Whatever It Takes (Second Chances #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

close to Center Street.
    “Turn right here, then it’s the building on the left.” Tess straightened up and reached down to get her purse.
    I pulled the truck into a small parking lot. It looked like there were eight units, four on top and four on the bottom. The building could use some work and definitely some paint. I hoped she was in one of the top ones, since it was a little safer up there.
    “I’m that one. Three B.” She pointed at the end apartment, top floor, and I pulled into a spot with a tilted sign that read 3B in faded paint. Tess reached over and unbuckled Noah, then started to push the door open before I could pull the keys out of the ignition.
    “Hold on.” I turned off the truck and pulled the seat belt free, then jumped out and jogged around to her door. When I opened it, a bemused smile crossed her face.
    “Thank you.” She hopped out and then lifted Noah down. He immediately headed toward the steps that led up.
    I helped Tess collect her bags and the car seat, but kept it and the heavier bags to carry for her.
    She tilted her head and looked up at me. The gesture was so familiar that it took me a second to remember we weren’t teenagers anymore. This weird mixing of the past and present was fucking with my head.
    “I can carry those myself you know,” she said.
    “I know. I just need to feel useful.” I gave her a half smile and a shrug.
    Noah had reached the small balcony and waved down at us. “You coming, guys?” he yelled down.
    Tess shifted her bags and I thought she was going to ask for the ones I was holding, but with a resigned shrug of her shoulders she turned and started leading me up the stairs. I followed behind, trying to keep my eyes above the waist. And almost succeeded. I was an ass man, and damn, she had always had a nice one that seemed to have only improved.
    I shook my head.
    Not going there.
    Then what the hell are you doing carrying her groceries, dumb -ass?
    Hell if I knew.
    She stopped in front of the door and Noah dug into her purse. He pulled out the keys and struggled to push one into the lock.
    “I got it. I got it,” he muttered.
    I caught Tess’s gaze and chuckled. This kid was a hoot. I didn’t have a lot of experience with little kids, but he seemed damned smart for his age. Which made me wonder exactly how old he was and what the story was with him.
    She’d always wanted kids, but not until we were older and had that house with the blue door and pink roses all around the front. After she became a famous astronomer, of course.
    Looked like her dreams had changed.
    Finally Noah pushed the door open with a loud tada and ran inside. Tess stepped in, then turned, and I could literally see her wall go right back up.
    “I can leave these right here, if you want.” I got it. This was awkward for her too. What was she going to do, invite me in for coffee? Pretend the last seven years had never happened and ignore the kid in the room?
    Her cheeks turned red but she held my gaze. “That would probably be best, yeah. I wasn’t expecting anyone. It’s kind of a mess right now. Well, most of the time honestly, but Noah refused to pick up his toys before we left for the store, so it’s pretty bad.”
    I doubted there was even enough mess to worry about. After my mother walked out, my father barely found the energy to take the trash to the Dumpster. How many times did I throw out the dishes because they sat encrusted with food for so long, it was easier to throw them away?
    But I wasn’t going to be an ass and call her out on her obvious lie. “No problem, I should get going anyway so I can call my buddy and get your car back here.” I was going to see her tomorrow, so why the hell wouldn’t my feet move away now?
    “Hey, mister, you wanna see my blocks?” Noah asked from just inside.
    “Maybe next time, buddy. And hey, get a good night’s sleep tonight. Can’t have my helper too tired to help.”
    “I will!”
    “Oh, can I see your phone?” I asked