Chapter Twelve
Mitchell
“Make sure you follow through.” I guide my son on how to cast his fishing line.
The kids were out of school for a teacher's workday. I thought it only fair to take the day off and bring Jake out to the lake house to fish.
Ever since I was a young boy, the lake house has been my solitude, my place of peace. It was the same for my father and his. There is something about being here amongst the trees inthe middle of nowhere. The only noise around you is the sound of nature making itself known.
This is the type of silence and peace I need, because Ella Marie Scott is going to be the death of me. I’m convinced that woman is my personal temptation into hell.
A week ago, when her ass was pressed against my lap, the only thing that could stop my dick from getting hard was knowing that she’d just experienced something traumatic. However, watching that sultry look fill her eyes. A look that was so gotdamn full of longing and desire it almost sent me over the deep end. My son knocking at the door saved me from doing something I know now she would’ve regretted.
Ella is going through a vulnerable time right now. At the moment, I am her comfort, and I believe she’s confused about her feelings. I had no doubt that if I were to take it there with her, she would instantly regret it. The way she acted toward me the next day was a sure sign I was correct.
“I got a bite already,” Jake’s excitement pulled me out of my thoughts.
I place my rod down into the holder and go over to him. We were out on the lake in the skiff.
“That’s it, keep reeling.” I grab the net off the top of the cooler and head over to him. Jacob reels in a nice sized brook trout. Using the net, I helped him haul his catch onto the boat.
“Not bad, kid.” I say as I pull the fish out of the net and free the hook from its mouth.
“Take a picture, I want to show Cam.”
I chuckle as I pull my phone out and snap a picture of Jacob holding his trout by the mouth. Once the picture is done, we toss the fish in the cooler and go back to our rods. The calmness of the lake takes over us, and we settle into the silence.
“Dad, I like hanging out with you.”
I don’t care how tough a person you are, hearing your kid tell you they enjoy being around you will make you weak. I know that one day he’ll be a moody teenager that will probably think I’m annoying or lame, but I will always have this moment right here.
I clear my throat before I speak. “I’m glad, kid. I enjoy hanging out with you too.”
He turns to me with a big smile. “Really?”
I chuckle. “Hell yeah. You’re my best friend.”
“Thanks Dad. You’re my best friend too. Just don’t tell Cam.”
I pretend to zip my lips as if I’m holding a tremendous secret. We both turn back to the lake, watching our bobbers float on the surface of the water.
“I wish that...” He stopped speaking just as abruptly as he started. “Never mind.”
“Hey,” I turn to him, giving him my undivided attention. “What’s wrong? You can talk to me about anything.”
He looks at me and then back out at the water. There was so much of me in Jake’s face that it was like looking at a picture of myself.
“I wish Mom liked hanging out with me.”
The moment the words are out of his mouth, my stomach knots up. I have to fight to keep my face neutral. Is there something going on at home? Did she say something to him? Did someone else say something? I take a minute to calm down before I ask for clarity.
Forgetting about my fishing rod, I turn in my seat to face Jake. Leaning back, I fold my arms across my chest.
“Why do you think your mom doesn’t want to hang out with you?”
He shrugs his little shoulders. “She’s just always busy. We used to watch movies together, but now she doesn’t want to dothat anymore.” He takes another big pause. I don’t rush him to finish; I allow him to tell me his truth without pressuring him.
“The other night I overheard her talking to James. He was telling her I was too needy. He said that I needed to toughen up cause I was soft. Mom didn’t deny it. She just let him talk.” He drops his head. “I don’t want to be too needy.”
