Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66516 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66516 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“All right.” He rubbed his palm over his temple and tried to wake up the rest of the way. “Come on in but keep them downstairs. I’ll wake Abe and we’ll be down there in a few minutes.”
“I’m awake,” Abe said hoarsely when Jason stepped back into the bedroom. He sat up and blinked rapidly. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Even sleep-rumpled and tired, Abe took Jason’s breath away. With no way to avoid the obvious, Jason admitted to himself that he had fallen hard. But this time he felt no panic, only a desire to shelter, protect, and touch.
“Everything is fine.” Jason sat on the bed and trailed his fingers across Abe’s jaw. “Kristen and Donny were worried about you, so Angela brought them over. If you’re too tired to—”
“I’ll take a nap later.” Abe pushed the blanket down. “They must feel terrible. I need to show them I’m okay and tell them I’m not upset.”
Touched beyond measure by how much Abe cared for his children, Jason wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a hug. “You amaze me,” he whispered. He kissed Abe’s neck. “I’m furious with both of them. Kristen should have come to us instead of taking matters into her own hands, and Donny….” He shook his head and sighed. “I don’t even know where to start with Donny. But here you are, barely out of the hospital and thinking about them.” He nuzzled Abe’s warm skin and knew he wanted to do that for the rest of his life. All those childhood dreams and desires he had abandoned long ago surged to the surface of his consciousness with a vengeance. “We need to talk, baby.”
“You know how much I like talking with you.” Abe snaked his hand between them and rubbed it over Jason’s erection. “But your kids are downstairs waiting for us, so I’ll need a rain check.”
“I really did mean talk.” Jason chuckled. “The hard-on’s just inevitable when you’re naked.” He nipped Abe’s ear. “Or clothed.” He released his hold and said, “Okay. Let’s go.”
A FEW minutes later, they were both dressed and walking down the stairs.
“Abe!” Kristen shouted as soon as Abe entered the family room. She ran over, fell into his arms, and burst into tears. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”
Jason knew how much Kristen adored Abe, so her reaction didn’t surprise him. What did take him off guard was Donny hustling over to Abe almost as quickly as his sister and, when Abe opened his arms, joining the group hug.
“I’m sorry,” Donny said, his voice rough. “I didn’t mean it.” He blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. “I don’t know why I said it, but I swear, I didn’t mean it, and I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I….”
“It’s okay,” Abe assured him. “I know.”
Donny tucked his face against Abe’s shoulder and trembled. “I thought you were dead. I thought I killed you.”
“I’m fine.” Abe looked up and met Jason’s gaze. “It was an accident. You got me help and stayed with me. I know you didn’t mean it.”
“Okay, everyone.” Angela walked in from the kitchen holding a bag from the bagel store and a stack of plates. “Time to get off Abe and eat breakfast.” She glanced at Jason. “I figured if we were going to invade your house at an ungodly hour on a Saturday, the least we could do was bring bagels.” She set the bag and plates on the coffee table in front of the couches. There’s cream cheese in the bag, and the bagels are presliced.” She walked back toward the kitchen. “What does everyone want to drink?”
“I’ll have coffee,” Jason said. “Abe?”
“Water’s good.”
“Kristen, will you please help your mother with drinks?” Jason said.
Kristen sniffled, nodded, and followed Angela.
Donny stepped back from Abe too, but he turned away and dipped his chin, averting his face.
Unsure how to approach his son but aware that he had to do it, Jason stepped close to him and said, “Donny?”
“Yeah?”
“Abe told me what happened.”
Donny’s shoulders slumped and he curled in on himself.
“I made an appointment with a therapist,” Jason continued. He had actually made the appointment before the previous day’s excitement, but that detail wasn’t important. “I realize you haven’t been willing to—”
“I’ll go,” Donny said. He slowly turned around and lifted his gaze. The usual anger and indifference were gone, replaced by sorrow and regret. “I didn’t mean to hurt Abe.” He swallowed thickly. “I didn’t.”
“I know,” Jason said. His boy suddenly looked younger, more vulnerable. “But you did hurt him. And your sister. You could have hurt that kid from your camp. And you could have been arrested for the pot.” Jason moved toward Donny and cupped the back of his neck. “Abe suggested that maybe a family therapist would be a good idea. I talked with your mother about it, and we agree.” They’d also agreed to start searching Donny’s room and his things. But that was a fact to share in front of the trained professional. “We’ve had a lot of changes lately. You and Kristen are spending more time here. Abe is in our life now.” Jason flicked his gaze to Abe and said, “And hopefully he’ll be moving in, so—”