Listen to Your Heart(47)

“We’ll be happy to pick him up at eight,” Skye says patiently.

Eli grabs his backpack and mutters something about yo-yos before stomping toward the house. We follow him inside and watch as he collapses on the couch.

Jill sighs. “That kid’s getting such an attitude.”

“I can’t imagine why,” Skye mutters.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Skye squares her shoulders. “Eli, do me a favor? Go to your room and do your homework. Put on your headphones.”

“Why? So you guys can fight?”

“We’re not going to fight. It’s just an adult conversation. Please?”

Eli’s eyes search mine. “You guys will be back at eight?”

“Yes.” I nod.

Seemingly content with that promise, the boy grabs his guitar and backpack and heads to his room. Skye waits until we hear his door slam before turning to her former sister-in-law and unleashing her fury.

“It means that your kid is tired of being caught in the middle of his parents’ bullshit. He’s ten years old, Jill.”

“I’m well aware of his age, Skye.”

“He’s growing up and his parents are driving him crazy.”

“What am I supposed to do? I see him once a week and every other weekend.”

“And that’s a choice you made.”

Jill’s eyes actually well with tears. “Nick gets his kid and his career. Why can’t I have both, too?”

“Nick’s not an investment banker. His job doesn’t keep him on the road or in the air almost year round.”

“Maybe not, but it sure keeps him at the police station, doesn’t it? I bet Nick sees his kid just as much as I do these days.”

I can tell by the expression on Skye’s face that’s probably true, but she doesn’t say anything. Nick Douglas may be a slacker dad, but he’s still her brother.

Jill snorts. “That’s what I thought. I really should ask for sole custody.”

“Yeah, but you won’t, so let me talk to Nick.”

“Eli is not your problem, Skye.”

Problem? Problem??

That’s when I lose it.

“He’s nobody’s problem. He’s this awesome kid whose parents are driving him batshit crazy. Do you know what he asked me today? He asked me if adults fall out of love with their kids. No kid should worry about something like that. You and Nick need to get your shit together. He loves you . . . now, because he’s a kid and that’s what kids do. But he’s getting older. He’s not always going to love you no matter what. That time’s coming sooner than you think, so you and your ex-husband need to figure your shit out and quit tearing your son apart at the seams. The only reason the kid isn’t completely off the rails is because he has an amazing aunt who practically raises him and loves him like he’s her own child.”

Jill blinks rapidly.

“So, Mom, go make your son something for dinner that doesn’t taste like cardboard. We’ll be back at eight.”

I take Skye by the hand and lead her to the car. She drove to the house, but I open the passenger side door and help her in. She doesn’t say a word as I climb into the driver’s seat and start the car. It’s only when we’re on the highway that she finally looks my way. She doesn’t seem pissed, which I guess is a good thing. I meant every word I said, and I’d say it again. And I will, just as soon as I meet her brother.

“Caleb, that was—”

“Listen, Skye, I know it’s none of my business. I tried to keep my mouth shut, but when she called him a problem I just . . . I lost it. I teach kids all day long. They have no idea how great their son is, and for her to call him a problem? And then she yells at you when you’re the one picking him up from practice and taking him home with you tonight because she’s too busy to be a mother? Who the hell does she think she is?”

“Caleb?”

I sigh heavily. “Yes?”

“I was just going to say . . . that was hot.”

Oh.

“Yeah?”

“Really hot.”

Not the reaction I was expecting, but I’ll take it.

“However, you do realize I’m a fiercely independent woman. I don’t need you to defend me, especially to my brother’s ex-wife.”

“I do realize that.”

“Then why’d you do it?”

“Because I love Eli. And you.”

Skye smiles and laces her fingers with mine as I continue to drive.

When we arrive at her apartment, I get out of the car first and head over to the passenger side. But Skye’s already standing there, and when I reach out to take her hand, she pushes me gently back against the car and slides her arms around my waist. She kisses me then—a deep, wet kiss that leaves us both breathless.

“Sorry,” she whispers against my lips. “Just had to get that out of my system.”

“Feel free anytime. I didn’t know that defending your honor would be such a turn on.”

“Neither did I.”

“Hot, huh?”

“Very much so. I’m seriously reconsidering our no sex rule.”

“That’s your rule. I’m happy to reconsider it anytime you’d like.”