Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

JASPER

Four days he'd been away. Four days of worry for the man who I knew would bear the brunt of caring for everyone but himself. Four days of him surviving on a handful of disrupted hours' sleep. And four days of me missing him like crazy.

Work didn't fall apart, which was a relief. It no doubt helped that we were close to the end of the school year, and all events had already been arranged and were ready to go.

Donnie, the assistant principal, was a bit of a prick at times—well, to me, given his thoughts about me dating the principal—but he was a familiar presence in the school and managed to step up and keep the place going.

Me?

I felt helpless .

Penny was looking after me rather than the other way around. And I'd deny it if asked, but I'd all but dragged her to sleep on the bed with me that first night. Since then, she happily jumped up each evening to keep me company.

But my worry for Austin was visceral. His sadness seeped into my bones, his anger and frustration kept me up at night, and what he'd told me just over twenty-four hours ago chilled my bones.

And I still struggled to process his words.

Frankie was the dad of a three-year-old boy called Tyler.

A child no one had known about, not even Frankie until a few weeks ago, when he'd still been out of the country.

But Delila, Tyler's mom, had died in the motorbike accident.

I pushed around the food on my plate, not feeling hungry.

"Haven't you got a job interview tomorrow?"

Billy's voice startled me. When I looked up and remembered he'd stayed for dinner, which made me a crappy host, I bobbed my head and apologized. "I'm sorry for being shitty company."

He gave a one-shoulder shrug. "Not a worry to me. I usually eat by myself, so I'm used to the quiet." He followed up with a wink and a grin, drawing a small laugh out of me. "So, interview, are you prepared?"

I picked up my wine and took a sip before answering. "I suppose so, yes."

"Be sure to keep up with that enthusiasm tomorrow." Amusement laced his words. "That'll do the trick perfectly for you not being offered the position."

I laughed. "Am I that obvious?"

"You could say that." He angled his head, studying me. "If you don't want the job, just cancel."

"I want to, seriously, but there's no guarantee there's a job here for me, and I can't not have a job for next year."

"When did you say the cutoff date was for the guy handing in his notice?"

"Literally the last day of term, which is shitty."

He nodded, sympathy shining through his eyes. "It is."

"I didn't make it to interview for the other jobs I applied for," I admitted, which made me feel even more pitiful. "It means if this job tomorrow is the only one in the pipeline, I have to go for it."

"And it's in Bornford, right?"

"Yeah."

"It could be worse. At least you'll be able to see Austin easy enough on weekends. It's what, just over three hours?"

I nodded. "I know, and we'll make it work." Determination threaded my voice, but then the reality of everything that was happening with Frankie slammed into me. I put my fork down, no longer able to even pretend to eat. I picked up my wineglass instead and took a big gulp.

Billy's hand reaching out and landing on my forearm had me jerking my attention to his. "Getting wasted probably isn't the best, though, right?"

He pulled his hand away, and I reluctantly agreed.

"Have you spoken to him today?" he asked, standing and collecting our plates.

"Only briefly. He's spent time with the social worker and has been in touch with a family lawyer, trying to ensure he's granted emergency custody. It's just a relief that Robin's been there and has an understanding of the system." Making my way to the dishwasher, I struggled to get my head around everything. But if I felt this lost, then I could only imagine how Austin and his family were feeling. And then there was poor Frankie, who had a hell of a recovery ahead.

Billy shook his head, wide-eyed expression on his face. "It's all fucked-up."

I snorted. "It really is."

"You said Frankie's name's on the kid's birth certificate, though, right?"

"Yes, thank Christ. It's the only thing making the process that little bit easier, I think." According to Austin, who had wrapped his head around events better than anyone, Frankie had hooked up with Delila doing a season in Tahoe as a snowboard instructor. Delila worked a bar there, and when the season was over, they'd parted ways with Frankie heading overseas.

It was clear Delila had no one. I couldn't imagine how tough it had been on her going through everything alone. While she'd had Frankie's name, she hadn't tracked him down until a few weeks back, which had led him finally to Chicago.

On the poverty line and struggling with Tyler's health—his asthma had had him checked into the hospital a couple of times apparently—Delila had finally reached out to Frankie. A neighbor was looking after his son when Frankie had been out with Delila. When she hadn't returned home, the eightysomething-year-old neighbor had called the authorities.

Feeling sick to my stomach, I needed some time, especially before I was due to speak to Austin again. To do that, I wanted to make sure I was as supportive as possible. I finished loading the dishwasher and said, "I'm going to grab a shower. You need anything before I head up?"

"No. All good. I'm just going to tidy up here. I've got a few things to do that I didn't get around to today, and then I'll head out."

"Thanks," I said, offering him a smile. Billy really was a great guy. I didn't know much about the man, but I liked and trusted him, and Austin was lucky to know him.

I showered quickly, aware it was later than I thought, and Austin had said he'd call by eight. Having washed off the day, I felt more human, enough for me to gather my thoughts. With a towel wrapped around my waist, I stepped out of the steamy bathroom, only to pause when I heard Billy's harsh voice. My brows flicked high, wondering who he was talking to, but they quickly lowered when I heard a second voice.

Someone was here. I'd assumed he was on a call.

From the hallway landing, the voices were clearer.

"Bullshit. His truck's here."

Anger slithered through me, starting in my toes and seeping its way through my veins until I felt my face heat. The bastard had a serious nerve. I headed downstairs, my gaze on the half-open front door. Billy stood there, shoulders squared. Pissed off was an understatement to the venom in his voice as he said, "You need to fuck off."

"Everything okay?" I asked.

Billy angled to focus on me, baring me the slightest glance and head bob, while Rupert's head flashed in my direction, his sly eyes slamming into me. A smirk formed on his face.

"I see." He laughed and shook his head. "Austin has a way about him, all right. Picks up guys who like to get some whenever possible, usually when his back's turned." He leered toward Billy. "I'm surprised. I offered it up to you often enough, but you never took me up on it." A cruel laugh followed. "You like them younger and barely legal. I get it. I'm sure Austin will too."

Bile rose, hitting the back of my throat. What the hell had Austin ever seen in this guy?

"I can have buddies of mine here in ten minutes unless you back the fuck off." The edge in Billy's voice was enough to slice through the air and have a lesser man shit himself. It made sense that Rupert, the scumbag he was, took a step back. "Austin has made it perfectly clear he doesn't want to see you, doesn't want you. Come here again, and a restraining order will be the least of your problems." With that, Billy closed the door. It shut quietly, controlled, and goose bumps prickled my skin.

"Shit, Billy, remind me to never piss you off. "

He gave a humorless snort as he turned my way. His attention fixed on me and he said, "You couldn't have got dressed?"

I winced and shrugged. "I reacted. Sorry."

He rolled his eyes at me and retreated to the dining room. Meanwhile, my heart settled, and I headed back upstairs.

As I pulled my tee over my head, my phone rang. I smiled, my heart racing like it did every time I was about to speak to Austin. Picking my cell up, I swiped to answer, Austin's tired face appearing on the screen. But then he smiled. The expression easing the exhaustion just a little and sending a thrum through me.

"Hey, baby." My grin was followed by a happy sigh as I backed up and lay on the bed, back against the bedhead.

His smile widened at my endearment. "Hey, back. God, it's good to see you, hear your voice."

I wished I could reach out and touch him, smooth back his hair, help ease away the fatigue biting at him. "How are things there. Any news?"

A heavy sigh passed his lips, and he shifted. I glanced behind him and realized he was on a bed too. "Yeah. They've sorted out a plan for the skin grafts for Frankie's leg. They hope to start next week. He'll be in for a couple of weeks here before he's released. They don't want him on a plane heading back home to Dad's until at least another two weeks after that, but then he should be good."

I nodded. "How's he handling everything?"

Sorrow darkened his eyes. "He's not great. Beating himself up over both Delila and Tyler. He's struggling." Austin swiped a hand over his face, and worry pinched my brow.

"And how are you?"

He shrugged. "Okay."

"No," I said, surprising the two of us if his wide eyes were anything to go by. I smiled a little. "Sorry, but no. I don't buy that. ‘Okay' is just as bad as ‘fine.'" I grinned then. "I didn't peg you for a ‘fine' type of guy."

I pulled a laugh from him, loving that I was able to. " Okay ," he emphasized, "maybe neither of those, but I will be. I'm just trying to figure everything out, work out what to do for the best." He pressed his lips together before exhaling loudly. "Frankie wants me to look after Tyler."

I froze, letting his words sink in, and wondering what that meant. Pulling myself together quickly when the silence stretched, I asked, "And what does that mean exactly?" My heart beat heavily against my chest, constricting my lungs as I grappled to control my reaction. Austin needed my support and understanding now more than ever.

"Shit, I don't even know."

Tears filled his eyes, and my heart squeezed tightly.

"I love you," I said, barely louder than a whisper. "You'll do what you need to do and get this all figured out."

"Fuck." His palm swiped over his face, though not quick enough to catch the lone tear trickling down his cheek.

"I wish I could be there for you." Emotion clogged my voice.

"Me too." He puffed out his cheeks, then smiled, seeming to gather himself. "But you being there, with Penny, at home, helps."

My lips curved a little. "I'm glad. I'm here for you."

He nodded. "Thank you." A cough followed, and he shook himself. "Anyway, everything okay there? School all right? Donnie being an asshole still?"

My snort caused amusement to flare in his eyes. "When's he not?" I shook my head. "But not really. He's fine. I think he's got it out of his system with a few distasteful looks sent my way. The good news is, I think he finally realizes I'm not sucking your dick just because you're the boss and I want a job."

Heat blazed in his gaze, and I squirmed under his scrutiny. "If cock sucking was a prerequisite, you'd have his job by now." His brow quirked, and a loud laugh burst from me. He then sobered a little. "You have the interview tomorrow?"

My humor dissipated. "Yes, tomorrow afternoon. I'll drive out in the morning."

He bobbed his head. "You'll nail it."

It was clear he was as pained by the whole thing as I was, but with so much else going on, we had to suck it up. I was lucky I had an interview. I forced myself to remember that. "Thank you."

"And Penny?"

"She's great."

"Thanks for taking such good care of her."

I shook my head. "It's Billy who's all over her care. I'm just here for the company at night."

"But still, thank you."

"I love cuddling up with her. She's good company."

A single brow flicked back at me. "You've let her on the bed, haven't you?"

It was an absolute statement buried behind that question. There was no denying it as a wide grin stretched across my mouth. "She's such a cuddler, though."

Laughter danced in his gaze. "She'll only get used to it and be a nightmare to get down and break the habit." He gave a careless shrug. "She'll end up sleeping between us, and then how am I going to wake you up with my mouth on you?" The words had the desired effect—my smile slipped.

"I'll make sure she's in her own bed tonight," I said quickly.

His pleasure at my response was immediate, and my heart stumbled over itself that I was able to pull him out of the harsh reality he was facing, if only for a short while.

"I miss you." Tenderness eased through his words, his happiness still riding them. "I'd better get going. I promised to meet Debbie for a drink. She's heading back home tomorrow."

I nodded my understanding. "I'll call you tomorrow after the interview."

"Sounds good. Sleep well."

"You too. Love you, Austin."

His loving gaze connected with mine. "I love you, Jasper."

Ending the call, I peered over at the end of the bed, where Penny was already perched. "Sorry, princess, but it looks like it's the last night for snuggling."

Her warm brown eyes focused on me as she lifted her head. Apparently not impressed, she angled over, lay on her back with her legs comically high in the air, and a soft pfft seeped out of her, making me gag and go cross-eyed.

I clamped my hand over my mouth and nose. "Now that's just mean," I said, dry heaving as I pushed off the bed and raced out of the toxic-smelling room.