Page 38 of Fractured Grief
“What?”
“I’m a funny guy, so it fits, and no one else I know has a name like it, which is pretty cool.”
Showing off her gapped-tooth smile, she beamed at Lyric. “That is pretty cool.”
I couldn't help but wonder if Seb’s whole family was great with kids. Hazel had always been good with adults. I wondered how she’d cope with so many large men, especially Seb. I should have known my little one was stronger than that and a charmer too, just like her mother.
I moved around to the other side of Seb’s bed as Lyric and Hazel continued to chat.
“How are you feeling?” I asked Seb.
“Exhausted, but better now that you’re here,” his gaze caught mine as he reached for my hand. As Seb rubbed soft circles over my wrist, goosebumps ran up my arm. “I’m hoping we might get a chance to talk. I’d like to know what you’re thinking about earlier, but it could be a challenge.” He shot a pointed gaze at Lyric and Hazel, who were going through the Patty Cake song and clap sequence. “Can I have your number, and we could talk tonight?”
My cheeks heated at the smooth way Seb asked. I’d never been asked for my number before, and while it felt a little cheesy, I enjoyed the warmth and longing that danced down my spine at the thought of talking to Seb tonight.
“Sure,” I said as I passed him my phone. “Put your number in and I’ll call you tonight.”
His response gave me hope that we might be on the same page and could get to know each other better.
Chapter 19
Seb
Iwas both excited and nervous as I waited for Indy’s call.
The police had come and gone without much fanfare or hope of justice, but I didn’t really care. I couldn’t focus on the police when Indy stood so close. His hand kept brushing against mine, the touches so soft and teasing that I’d only heard half of what was said.
We’d all said our goodbyes after the police were done, and while I would have loved to stay with Indy and his adorable daughter, I was exhausted.
Seeing Indy with Hazel was different. He was so good with her, and the love between them was fierce. She was a beautiful kid. Of course, Lyric had been a hit with her, like he knew he would be. He wouldn’t let me forget it on the ride home, or until I feigned sleep to get him to stop talking.
Thankfully, I’d been able to nap for about an hour before Ma and Yaya had descended. Lyric called them during my nap to tell them about the accident.
Indy had loaned me a pair of crutches for the time being and mentioned bringing a new cane to my next appointment.
I was currently lying on my bed, stomach full of the fabulous feast Ma had brought from the restaurant, replaying every touch and moment from earlier. He was so compact as he pressed his body against mine. So confident in the way he kissed, taking my face in his hands and controlling the kiss as I was swept along for the ride.
I wondered what else he was confident in, as my mind ran away from me—closing my eyes as I daydreamed about more kisses and caresses. What would it feel like to hold him for longer than our chaste moments? I wanted to run my hands through his lush curls and tease my fingers over his tight little body.
Was his skin as smooth and soft as it looked?
How did he like to be touched?
What gave him pleasure?
Ring, ring!
I jumped, and I quickly fumbled to pick my phone up off my bedside table.
“Hello.”
“Hey,” Indy’s soft voice came through the speaker, a nervous edge evident.
“Hazel in bed and okay after today?”
“Yeah, she was worn out. Fell asleep before I could even finish reading to her.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke about her.
“She’s such a great kid. Thank you for allowing me to meet her, even though it wasn’t planned.” My stutter was more pronounced with nerves.
