No One But You

“Not that I’m hinting or anything. It’s just an observation. I really like him, Mom.”
    “I know. He’s a good man.”
    “You really like him, too, right?”
    “I’m pleading the fifth.” She tugged her phone from her handbag. “I’d like to call him. I’m sure he’s wondering about you.”
    “I kind of hoped he’d come along.”
    “Family only, kiddo.” She headed for the door. “Is it okay if I step out for a few minutes?”
    “Yeah, I’m good.” Already Jake was immersed in a game. His hair was tousled, tumbling over his forehead the way it used to when he was little. So, so grateful he was going to be fine, she stepped into the hallway and headed to the waiting area, already dialing Wyatt’s number.
    “Mariah.” He materialized before her, still in his basketball clothes, his hair disheveled as if he’d been raking his hands through it. Worry creased his face in deep lines. “How is Jake?”
    “Better. He’s well enough to complain about missing the rest of the tournament. They put him on some medication. It was a heart arrhythmia.”
    “That’s a relief.” Wyatt felt tension seep out of him, and he passed a hand across his face, suddenly weary. “I kept imagining the worst. That heart condition I’d heard about in the news. I did some research on my phone while I was waiting. It has a grim prognosis.”
    “I’m sorry, I should have called you sooner.” She gazed at him apologetically. “I was so busy with Jake. There were tests and paperwork to deal with.”
    “You were right where you needed to be. With your son.” He covered her hand with both of his, grateful the boy was fine. That Jake would be back on the court soon and able to go on with his life. That was what mattered. Wyatt just wished she would let him in. “When I saw him struggling to breathe, something clicked in my brain. I took over without thinking. I just—“
    “Wyatt?” She stopped him gently. “It’s okay. Thank you. In that moment I knew that whatever Jake needed—anything he needed—you could have handled it.”
    “I would have done my best.”
    “You have no idea what that means to me.” In that moment, she’d never trusted anyone more. She tried to picture Jasper being so self-controlled and giving. Couldn’t do it. “Jake and I really leaned on you today.”
    “Glad I was there.” He shrugged, as if it was no big deal. As if his affection for her wasn’t taking over. So bright and unstoppable, it was all he could feel.
    “What about you? Have you been here this whole time?” she asked.
    “Yep. I had nothing better to do.”
    “What about the tournament?”
    “I couldn’t play, worrying about Jake, so Bill switched my match until tomorrow morning.” So much Wyatt wanted to say stayed locked up in him. All it took was one look at Mariah to know she wouldn’t want to hear it. He was afraid that feared admitting his feelings for her would drive her away. “Will Jake be able to go home soon?”
    “That’s the plan.”
    “Good. Is there anything I can do for you? Fetch you some lunch? Run errands? Anything?” He waited, his heart on the line, wondering if she could hear what he meant and couldn’t say. Let me be a part of your life. Let me show you I’m a man you can trust. He could read the caring in her eyes. He’d always been able to see inside her.
    “No, but thank you. I have everything I need.” Her words came kindly, softly. “But I’m sure Jake would like to see you, if you want to go back. If you stay with him for a few moments, I can catch up on some calls. Now that he’s all right, I should check in with Sunni and Bill and make sure everything’s okay with the tournament.”
    “You take all the time you need.”
    “Thanks.” She should head for the door, but her feet wouldn’t move. Maybe because she could see the wish in his blue eyes, the unspoken question that lingered in the air between them. His caring gaze, his gentle tone, the stalwart way he’d stepped in earlier on the court and now, ready to help with whatever she needed… He was a good, capable man.
    Nothing scared her more. She swallowed hard, wishing she could let down those hard-earned defenses, wishing she could give Wyatt what he seemed to need. Torn over what to do about it, she gave him directions on how to find Jake, then forced her feet forward, clutching her phone. When she looked over her shoulder, Wyatt stood watching her. If only she didn’t care so much.

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