Page 28 of Secret
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Noam watched as Faith played in the backyard with Casper. He was amazed at how strong she was. He remembered her being kidnapped, then rescued after the 'Castrator' had led the police to a house. He didn't know all the details, but he knew she'd been sexually abused by whoever had taken her.
"She's a strong kid." Noam glanced at Kasey.
"She is. It's been hard, but slowly she's starting to get better. She doesn't like many people to get very close. Other than her dads, I think Beau is about the only other man she fully trusts. Just having her spend a few days with me was a big deal." Kasey smiled as Faith tossed a tennis ball across the yard.
"You're friends with her dad?" Noam was curious how they all knew each other.
"Yeah, one of my friends married her dad about a year after Faith came home. Matt was easy to get along with and the friendship came naturally, and you can't help but fall in love with Faith."
"And Beau?" Noam asked.
"Faith's doctor when she was first brought into the hospital. They formed a close connection. She's different around him, focused, attentive, interested. She wants to be a doctor like him when she grows up. He lets her follow him around when he's not really busy and sits down with her when he visits and teaches her little things. The girl probably knows human anatomy better than I do." Kasey sounded proud of Faith.
Noam nodded. "It can't be easy. I'm glad she's got a strong support network. Half the kids I see go through stuff like this are in foster care or the parents are the abusers. I feel for the kids. They don't have anyone on their side. We both know the state doesn't do enough for them."
"You've probably seen a lot." Kasey reached over and covered Noam's hand with his own.
Noam turned it over and linked their fingers again. It was natural to touch Kasey, to hold hands. They'd had an amazing time at the trampoline place, then had picked up some burgers and come back to his house to eat. He had one of the best nights he could remember, and it was spent jumping around and laughing. "What are we doing here, Kase?" He hoped Kasey didn't mind him shortening his name.
"You mean this?" Kasey lifted their joined hands.
"Yeah. I wasn't looking for anything really, but it just…" He closed his eyes and took a breath as he tried to think what he wanted to say. "I've been single a long time. I thought I was good with that, but suddenly, here you are, and I'm thinking about things I haven't in years. I don't go out holding hands with anyone. I don't talk about dating. I don't think about the stuff I think about when I'm with you."
"What do you think about?" Kasey asked, staring directly into his eyes.
The tension between them was thick, and Noam thanked God that Faith was right outside, forcing them to talk about things instead of act on them. "How you would feel in my arms, how it would be to sit beside you on the couch and watch a movie, lay on your lap, kiss you." His brain screamed at him to shut up. He was going to make things worse than they already were. The last thing he needed was to do any of those things with Kasey. It would only lead to them wanting more.
Kasey nodded. "I'm having a lot of the same thoughts, and like you, I didn't think I was looking for anything more than friendship. But since I met you, I can't stop thinking about all those things. I can't stop thinking about you. I feel like a sap because I want to call you throughout the day just to hear your voice."
Noam laughed. "You can call me anytime. If I'm busy, I won't answer, but I'll always call you back." He ran his thumb over Kasey's hand, still holding it tightly. "Can we take things slowly? I mean, if you want to. I don't want to push if this isn't something you want."
"Slow is good. It's really good. I'm in no hurry to rush anything." Kasey smiled. "But I would be lying if I said I just want to be friends. This is good." He lifted their hands. "And sitting on the couch, hugging, kissing, it's all good. We'll just take it slow and see how things go. No need to rush into anything."
Noam was relieved to hear those words. He needed time to be able to open up to Kasey and explain about his past. It wasn't something he told anyone about. He kept his secrets close. Telling Kasey wasn't going to be easy, and he wouldn't tell him until he absolutely had to. "It will be nice not having to shove my hands in my pockets to keep from touching you."
Kasey laughed. "I thought I was the only one doing that."
Faith and Casper came walking in from outside. "I think she's tired. She won't play anymore."
Noam laughed as Casper went to get a long drink of water before lying down under the table. "She was happy to have someone to play with. You're welcome to come play with her anytime you want."
"Maybe she can come play with Zeus some time." Faith took a drink from the cup she'd gotten with dinner that still sat on the table.
"Who is Zeus?" Noam asked.
"My dog." Faith grinned. "He's bigger than Casper, but I think they could still be friends."
"German Shepherd." Kasey smiled. "He's a good dog. Loyal to Faith above all others."
Noam was glad to hear that Faith had a dog of her own, especially one that could protect her. After all she'd been through, it was a simple thing that might help her feel secure. "I think Casper might enjoy that sometime. Maybe, we can go on a hike or something with them."
Faith eyes widened. "Can we, Uncle Kasey?"
"Well, that depends. Noam has to work the next few days, and your dads will be back Friday afternoon and will want to spend the weekend with you, so if we do anything, I'll have to arrange it with your dad in a couple weeks."
"Cool. That sounds fun and I think Zeus would love it." Faith looked excited.
