s not your fault,” Alex said.
“I thought a couple of neighborly outings would be okay, but I knew better. Now Cal’s going to pay the price.”
“I’m sorry, Julia. I really am.”
“Look,” she said, standing up straight. “You can’t come around anymore. I mean it this time. It’ll be too hard on him.”
