Page 37 of Outlaw Heartstrings
I let my gaze bounce around her pretty face. “He’s a great kid.” I close Jagger’s door so Alba and I can have a tiny bit of privacy.
She nods, smiling softly. “He is. You’re…you’re going to love him.”
“I already do,” I say easily, meaning it with every fiber of my being. I don’t know if that’s normal, or if it’s creepy, but I haven’t felt this sense of fulfillment in a long time.
It’s crazy how, just a few days ago, I didn’t even know thislittle boy existed. Yet, now, Jagger has already taken over my heart.
Hell, even before I knew he was my own flesh and blood, I sensed this ridiculous connection to him. Now that I’m getting to know the kid, our bond is just growing more intense.
“I, um…” I drag my fingers through my hair. “Can I see you guys again soon?”
Alba nods. “Jagger would like that.”
But, would you?I want to ask. Because as much as I’m enjoying spending time with my son, I really would like to see Alba again, too.
As a friend. Of course.
Because Alba is my son’s aunt.
That means Ican’tlet myself be attracted to her.
I won’t allow it.
I’m not a fucking animal.
I won’t look at her ‘that way’.
Because Alba…is…my…son’s…aunt.
All day I’ve had to remind myself of that again and again. I’ve had to force myself to not notice the way her glossy red curls frame her high cheekbones and the way her hypnotic green eyes sparkle from behind her glasses and the way her peachy lips are a little bit glossier than the last time I saw her. I’ve literally been forcing myself not toseeher. It’s been painfully difficult.
I tear my eyes away from her yet again and open my own car door. I grab a small blue box from the glove compartment. I can’t stand the nausea in my stomach when I hand it to her.
“A paternity test…” she says softly, her eyes scanning over the packaging.
I swallow the knot in my throat. “Lincoln got it courieredas quickly as possible. There’s an instruction sheet inside but if you want me to, I can come over and—”
“No. I’ll follow the instructions.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” She adjusts her glasses and flips the box over a few times in her hands. She’s nervous about this. I can tell.
I try to make the process sound simple. “You just have to swab his cheek with the cotton swab thingie. The testing place says the results come back within three business days after they get the samples.”
“We’ll do it tonight before bed.” She glances to where Jagger sits in her car and her chest shudders on a heavy breath.
I hate that I’m putting her in this situation. But she’s been handling it all with grace, every step of the way.
When I glance into the backseat, I find Jagger with his head lolling against the window. He’s already dozing off. The kid is adorable.
I feel worry lines creasing my forehead when I return my attention to Alba. “You and I…we, uh, we still have a lot to figure out.”
She purses her lips before she nods gravely. “I…I know.”
“Text me when you’re free again?”
“Sure.” She smiles once more but this time, it’s clearly forced. After all that she’s been through, I hate being yet another source of stress in her world. But I need to be in my son’s life. That’s non-negotiable.
