“He’s a lucky boy,” Shane says.
I nod. “His uncles, real and pseudo, they feel responsible because they were there that night. They offered to pay for my school and this house, and though I said no for a while, I finallyrealized if I didn’t take this step and leave Florida, I wasn’t doing justice to L.J. or the life he deserved. The guys have been great, although I really hope to pay them back one day.”
“What’s your relationship with hisuncles?” he asks, a hint of what sounds like jealousy in his tone.
“They’re like my brothers.”
He exhales a long breath, the rush of warm air hitting my shoulder. Then he slides his hand around and cups my breast in his palm.
Next thing I know, he’s flipped me over, reaches for his jeans to grab a condom, and slides into me, making me feel utterly owned as he takes me for a hard ride.
Early the next morning, Shane wakes me with a kiss. “I’ve got to get going.”
I roll my head to the side. “Are you going to be okay alone?”
“Are you offering to come with me if I’m not?”
I chuckle. “Funny.”
He stares into my eyes as he speaks. “I’m not kidding. Want to take an hour’s ride? I could use the company as well as the support.”
I sit up, pulling the covers with me. “You’re serious.”
He nods.
“Okay, then. No class today. Study group doesn’t need me. I can call in sick. Sure. I’d be happy to come,” I say, and I wonder what I am getting myself into.
CHAPTER FIVE
Shane
On the driveto the hospital, Amber and I talk more about our childhoods, how she managed raising L.J., and I learn a lot about her son.
According to Amber, he is a sweet boy with a good disposition, easy to get along with, hates baths, showers, and anything to do with water. On the plus side of that, he is a good listener, so she merely has to remind him and nudge him a time or two to get him to clean up at night. He likes superheroes and baseball. He also loves to read and is ahead of his grade. His favorite books areHarry Potter, and he is looking forward to making new friends in school this year.
I hope to meet her son soon, which is saying something, considering I never thought I’d be interested in a woman long-term, never mind getting to know her child.
Now I am focused on my immediate concern, dealing with my father. I stride into the hospital with Amber by my side, following the directions Margo texted to me, walking down the hall where my father’s room should be located.
From a distance, I see my dad, Margo next to him, slowly making his way toward us, my father’s hand on an IV pole as he walks.
“Incoming,” I say, gripping Amber’s hand, and she glances up at me.
“That’s your father?” she asks.
I nod.
We meet up with the other couple in the middle of the hall. In his hospital gown and slippers, his face pale, expression drawn,my dad looks much older than his years. Margo, too, looks exhausted, her dark hair pulled back, no makeup, as if she’s been at the hospital since my father was brought in.
“Shane! Margo said she’d called and you were coming, but I wasn’t actually sure,” my father says.
“I’m here. Hello, Margo.” I tip my head at my stepmother, the awkwardness between all of us a tangible thing. “Dad, Margo, this is Amber. Amber, my father, Zachary, and his wife,” I say stiffly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Amber murmurs.
“Same.” Margo smiles at Amber, her entire demeanor welcoming, while I can feel my father studying Amber, assessing her.
“Zach, you should get back to your room. The nurse said a short walk,” Margo reminds him.
