News Boy - Susan Hawke Page 0,21

hours, I had fun while we both remembered how to play a game neither of us had touched in years. It took a bit, but I finally remembered all my old tricks. Mostly how to get extra lives and the secret way to bypass levels and get to the final world. As much as I hated playing Luigi, the joy on Neil's face as he guided Mario through saving the princess was worth it.

I burst out laughing when he beat the game and dropped the controller to the couch, both fists shooting into the air. He threw his head back and yelled loud enough for the neighbors to hear. "I killed the princess! I did it! Suck it, Bowser. I’m the champ!"

When I finally got control of myself, I had to hold my stomach where it hurt from laughing. "Um, Neil? Did you really say you killed Princess Peach?"

He did a double take, then slapped a hand over his mouth as he giggled. Shoulders still shaking, he lowered his hand to speak. "I totally did, didn't I? I got too excited, I guess. Want to play again?"

I checked the clock. It was already after eight, so I shook my head. "Sorry, champ. Maybe tomorrow but not tonight. It's time for us to wind down. Even though it's Saturday and you don't have to get up as early tomorrow, we still need to stick to your bedtime so you don't mess up your routine."

He killed me with the cutest puppy dog eyes I'd ever seen. "Please? Just a little later?"

Not wanting him to know how easily he'd won me over, I pretended to think about it. "What did you have in mind? It needs to be something quiet because it's time to start slowing down."

"A Disney movie. I know! You could cuddle me while we watch Toy Story to match my pajamas." He smiled so sweetly I didn't have the heart to say no. Especially when I loved his idea. Although I couldn't help but wonder if the little scamp hadn't had this in mind from the get-go. It made no difference; I was giving in either way.

Neil huddled against my side for the first part of the movie but ended up on my lap during the scary scene in the bully's room. Snuggled in my lap with his head on my shoulder, Neil fell asleep before the bully kid tried to pull off his nefarious plans. I watched the rest of it, enjoying the way Neil felt resting on me and the sound of his soft snores.

When the credits began, I shut off the TV and carried Neil back to his room. He never woke up as I put him in bed and tucked the covers around him. After he was settled, I knelt beside his bed and brushed the hair back from his face. My mind was going in a million directions.

Was the pull toward Neil a real thing, or was it simply a sign of loneliness? No. If I needed companionship, I would be equally happy cuddling one of his cats. If he even wanted me after this was over, would I be able to step up and become the Daddy he longed for so badly?

I had some considering to do. I rose and kissed his forehead, then slipped out of the room. When my heart ached as I left him behind, some of my misgivings were answered right there.

But only Neil could answer the biggest question. Was I even someone he would want to keep around?

Chapter Six

Neil

When a loud crack of thunder boomed overhead, I woke up before daylight. I didn’t hesitate. I needed protecting, and I knew where to find it.

Before I left my bed, I started to grab Lady K and Miss Meow Meow, but Lady K hissed and told me to go away. The baby was snuggled up against her side, so I figured they were okay and went straight to Brody’s room.

His door was open like every night, so I darted right in and scrambled into his bed as thunder boomed again. Wriggling under the covers, I scooted up beside him and wrapped my arms around his big bicep.

“Is everything okay?” His raspy, sleep heavy voice sent a delighted thrill down my spine.

“It is now. I don’t even have the excuse of pretending I’m in little mode. This is me, Neil, telling you, Brody, I am scared to death of thunder and lightning.” I tried to make it sound playful. However, my squeal