Page 25 of Due Process
“What? You think this is funny? See how you like it!”
Then he launched for Eli, tackling him to the ground.
Refusing to miss out, Phoenix struggled out of his mother’s arms to catapult on top of the wrestling boys.
It was messy, a social disaster…but it was us.
Stella and I watched on with a fondness and a certain ease that only came from familiarity.
Our boys were the third generation to make a solid connection between the Fosters and the Wrights. It wasn’t just friendship;we were family.
Just when their play fighting was close to turning into full-on brawling, Dylan stepped in and separated the two preteens.
“Let’s go for ice cream!”
They immediately ceased bickering and happily followed Eli’s grandpa to the ice cream truck, Phoenix toddling behind as he refused to be carried.
Stella and I were left alone, a silent comfort settling between us. She was sporting a genuine grin, which I hadn’t seen in a long time. I worried and thought of her often, but knew she processed things in her own way. Still, whenever she needed a safe place to fall, I would be there, arms outstretched and ready to catch her, each and every time.
A cool breeze swept her golden hair in all directions, strands flying in front of her face, blocking her line of sight.
Caught by surprise, she giggled, and I couldn’t help but wish to hear that sound forever.
My hands moved of their own accord, wanting to feel those soft strands slipping through my fingers. Unable to resist my most basic instincts, I stepped in front of her as my palms helped smooth her hair back into place.Rookie error.
My mind went haywire with the feel of her beneath me.
Why does her hair have to feel so silky? Why so soft?
Hold on.Why are my fingertips now stroking against her scalp… And why does the strawberry smell of her shampoo cause heat to rise beneath my skin?
Shit.
I was caught in an endless sea of blue, her eyes boring into mine, refusing to let me go. I was ensnared, entirely too happy with the circumstances I’d found myself in.
Until a brisk voice cut through our shared moment. “Stella?”
Her orbs flashed with irritation before she stepped out of my embrace.
So the fucking weasel finally decided to show up.I wished he had stuck to his usual schedule and stayed the hell away.
Stella had had a great day and was sincerely happy, which I hadn’t sensed from her in weeks. I didn’t want his presence to wipe that away. I didn’t want him to steal her light in order to feed his depraved ego.
When Stella turned to Felix, her features had smoothed into neutral lines.
“You came,” she said, her tone making the connotation blatantly clear.Why’d you bother?
His cold gaze flicked to me before he laid his attention solely on her.
Blank me all you want, asshole. I’m not going anywhere.
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I missed the—”
“I’m not the one you have to apologise to.” Stella tilted her head. “What’s so important that you missedevery single game, Felix? You couldn’t even make five minutes of his final? What’s so interesting at work to have you neglecting your family, huh?” She finished, anger lacing her voice. I could sense she was on the edge, about to implode.
Too early, baby.
Inconspicuously, I skimmed my fingertips against the back of her arm—a subtle impression to ground her, to tell her I was there if she needed me.I’ll always be here.
