Page 42 of Anteros' Return

“I think he had a good time.” I held out the takeaway bag for her. “Here’s yours.”

“Thank you. You really didn’t have to.” She blushed, the apples of her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as I stepped closer to her and invaded her personal space. "I'm surprised you even remembered my order.”

“I never forgot anything about you, Em.” I brushed a stray tendril of hair out of her face as she peeked up at me through her ebony lashes. “I missed you,” I murmured, the warmth of my breath trailing her delicate skin.

“Beckett, you’re here for Liam and that’s all…” She dropped her gaze and took a step back.

“Em…” My ice cold fingers brushed her much warmer ones. “I never said I wasn’t here for Liam, but?—”

“Don’t. Please just focus on your relationship with your son.” She stepped back, welcoming the distance between us. “Thank you for bringing me dinner home.”

“Emily…”

“I’ll text you later about Liam.” She closed the door softly behind her.

Fuck… This was so bloody hard.

15

Ihated every single minute of being around Beckett. Not because I hated him, but because I still had undeniable feelings for him. My body still reacted to his touch, no matter how small. My heart raced the minute I saw him, and I was brought straight back to being that teen in love with the school’s football star.

I had to make it clear that Liam was what he needed to focus on. Not me. We had our time, and now it was theirs.

I’d always love Beckett Ashmore, but some things were meant to stay in the past.

As I made my way towards the stairs in the hallway, my phone vibrated on the sideboard. Reaching for it, I saw his name flash on the screen.

I’m thinking of taking Liam to a match in London next Sunday, would he like that and would you be okay with that?

He’d love that. He does have school on Monday, will you be late home?

It’s an early kickoff, so we’ll be back at a decent time. He’ll get to meet the players too.

He’ll love it.

Em…

I watched the three dots dance on the screen as I waited with anticipation for well over a minute. What was he going to say?

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

It took every ounce of strength I had not to ask what he was originally typing, but I knew if I did, I’d open a pathway to something that should remain closed.

One week later…

Beckett had spent more time with Liam, but I kept myself busy, staying out of the way until the day arrived for Beckett to have his cast removed, the day we said we’d all go out together afterwards.

“So, are we picking Liam up from Harry’s after I’ve had this cast off?” He asked.

“Yes, and then we’ll take him to that new mini golf course. That’s if you still want to go?” I didn’t know if I sounded too hopeful, but I tried not to.

“Of course I still want to go. I’ve been looking forward to spending time with both of you.”

“With Liam, you mean?”

“No, with you both.” Beckett smiled as his attention was pulled away from me, the nurse calling him from her place by the door that led back to the exam rooms.

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