Deserted - Cara Dee Page 0,58

cuffed him lightly on the chin. “We’re gonna rock this.” He cleared his throat and faced Adeline, who coughed and quickly blinked away the extra shine in her eyes. “Can you let me know some things the other boy likes?”

“Of course, honey. That’s sweet of you. I’ll email you a list later tonight.”

Gray inclined his head and walked out of the room, resisting the urge to look back even once. He’d fucking lose it if he did. But, fuck, he remembered something and had to turn around once he reached the stairs.

“Adeline,” he called.

She poked her head out of the room. “Yes?”

“He has a phone,” Gray said. “It’s in the bags Darius is bringing up. And I know your policy on them, but can he keep it the first night? He doesn’t have any numbers he’s not allowed to call.”

All residents, including adults, kept their phones in a locker in Adeline’s office. It was to prevent children who didn’t always understand the situation and wanted to call, say, their dad—whom their mother was hiding from. It was also a way to ensure abusers couldn’t reach their spouses. All it took was a weak moment for the abused to take the call.

“I’ll let Luis know,” she replied with a nod. Gray did an internal fist pump. Luis was great with kids and was one of her few full-time employees. He brought his guitar and played songs for the children. “Now, get out of here.” Adeline narrowed her eyes playfully. “Don’t think I can’t see what’s going on, Gray. You’re in trouble with this one.”

Gray flushed uncharacteristically and hightailed it down the stairs to the sound of Adeline’s laughter. Of course she could see how attached Gray was to Jayden. Of-fucking-course she could.

Shit. She was gonna tell Mom.

Gray passed Darius on the way out and said he’d wait in the car.

“Hold up.” Darius tossed him the keys. “I’ll be right out.”

“Okay.”

Gray snatched his jacket from the closet and put on his shoes before he stepped out and filled his lungs with cold February air.

Well, he’d done it. He’d fulfilled his promise to Jonas, technically. He’d made sure Jayden was in a better place—where he’d be taken care of.

If only that felt marginally adequate. Instead, that foul-mouthed little punk had completely grabbed Gray by the balls and claimed ownership of his heart. Jesus fucking Christ, it hadn’t been two weeks.

He blew out a harsh breath and jogged down the steps, and he remembered something Mom used to say. It’d been around the time Gray and his brothers were old enough to develop crushes on friends in school. A teenager with a crush—was there anything more explosive? But whenever Gray or one of the others had come home from school, stomping toward their room, believing their hearts had been ripped out, Mom would come in with milk and cookies and say there was only one way to fall in love at first sight, and it was between a parent and a child.

She’d smiled proudly and said she’d experienced it four times.

At the time, it’d been impossible to believe her.

Gray stuck his hands into his pockets and glanced up at the big house.

He knew Jayden was in good hands, and yet… It had to be him. Eventually, Gray had to be the one who got to take that kid home.

Darius came out after a minute, looking tired.

“I’m adopting him one day,” Gray blurted out. “I don’t know how it happened—and I know I’m young, but that’s how it is.”

Darius didn’t seem surprised one bit. He threw an arm around Gray’s shoulders and guided him to the car. “I know.” He kissed Gray’s temple. “You’re one of those who are cut out to be a parent.”

“You think so?” Gray exhaled and opened the door on his side.

Darius snorted in amusement and rounded the car. “Come on. Does anything make you as happy as taking care of those you love?”

Gray got in and buckled up, trying to contain his smile. It was too soon. He had to climb the mother of mountains to pull this off. But then, after everything he had been through…? Nobody could stop him but himself.

He was ready to fight.

As Darius backed out and left the premises, Gray steeled himself for a few rough weeks while they adjusted to their new situation. He’d do anything in his power to maintain the trust Jayden had placed in him. Gray would reassure him as often as he had to, and they would build their future