Just Breathe

Chapter Twenty-Three Gavin

I was just stepping out of my room when the front door bursts open and in comes Zeus running at full speed to me, followed by an extremely excited Logan, and Hunter with his know it all smug face. I’m already dreading the conversation he’s about to bring up, and he hasn’t even opened up his mouth yet. Zeus gets up on his hind legs and drapes his front ones over my shoulders and licks my face.

“Hey, buddy. You missed me last night, didn’t you?” I give him a good rub down and kiss his furry head. Once he’s had enough, he gets back on all fours and goes to lay on his bed right by my bedroom door.

“Hey Gavin! Mom said that you were gonna watch me and once she gets back that we’re going out for like a forever drive.” Logan is on a high sugar rush or something because he is going nonstop. He places his backpack on one of the kitchen chairs and goes to sit on the floor next to Zeus. I swear, that kid could just chill with that dog all day and be content. Before I can ask him if he’s hungry, Hunter pounces.

“Last night...” He says while wiggling his brows.  I just shake my head at him and shove him.

“You have to be at the shop for eleven. Don’t be late.” It’s my only response.

“Yeah, I know. Since your sorry ass isn’t going in today. Care to share? Cause, dude, you don’t ever not go in.”

He makes his way to the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee. He’s right, I always go in, even if I don’t have clients. I’m the owner, it’s my job to make sure everything is good, but after the conversation Bailey and I had, I knew I had to spend time with her to ensure that we were still on the same page and that, although we both have some baggage, we can pull the weight of it together, as long as we trust each other.

“Bailey’s off today, and I wanted to spend time with her and Logan. It should be a slow day, and if you need anything Carson will be in, in the afternoon.” I explain while grabbing my wallet and phone and placing them in my jean pockets.

“I can handle it. I take it things went well last night?” He leans back against the counter and sips his coffee.
“Let’s just say it went from nice, to great, to intense, real quick and when I say intense, I don’t just mean sexual.” I ran my hand through my hair, a nervous habit of mine. Hunter only raises an eyebrow at me and waits.

“Had a nightmare.” Was all I said in way of explanation.

“Shit.” Was his response. Hunter was the only other soul who knew everything about Travis and how my father pretty much disowned my ass and blamed me for his baby boy’s death. He clearly forgot that he still had a living son, but I guess that didn’t really factor in John McKnight’s head.

“I’m gonna go ahead and say that it turned out alright since you’re watching Logan and planning another date, which I may add, is on the very next day after the first one?” Hunter smirks.

“Yeah, it turned out pretty perfect. I just want to continue to build on us and make sure she gets that I’m not going anywhere, no matter her past.”

“Did she tell you anything?”

“Just that Logan’s piece of shit father left along time ago.” I whisper, not wanting Logan to overhear our conversation.

“Hmm…”

“What?” I push.

“I just think there’s more to it than just some fuck abandoning his kid and woman. I mean, she doesn’t have a phone. What woman in this day and age doesn’t have a phone? Especially a single mom. It just seems that there’s more to it.”

“I’ve already thought of all that.” I point out.

“You bring it up to her?”

“Talking about her past is like walking through a field of land mines, and I’m talking as in every little inch is covered in one. The few times I did mention it, even just a simple where did you come from, she about passes out on me.” I let out a frustrated growl.

“Just bringing up Logan’s father I feel like it set us back. I felt she put her damn guard back up completely just before she walked out my door.”

“Maybe she’s just afraid of your reaction.” He offers. What the fuck?

“Why would she be afraid of my reaction? I’ve never, nor will I ever, be aggressive toward her.” I all about shout at him.

“Calm your shit. Logan is looking over here, and looks about ready to piss himself.” Hunter shoves me out of the way and walks over to him. I let out a fucking frustrated breath and try to calm down before I make my way over.

“Hey bud, you hanging out okay with Zeus?” Hunter kneels down in front of him but stays a good two feet away from. Logan really does look like he is about to piss himself. Fuck! Just what I needed. To scare the poor kid so he wouldn’t want to hang out with me and probably make me take him back to his mom. Shit!

“Yeah.” Logan all but curls into Zeus to try and shield himself.

“Hey, listen. I know Gavin yelled back there but he would never hurt you, okay. Sometimes us guys just talk like that. We raise our voices without knowing it, but it’s all good, I promise.” Hunter moves a bit closer and Logan seems to relax a bit. I take Hunter’s position but stay back.

“I’m sorry bud, I shouldn’t have yelled. Hunter’s right, I would never hurt you. Ever.” I whisper.

“It’s okay, I just don’t like yelling.” He manages, a bit louder this time. I’ve never seen this side of him, and it doesn’t sit well with me. At all.

“I get it. I don’t like yelling either.” Hunter sits next to him and Logan doesn’t seem to mind. I take the moment and get a little closer.

“Really? It sucks. Especially when my father would yell at Bailey.” Logan’s guys bug out and his face pales. What the fuck is going on!

“Please, don’t tell my mom I said that. Please. She doesn’t want anyone to know.” Logan is all but crying at this point. I move in and wrap my arms around him and hug him to my chest. His little arms go around me, and he just lets me hold him.

“It’s alright buddy. I’m not gonna say anything. You don’t have to worry about grown-up stuff, alright? Everything is okay, I promise.” I rub his back for a few more seconds before he pulls back and shakes his head in agreement.

“How about you go wash your face from those tears and go put your shoes on, so we can go do some shopping for our trip this afternoon.” I push his soft chocolate brown hair back and lock eyes with a pair of green eyes that has owned my heart for some time now, without my knowledge. Logan throws me a bright smile and excitedly runs into the bathroom to freshen up, Zeus hot on his tail.

“What the fuck?” Hunter whispers.

“Yeah. My thoughts exactly.”

“I told you it had to be more than just some fuck leaving her. Just be careful bringing it up, yeah?” Hunter says while getting up.

“Yeah… but today is not about that. I don’t think either of us can handle any more heavy shit for the moment. Whatever it is, it’s definitely gonna make me want to search the son of a bitch down and inflict the same amount of fear that he has in that little boy.” I brush off my pants and walk Hunter to the door as we wait for Logan. Once he’s ready I put him in the truck and settle him in his car seat while Zeus sits next to him. I make my way over to the driver's side and Hunter is looking across the street pretty intently.

“What’s up?”

“Not sure. That piece of shit grey car is just sitting there, looking really out of place.” I look in the direction he’s staring in, and just before I can zero in on the car, it takes off. This morning has been way too fucking intense for me.

“Keep your eyes open. If you need anything, you know the number.” We do our bro handshake and pat on the back and head our separate ways. Logan is talking happily to Zeus and I’m just fucking thankful he’s back to his own little self. This day has got to end better than it has started.