Deserted - Cara Dee Page 0,73

Craig, because he was Gabriel and Gid’s coach.

Gray might as well pack his anxiety meds right now.

“Sweetheart, don’t forget your backpack.” Gray ran after Jayden and handed him his bag.

The door to the facility opened at the same time, and Adeline stepped out as she pulled a scarf around her neck. “Oh hey, boys. I was hoping I’d catch you before I went home.”

“Hi!” Jayden jumped up the steps. “We had grilled cheese instead, cuz Darius skipped work to hang out with us.”

“He did, huh? Well, grilled cheese is amazing.” Adeline watched in amusement as Jayden ran past her. She turned to Gray. “Did you have a nice day?”

“We did, but some plans have changed.” He proceeded to tell her everything that’d transpired today, mostly about Jayden’s meltdown and how they wanted to spend some time together tomorrow too.

Adeline promised to let William know about the developments and managed to convince Gray this was a good thing. “The way he lived before, I bet he wasn’t able to be vulnerable. I think this is a sign of him letting go. He trusts you and Darius, hon.”

Gray smiled a little and hoped that was true. The evening had definitely improved anyway. They’d closed themselves in, eaten grilled cheese sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and watched movies.

It was only mildly disturbing that Darius was slowly turning Jayden into a fan of old movies, as long as they had tanks, submarines, planes, or battleships.

Gray reluctantly admitted that Darius was right. They’d had the perfect day up in the cabin today, so tomorrow they should venture out.

Adeline agreed when Gray told her.

Then she got a mischievous glint in her eye. “Have you told Chloe that you and Darius are together yet?”

“Dammit, woman.” Gray scowled and ignored how his face burned. “We’re not together. We’re… I don’t know.”

“Uh-huh.” Adeline snorted. “You might want to figure that out, though.” She looked behind her to see where Jayden was. He wasn’t paying attention to them. He stood in the hall, having stowed away his jacket and boots, and was digging through his backpack. Adeline faced Gray again, this time with a gentle, albeit serious, expression. “Jayden talks about you and Darius all the time. In his eyes, you three are a unit.”

Fuck.

“If that isn’t the case, some structure and limits might be in order,” she advised.

Gray rubbed a hand over his mouth and glanced into the hall. Jayden was waving at someone. Then he called out for Justin, and Gray watched as the floppy-haired little boy walked over. He had dark-blond hair and blue, curious eyes, a cute button nose, a shy expression, and a small scar on his chin.

He was wearing the pajamas Gray had bought him.

“He talks to Jayden?” Gray asked.

“Hmm?” Adeline followed his gaze and saw the boys. “Ah. Yeah, more and more. They’re wonderful for each other. Jayden brings Justin out of his shell, and Justin has grounded Jayden a bit.” She paused. “Jayden has a protective nature about him. He keeps an eye on Justin.”

That didn’t surprise Gray. Jayden was observant and rushed to your side if you needed help—or woke up from nightmares.

“I should talk to Justin before I go home,” Adeline murmured. “I think he’s looking forward to visiting the aquarium with Jayden.”

“Shit.” Gray hadn’t considered that. He felt stupid. And selfish. “Does it have to be the aquarium? He’s more than welcome to join us at the rink. Just sign me up as a temporary volunteer or something.” Hockey had been his whole thing when he’d volunteered here his senior year in high school and the summer that followed. He and the staff took the kids and families to the rink for some exercise and to get out of the house.

Adeline hesitated. “Justin isn’t as easygoing as Jayden. He frightens easily, and both Luis and I will be in Seattle. We can’t come get him.”

“I understand,” Gray answered. “It’s up to you. You know his needs, and you know me.”

“It’s not about your capability,” she reassured. “I loved having you here—and unlike my dear son, you have patience in spades.”

Gray chuckled. Abel had volunteered at the same time—for a short while, at least.

“I’m thinking about your anxiety,” Adeline went on. “You can’t postpone your recovery without it coming back to bite you in the butt. I talk to your mother almost every day, you know. She’s worried too.”

“What?” Gray frowned.

Adeline shifted her weight from one foot to the other and closed the front door. “Anybody can see that you love Jayden.