Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(49)

“Of course, but my understanding of parenting is less than yours. You grew up with a mother and father, in a home. You can draw on those memories. I have no working knowledge of that kind of relationship.”

“You’re a hell of a lot closer to normal than I am. You still have emotions. You feel things. Kids need that.”

“You have emotions, too.”

“Not the right kind,” he said bitterly.

She stepped close and wrapped her arms around him. “I’ll be there, for as long as you need me. I promise.” She glanced up and smiled. “And when he’s asleep, we can have sex.”

Gideon gave a strangled laugh. “You’re not boring, you know that?”

“I’m glad you think that.”

* * *

“WICKED,” CARTER SAID, walking to the slider and opening it. Once he stepped on the deck, he could see even farther. His dad’s house was on the side of a mountain.

He didn’t know how high up they were, but all around were trees and mountain peaks and sky.

“Are there eagles?” he asked. “Does it snow up here in winter?”

“There are many different kinds of raptors,” Felicia said. “As for snow, the elevation is such that there should be plenty.” She looked amused. “Are you asking because you enjoy winter sports or because you’re thinking it would mean missing school?”

“Both,” he said with a grin. “I’d like to learn how to snowboard. I can surf. Not great, but I like it.”

“Then you should have the balance necessary to snowboard. I have trouble with most sports.” She leaned close. “I tend to fall a lot,” she added in a whisper.

Carter laughed.

Felicia was strange. Totally hot, in a stepmother kind of way. He liked how she talked—all the big words challenged him. She was nice.

He was less sure about his father. Gideon stood across the room, watching, as if afraid to get too close. From what Carter’d been able to find out online, his dad had been through a lot of stuff in the military. Maybe he’d been hurt and wasn’t right yet. That would be better than Gideon not wanting him around.

Most days Carter had been able to keep on doing what had to be done. He’d gone to class, done his homework, hung out with his friends. But at night, things were different. When it was dark and he was alone, he missed his mom. He cried, but no one had to know that. She’d been gone a year, and he still missed her. He wanted to feel safe again.

“Okay, your room,” Felicia said. “It’s back this way.”

She walked through the large living room. There were sofas and stuff, but no TV.

“Is there cable?” he asked, wondering what he was supposed to do if there wasn’t TV or internet.

“There’s a media room downstairs,” Gideon said stiffly. “Wi-Fi throughout.”

Carter’s mood brightened. “Good to know.”

Felicia stopped and turned to face him. “Do we have to monitor your internet access?” she asked.

“I’m okay,” he told her. “I don’t go anywhere I shouldn’t.”

He did his best to look innocent and young.

Her green eyes gazed at him steadily. “You’re thirteen. Biologically, you’re dealing with a surge in hormones, stimulating sexual interest. Curiosity is natural. While I respect a quest for knowledge, you’re still impressionable. Pornography will give you an unrealistic view of what it’s like when a man and a woman—”

He winced. “Could we not talk about this? I know where babies come from.”

“I’ll need to do more research on the topic.”

“Which topic?” He was sure hoping she wasn’t thinking they needed to discuss sex.

“Rules and limitations for a boy your age.”

“I’m a good kid. Everybody says so.”

“I’m sure they do. Let’s go see your room.”

He followed her down a hallway. The first door on the left led to a large bathroom with a long counter and a big tub/shower combo. They went inside.

“This will be yours,” she said, then frowned. “I think we’ll have to get you new towels.”

“They’re fine,” he said, pulling open drawers and opening the cupboard door below one of the sinks.

“They’re beige.” She glanced around. “Everything in this bathroom is beige.”

He pointed to the toilet. “It’s white.”

“What colors do you like?”

“Blue and green. I like the color of your eyes. They’re pretty.”

He was tall and skinny, but she was taller by a couple of inches. She smelled nice. Like vanilla.

“You’re really smart, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Supersmart? You went to college and stuff?”

“Yes. I have several advanced degrees.”

“More than two?”

Her mouth twisted. “A few more than two.”

“So you can help me if I have trouble with my homework?”

“In every subject.”

He grinned. “Except staying on a snowboard.”

She laughed. “I don’t think that’s going to be an assignment.”