Baby, Come Back by Erica Spindler Read Free Book Online Page A

her hand. “Let him be anyway, Hayes. Let him have this moment of independence.”
    Hayes hesitated, obviously torn. “This is crazy. It’s out of control. And even though I can see that, I haven’t a clue how to fix it.”
    Alice’s heart went out to him. He was a man who avoided emotion, a man accustomed to being able to “fix” whatever he set his mind to. And now he found himself mired in an emotionally explosive situation that no amount of coolheaded reasoning could fix.
    â€œJeff’s going through a crisis right now,” she said softly. “He’s growing up. Facing the prospect of graduation, of going to college in the fall. He’s becoming independent. Or trying to. That’s hard.” She caught herself reaching out to touch him again and twined her fingers together. “To top it off, now he has to adjust to the idea of becoming a father himself. Give him this moment. He’s here. He’s safe.”
    For long seconds, Hayes gazed at her, considering, weighing his options. He nodded. “Okay. I’ll leave him in your care. But I want him home by midnight.”
    She smiled, relief spiraling through her. “Fair enough. I’ll talk to him and—”
    The door swung open, flooding the porch with light, illuminating Hayes’s tense face. Alice turned, even though she knew without a doubt who stood behind her. She took one look at Jeff’s expression, and her stomach sank. This was not going to be pretty.
    â€œBefore either of you say anything,” she said quickly, “try to—”
    â€œI should have known,” Jeff interrupted, furious. “I should have known you wouldn’t take me at my word. I said I’d be home directly, but you had to come chasing after me.”
    â€œThat was over an hour ago, son. Exactly how do you define ‘directly’?”
    â€œYou tell me. You try to tell me everything else I should do and feel.”
    Hayes made a sound of disgust. “Give me a break. You want to be treated like a man? Act like one. A man is only as good as his—”
    â€œWord,” Jeff filled in, mimicking his father. “A man takes responsibility for his actions. A man is strong and never gives up or makes excuses. I’ve heard all this a million times.”
    â€œReally?” Hayes took a step toward his son, eyes narrowed. “Could have fooled me, young man.”
    â€œGo to hell.”
    Jeff wheeled around and strode inside. Hayes stormed after him, catching the door with the palm of his hand, aware of Alice following close behind.
    He reached the living room and stopped in surprise. Sheri sat on the couch, a throw pillow clutched to her stomach. He glanced back at Alice questioningly.
    She lifted her shoulders. “She’s staying with me.”
    â€œHello, Mr. Bradford,” the girl squeaked, obviously terrified.
    Hayes struggled to hold his anger at Jeff in check. He forced a stiff smile. “Hello, Sheri. You’re looking well.”
    â€œYou mean she’s looking pregnant,” Jeff spat, clenching his fists.
    Hayes swung his gaze toward his son, his eyebrows lowered ominously. “I did not mean that. I meant she’s looking well.”
    â€œDon’t, Jeff,” Sheri pleaded. “Leave it alone.”
    â€œStay out of this, Sheri. It’s between me and my dad.” He laid a hand on her shoulder as if to relieve the sting of his words. “You didn’t know she was staying here, did you? Where did you think she was going to go after she got kicked out? Because of you. Because you couldn’t leave well enough alone.”
    Hayes grimaced. “I didn’t mean to mess things up for you, Sheri. That wasn’t my intention at all. I’m sorry.”
    The girl’s eyes filled with tears, and Hayes’s chest tightened. For nothing more than an apology, she actually appeared grateful. Like a stray puppy exuberant