“Give Mommy a hug,” he told the boy.
Seth threw his chubby little arms tightly around her neck and squeezed. Del came apart, clutching her little boy tightly against her as she tried to hold the sobs in.
Her little boy pressed a sloppy little kiss near her mouth before Tyler gently pulled Seth away and wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing her tight against his chest. He felt so solid and alive. His heart beat loud and strong under her ear. More of his forestlike scent surrounded her, and Del realized this was the first time she hadn’t been terrified since . . . that night.
“Let it out, angel. I’m here.”
She sobbed against him once, twice. God, how easy would it be to lean on him. And how unfair.
Stepping back with a shake of her head, she swiped away the scalding tears. “No. My problems. My cross to bear. I’d just be grateful if you’d take care of Seth for me. I’d die if anything happened to him.”
“He’s going to be fine. So are you. Deep breath.”
She drew in a shuddering breath, then let it out, already feeling better. But she’d be lying if she said she didn’t miss Tyler’s warm embrace.
“Okay, it’s all ready,” a booming voice called from the archway behind her.
Del gasped and spun around, pulling her T-shirt down. She was acutely aware of the fact that, since Tyler had swiped her bag, she’d had no panties and wasn’t wearing any now. The shirt covered her ass and then some, but . . .
Deke strolled in, looking like he was suppressing a grin. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Don’t sound so hopeful, pervert.” Tyler crossed the kitchen to the refrigerator and threw Deke a beer. “Any trouble?”
“Nope. Slick as butter.”
“Thanks, man.”
“No problem.”
What the hell were they talking about?
“Can you give us a second?” Tyler asked his buddy.
“Sure.” Deke twisted the top off his beer with a beefy fist, then tossed the cap in the garbage. “I’ll plop in front of the TV. There’s a basketball game with my name on it.”
“Thanks.”
With that, Deke whipped past them and into the family room. Tyler held Seth in the cradle of one arm, biceps bulging. Del tried not to notice as she swept past him and grabbed her duffel bag off the counter with one hand, holding her T-shirt down with the other.
Tyler suppressed a smile. “Come with me.”
With a sigh, Del followed. A part of her wanted nothing more than to get away from him. But she’d be gone soon enough. If he wanted to talk to her, she owed him that.
Pulling her comb out of the bag, she dragged it through her hair quickly, then stashed it as she followed him out of the room and down the hall. When they arrived at his guest room, she saw a playpen set up in the corner with a colorful blanket and one of Seth’s toys.
The sight stunned her. “You did this?”
“I called Deke. He brought it over and set it up since Caleb isn’t using it now. Kimber and Alyssa both sent over some foods their kids like, along with extra diapers. Kata and Tara are promising to go on a shopping spree tomorrow for Seth, so if he needs more clothes or toys, just make a list.”
“I don’t have any more money with me.”
Tyler’s jaw tightened. “Would you stop trying to do every goddamn thing on your own? He’s my son, too.”
She’d offended him, damn it. Del sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. “Sorry. Habit. What did you want to talk to me about?”
“You’re not going off alone. There’s no way I’m going to let you throw yourself into danger that’s over your head.”
“But—”