Page 59 of The Snowflake Effect

She looks down at Jackson, who’s tucking his pottery into his backpack, and she lowers her voice. “You fed me to the wolves for your own amusement.”

“You have to admit, it was hilarious.”

Her mouth twitches as she fights a smile. “Hilarious until someone calls Child Services.”

“True. But now there are two questions I need answered.”

“Two?”

With one eyebrow cocked, she looks equal parts amused and annoyed, but there’s no backing down now. “Yeah, two. The wooing for starters. Then we need to discuss whether or not I found your happy spot. You may have noticed I’m a pretty determined guy when I know what I want. I’m happy to search for hours.”

Her gaze glides down to my dick, and he, of course, wakes up. “I never stood a chance,” she murmurs. Then to my face, “How far is the park?”

I take her hand and usher Jackson along. “Just around the corner.”

CHAPTER 25

SHAY

Jackson skips ahead of us, the domesticity of the scene not lost on me. As fun as the last hour has been—aside from having to flee the library—it’s also solidified what a big deal dating Kolton is. Jackson will be affected by people coming in and out of his life, even if our dating is casual. That kind of pressure is daunting.

Kolton rubs his thumb along my hand as we near the park. “Thanks,” he says.

“For what?”

“For taking Jackson’s quirks in stride. Not everyone gets him.”

“You mean they don’t like when he shouts about their G-spot?”

He chuckles. “That’s one for the history books.”

No book I’d like to revisit, but, where Jackson is concerned, I know what Kolton’s getting at. My heart squeezes for the little guy. He’s sweet and hilarious in his candid way, but kids can be cruel. His two different socks and eccentricities must be magnets for bullies.

With my stutter, I lived through the taunting and ridicule only nine-year-olds can inflict. One minute cornered in the schoolyard with Sue Anne Hinkley’s insults, and my confidence bled onto the ground. I’d choose torture by fire ants over reliving that time in my life.

Jackson can’t have it easy.

“I get him,” I say. “At least what it’s like to be different. And I love that you and Stella teach him to own who he is. That’s invaluable.”

Jackson runs toward a swing set, but Kolton pulls me to a stop. “From you, it means a lot.”

His tone—so sincere and heartfelt—has me listing toward him. I’m still unsure getting involved with him is smart. I don’t want Jackson to get hurt. I don’t want to get hurt. I’m also tired of always worrying about the future, just like Kolton is.

“I’m glad I came,” I tell him. The truth under my worry. “Glad you didn’t give up on me.”

“I knew you’d cave,” he says, back to cocky. “The sex was too good.”

And damn it all to hell if he isn’t right.

“Will you push me, Shay?” Jackson tugs at a swing as two kids sprint past him and race up the red-and-blue jungle gym.

The park is small but clean, with a large geometric dome anchoring the center. Parents and nannies chat on the far side, occasionally yelling at kids to slow down or lower their voices.

Jackson is yelling for me.

“Is it okay?” I ask Kolton, unaccustomed to the sense of well-being swelling against my ribs.

He nods. “Looks like I’ve been replaced.”