Page 60 of One Pucking Secret
“Let’s get you two out of here. Before the media shows up.” My words are hushed, for their ears only, as I shepherd them toward the back exit.
The corridor stretches before us, the dim lights overhead casting long shadows that seem to chase us as we move quickly, Jasper’s small hand squeezed tightly in mine. My heart thuds in my chest, not from the game anymore, but from the need to protect, to shield my little family from the drama that’s brewing just beyond these walls.
The flash of cameras blinds me as we burst through the doors, questions hurled at us like snowballs. Jasper’s grip on my hand tightens, his small frame pressing against my leg. I scoop him up with one arm, shielding his face with my shoulder.
“Keep moving,” I murmur to Chloe, taking her hand in mine and keeping my eyes lockedstraight ahead as we push through the sea of flashing lights and shouts.
We’re a fortress in motion, Chloe’s presence steady at my side as we finally break free from the crowd and make it to the safety of my car. My pulse settles as we pull away, the paparazzi shrinking in the rearview mirror. But relief is short-lived. As we approach Chloe’s place, another horde of vultures awaits, their faces etched with greed under the harsh glare of camera flashes.
“Damn it,” I mutter, hands tightening on the steering wheel. A hard U-turn, and we’re away again. When I peer into the rearview mirror, Jasper is blessedly already sound asleep.
“Chloe, you and Jasper are staying with me tonight.” The words are firm, leaving no room for argument. “Hopefully, they’ll scatter by morning.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t have come,” she whispers, voice shaking with the weight of our new reality.
“None of this is on you.” I glance at her in the dim glow of the dashboard, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Your place isn’t safe right now. We can’t risk those jackals camping out on your doorstep.” The very thought ignites a protective fire within me.
Chloe nibbles on her lip, contemplating. Her concern is palpable, a tangible thing in the close confines of the car.
“Move in with me.” The offer hangs between us, heavy with implications.
“Move in?” Her voice is a soft thread, taut with hesitation.
I glance at her, my gaze unwavering. “Yes. I want to keep you and Jasper safe. My place has better security, and we can be together. Plus, Jasper needs stability right now.”
Chloe’s brows furrow. “But is this permanent, Wyatt? What does it mean for us?”
I take a moment to consider her question, the weight of it sinking in. “If it makes you more comfortable, it can be temporary, for now,” I offer, choosing my words carefully. “Just until all of this blows over. But if it feels right, perhaps it can become permanent. I’m all in, Chloe. With both you and Jasper.”
Her gaze softens, but there’s still a flicker of apprehension in her eyes when I dart a look at her. “But what if it doesn’t work out? What if…”
I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. “Chloe, there’s no pressure here,” I assure her, and damned if I don’t mean every word. “You can leave anytime if it doesn’t feel right. Ijust want to be here for you both, in whatever capacity I can be.”
She nods slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Okay,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Great. There’s more than enough room. One guest room can be Jasper’s, the other a playroom or whatever you want.” To my own surprise, I find myself excited about the prospect of redecorating to make room for the two of them.
“Really? You’d do that for us?” Her breath catches, a mixture of hope and disbelief coloring her tone.
My hand again finds hers resting on her thigh, and I squeeze gently. “For you two? Anything.”
But as much as I’m looking forward to having a full house, doubt bubbles up within me. Can we make this work? Am I cut out to be a father full time? I suppose there’s only one way to find out.
Chapter 21
Chloe
The faucet gushes, afrothy mountain of bubbles rises in the tub. We’re at Wyatt’s—Jasper’s makeshift overnight haven, complete with his Mario toothbrush and dinosaur PJs folded on the counter. Thankfully, Lainey was thoughtful enough to sneak into my apartment and pack an overnight bag, dropping it off for us while the paparazzi gathered outside our building. While it’s still up in the air when I’ll be able to return and gather the rest of our necessities, it’s comforting to know we have people we can depend on.
“Careful, it might be hot,” I say, voice steady as my fingers test the swirling warmth. My son’s laughter echoes off the bathroom walls, his hands sending the rubber ducks bobbing across the water.
Seeing those little ducks, the kid-sized towel Wyatt bought, and the bottle of bubble bath beside the tub—it all hits me. He was preparingfor Jasper, thinking ahead in ways I hadn’t expected. There’s even a couple of kids’ books stacked on the counter. It’s a small thing, but it’s sweet. And for a moment, I can forget about everything happening outside.
“Look, Mommy, they’re racing!” Jasper chirps, eyes wide with innocent delight.
“Best duck swimmers I’ve ever seen,” I return with a smile. The chatter of hockey fans and society pages creeps into my thoughts, a relentless tide of curiosity and judgment. I watch Jasper, his small hands creating waves for his toys, oblivious to everything that’s been going on. At least that much is a relief. “Mommy, look! It’s a duck tower!” Jasper’s gleeful announcement pulls me back, and I force a chuckle at how he’s stacked his ducks in a floating pile.
“Wow, you did a good job balancing them. Make sure the bottom duck comes up for air,” I tell him, and my heart clenches, because how do I make sure Jasper does the same in a world that’s ready to label him, to judge him for my past and Wyatt’s fame?
