Just thinking about his face, about the intensity of his eyes, made her pulse quicken. She hadn’t been attracted to a man in a very long time. At least a year before her marriage had finally ended. Once she’d stopped having interest in Ted, it was as if her sexuality had died.
Failure could do that to a person.
But around Hendrix? Her sexuality was alive and kicking, even demanding a little attention.
Not that she could do anything about it. Her main focus now was in ensuring that Ryder would never suffer that type of despair. No matter what else happened, she wanted him to feel secure, well-loved, and appreciated.
With that in mind, she said, “You folded this so neatly, too. Great job, honey.”
“Thanks.” He threw his arms around her neck and treated her to a tight hug before scrambling back to his own seat.
“It’s a beautiful Christmas card, and I’m sure Mr. Becker will love it, but I think...” How did you explain something so sensitive to a child? “That is, I’m not sure Mr. Becker likes Christmas very much.”
Still working on adding stars, Ryder asked without looking up, “How come?”
She wondered the same thing. “Sometimes, people have sad things that happen to them and certain days or activities remind them of it.”
That got his attention.
“Remember how I told you I cut my foot on Halloween when I stepped on a broken bottle? For years, I didn’t like Halloween.”
“Cuz you cut your foot real bad, huh?”
“Yes. The bottle was in the dark.” And a jagged piece had gone completely through her arch and out the top of her foot. She hadn’t much liked the dark after that, either, at least not until her teenage years when she’d discovered how fun it was to be in shadows with a favorite boy. “After that, whenever I thought of Halloween, I remembered how my foot had hurt, and how I hadn’t been able to wear shoes for so long.”
Considering that, he looked at the card with doubt. “You think my card will make him sad?”
“No, honey, I didn’t mean that. I’m sure he’ll love the card.”He better, Joey thought. “But if he doesn’t say the right things, it might have something to do with him, and whatever might make him sad. Just don’t think that it has anything to do with you or your beautiful card.”
“Cuz my card is nice, huh?”
“Your card is amazing.” She reached across the table to tickle his chin. “Like you.”
Laughing, he ducked his face – and a knock sounded on the door.
Her heart shot into her throat.
“Mr. Becker!” Ryder popped out of his chair so fast, Joey barely managed to catch the back of his sweatshirt.
On edge, she spoke with a too-high voice. “Ryder, what did I tell you about never opening the door until we know for sure who it is?” Like her in-laws, she assumed that Ted had left town,but she wouldn’t take any chances. Not with her son.Not ever. “I’m the only one who opens the door, remember?”
“But it’s –”
“You assume that it’s Hendrix, but I like to make sure.” Because Ted was impulsive, and capricious. If he did show up, she couldn’t be certain of his mood.
Eyes widening with worry, Ryder lowered his voice and whispered, “Do you think bad people are here?”
They were alone in a massive RV park, away from town, with no one around but Hendrix. She would never trust Ted to stay away, and her in-laws were also a worry. “I’m sure we’re safe, but it’s always good practice to be careful.”
Solemn, he nodded, and then stared at the door with wide, fearful eyes.
Damn it, now she’d scared him.
When another knock came, they both jumped until Hendrix said, “It’s me, Joey. Open up.”
Letting out her breath with a great sigh of relief, she patted Ryder’s shoulder. But to be certain, she went to the window and peeked out.
Hendrix stood there, his head down and his brows gathered. He had his hands partially tucked in the back pockets of well-worn jeans. The wind played with his flannel shirt, flattening it to his torso in a way that showed off broad shoulders, a thick chest, and a flat midsection. Dark hair that usually covered the tops of his ears and the back of his neck, now blew away from his face and high forehead.
