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We texted the other guys to see if they wanted to join us, but they all begged off. I figured Brodie would, given he had to rest his voice.
Lennie knocked on my door around ten, and we headed out to do some shopping.
It was nice to have this time alone with Iain. Or almost.
Lennie looked at the two of us and shook his head. I didn’t think we were that obvious, but Iain did have beard burn. Still, Lennie said nothing. And I was grateful.
There was no problem. I had everything under control.
I wasn’t compromised.
If anything, I was even more aware of my surroundings now that Iain and I were lovers. Still, I knew I was walking a fine line.A dangerous one. If this thing between us continued, I’d have to tell my boss.
But I pushed that thought aside for now.
I’d asked Iain where he wanted to go, but he was keen on checking out the bookstore with me.
The shop was located in a historic building with high ceilings, ornate moldings, and crystal chandeliers. It felt more like an art gallery than a bookstore.
“What kind of books does Jaxon like to read?” Iain asked as we wandered through the store.
Iain’s question surprised me. And, despite my usual reticence on revealing personal stuff, even to a lover, I was warmed by his curiosity. Most people I’d dated in the past were either put off when I revealed I had a son or they didn’t show much interest. Either way, bringing a boyfriend or girlfriend into my life was not easy. If Jaxon didn’t approve, that was it.
“He loves anything about animals, outer space, adventure, and, of course, music.”
The children’s section was on the second floor of the shop. We found a section for readers aged nine to eleven, and they had a good selection of both French and English books. We began to sort through some of the bestsellers. I thought for sure Iain would be bored and beg off, but he looked through more than two dozen books, giving me his input.
“How about this one?” Iain asked. “Anne of Green Gables. It’s a classic and one of my favorites. The heroine is a spunky redhead, just like Jaxon. Or at least, that’s my first impression of him.”
I stared at him, surprised and warmed by his comment.
“He is all that. Spunky and more.”
“My… my mom used to read that with me,” Iain whispered. “She loved books, and music, and art. After she passed, I didn’t have the heart to read it again by myself. I was hoping thatmy dad would, but he found anything associated with her too painful to deal with. Me included.”
“I’m so sorry, Iain.”
My heart ached just thinking about what Iain went through. It made me incredibly protective of him and angry on his behalf since his dad checked out. I knew exactly how he felt given what happened with my father.
When Jaxon’s mom died, I was determined to ensure my child never felt alone.
“I guess I shouldn’t complain. Dad provided for me and brought in a nanny to take care of me. She was a kind woman, but it wasn’t the same. I missed my family.” Iain shrugged. “Anyway, reading is one of the few happy memories I have of my mom.”
“It’s important to hold onto those memories. And this is the perfect book for Jaxon, thank you.”
Iain nodded and swallowed hard. I slipped my arm around his waist. He tensed, but that didn’t discourage me. Iain wasn’t that different from me. We both had trouble showing our deepest feelings. And when we did, it left us with a vulnerability that we tried to brush off.
He removed his sunglasses and wiped his eyes.
Fuck me, this man.
I wanted to kiss him and take away all his hurt. Then I remembered that Lennie was nearby, watching us. Iain must have thought the same because before I knew it, he slipped his glasses back on and pulled away from me.
“What about a gift for your mom?” Iain asked.
I stared at him, frozen in place.
“Dawson?”
