Page 92 of Anteros' Return

“You told your teacher?” I asked from beside him as he nodded rapidly.

“Yeah! I told everyone. Some didn’t believe me but guess what? I didn’t care.” He seemed so proud to have Beck as his dad, and my heart fluttered at how happy he was. “Oh, Dad, guess what?!”

“What, mate?” Beckett laughed over the video, barely able to control the smile that split his lips.

“One of my teeth is wobbly! I know Ashton has lost more than me, but I’m catching up!” He used the tip of his tongue to wiggle his tooth.

“Wow! That won’t be long until it comes out, but I bet I’ll be back before then.”

“YES! I can’t wait for you to come home. How much longer?!” He squeezed my hand, waiting for Beckett’s answer.

“Sooner than you think. I should have been here another week, but it looks like I’ll be home in two sleeps. The team has already arranged the jet.”

“Two sleeps! Mum, did you hear that?! Dad is home in two sleeps!” He punched the air with happiness. “Wait, you get to go on a private jet? Wow!”

“I’ll take you on a jet one day, you and your mum. Now, don’t you have homework to do before bed?” Beckett asked, arching his brow in a way that made Liam laugh.

“Yeah, I do. I’ll leave you to talk to Mum. Bye Dad. Love you!” He handed me the phone as Beckett expressed his love back before Liam disappeared out of the room.

“How are you, cupcake?”

“I’m good. It feels weird without you here, though.” I blushed, twirling a stray curl around my finger.

“Tell me about it! I miss you, but only two more sleeps, and I’ll be back.”

“Yeah, I know. Not long.” I sighed, imagining being back in his arms.

He shifted in his spot, the muscles in his tattooed arm flexing as he settled into a comfortable position. I had to admit it was hard to tear my eyes away from him; there was something magnetic about his presence. His hair, dark and still somewhat damp from his shower, laid casually over his forehead, the strands catching the light and casting soft shadows across his brow.

“Nobody bothered you while I’ve been gone?” I knew exactly who he meant.

“If you mean Mike, then no. I’ve not heard from him, but I don’t think he realises you’re not here.” I didn’t know how true that was, but I didn’t care. Mike was a twat, and the thought of seeing him again made me sick with anger. “You don’t need to worry, though. He wouldn’t be so stupid to come around here again.”

“It’s Mike, though. That shithead can do anything if he wants to.” He rolled his eyes, clearly irritated by the thought of him.

“Hey, stop thinking about him. How are your physicals going?” I changed the subject, not wanting to end the call on a sour note.

“So, I’ll probably be out for the rest of the season, so they’ve said I can spend it back there with you and Liam as long as I keep up with my fitness and physio.”

“I’m sorry. I wish you were able to play. I know how much you love it.”

“Yeah, I love to play, but I also get to spend time back home with you and our boy. So, maybe at one time I would have been pissed off over it, but now I feel at peace with it, knowing I’ll get extra time with you both.”

“We’ll just have to make sure you keep up with what they need you to do so you’re ready for next season.” I smiled before stifling a yawn.

“You get some sleep, cupcake, and we’ll speak tomorrow, okay?”

“That sounds good. Usual time?” I asked.

“It might be a little later than normal. I have an intensive physio session. Will you be home all day after dropping Liam off?”

“Yeah, I have an order of cupcakes to make. It’s going to keep me busy all day.” I teased my lower lip between my teeth, hiding my smile but clearly not very well since he noticed straight away.

“What’s that smile for?” he questioned.

“The order is for your favourite cupcakes, actually—white chocolate and raspberry. The second the order came in I thought of you.”

“Make an extra one and save it for me,” he requested, knowing I would anyway, especially since he’d be back soon.

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