Down Too Deep (Dirty Deeds, #4)(104)

“He’s still got time,” my brother mumbled from beside me.

I slowly peered up at him, shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth. I’d asked Brian to be our backup tonight, just in case. My brother was in no way 100 percent positive Nathan was showing up. I could tell when we spoke about it over the phone. Now he was holding out hope right along with my son?

Okay. Weird.

I hadn’t seen Nathan since Wednesday night, but I had spoken to him. He’d texted and called throughout the day. He’d spoken to the kids. He’d told me repeatedly how much he wanted to see us, knowing I needed the reminder without me having to say it.

My heart was cautious now, but it was still my heart.

Nathan had assured me yesterday and this morning that he would be here. He’d sent me a text two hours ago, letting me know he was dropping Marley off with his parents and then he’d be on his way. He’d given me every guarantee.

I was terrified to see him. I was even more terrified he wouldn’t show up.

Gravel popped and cracked loudly behind me. Someone was pulling into the lot.

“Nate!” Oliver stepped over so he could be seen and waved his arm in the air. He wore the biggest smile on this face.

Peering over my shoulder, I watched Nathan park his truck.

“Bet traffic was bad,” Brian said. “It is Friday night.”

Again, I slowly peered up at my brother.

Arms pulled across his chest, he smirked at me. “I’m just sayin’.”

I felt my forehead wrinkle. What the hell is happening right now?

“See, Mom? I told you he’d be here. I told you.” Oliver stepped around his gear and got beside me. “Nate! Do you need any help?” he yelled.

“Nah, bud, I got it!”

I turned sideways and watched Nathan walk across the lot, carrying a coiled sleeping bag and the large black duffle he had with him on the Fourth. He wore military-green cargo shorts and a white Fighting Irish shirt that looked well loved. The writing and logo were faded. I wondered if he’d had it since college. I pictured Nathan wearing it after practice or a game. His muscles and abs covered in sweat…the material clinging.

Oh my God, Jenna. Stop it.

“Hey.” Nathan greeted the group when he reached us, his gaze lingering on me. “Sorry. Two of my servers called in sick right when I was about to leave. I got Tori to handle it, and then I hit the worst traffic.”

“Told you,” Brian mumbled under his breath.

I barely heard him. I was too busy focusing on the fact that Nathan had a work issue and still made sure he could be here. No matter what, he wouldn’t have missed this.

“You’re not late or anything,” Oliver was quick to say.

Nathan set his duffle next to the gear and bumped fists with Oliver before extending a hand to Brian. “How’s it going?”

“Good. You?”

“Good.” Nathan’s eyes slid to mine as their handshake ended. He gently smiled at me. “Didn’t think I’d show?”

I shrugged and was about to tell him I wholeheartedly feared it—what did I care if he knew?—but Brian spoke up first.

“I wanted to drop off that watch for him.” My brother tipped his chin at Oliver.

“Check it out. It’s got a compass.” Oliver stood in front of Nathan and tapped the face. “It’s cool, right?”

“Yeah. It’s very cool.” Nathan looked over at me. I looked over at Brian. Brian smirked.

What the hell? Is he in love with Nathan now too?

The Scout leader hollered above the crowd, advising everyone to load up onto the bus.

“Come on, Nate. Hurry. We gotta go.” Oliver grabbed his gear, carrying as much as he could over to the sidewalk while Nathan bent down and unzipped his duffle.

He pulled out his hat and slid it on. Backward, of course.

I refused to look at him. Fully, anyway. I did, however, have one helluva peripheral view.

Nathan carried the rest of Oliver’s stuff, a backpack and two canteens, and stood with him in line. I walked over with my phone, the camera mode ready, and bit my lip when Oliver turned his hat around to match Nathan. The line moved up and up as people loaded.

“Get together,” I instructed. “One quick picture before you guys go.”

Nathan stood next to Oliver with his hand on his shoulder and the gear at their feet. Their smiles matched now too.

I took the picture. “Want to do one more?”

“Mom, we gotta go,” Oliver said, hurrying to snatch up his gear.

I walked along the curb beside them, rattling off reminders to Oliver, mainly things about safety, which I was sure were being ignored and were probably unnecessary anyway, but I couldn’t help it. Before he hopped onto the bus, I pulled him into a hug and kissed him.

“Mom!” He groaned, leaning away.

“Sorry.” I laughed. “I love you. Have a great time, okay?”

Oliver hustled onto the bus. He dragged his backpack up the steps.

“Do I get a send-off like that? Because I want one.” Nathan paused at the door. He looked so fucking good—the eyes, the jaw, that neck of his. Ugh.

I fought a smile, along with my heart’s desire to hug him and hold on. “Thank you for taking him.”

“Thank you for letting me.”