That snapped Eric to attention. He turned sharply, eyes landing on Joy as he knelt to her level. Using a gentle tone, he spoke softly.
“I’m sorry if I made you worry, Joy. I’m tougher than I look. A fall like that won’t take me down.”
Joy didn’t speak right away. With a small pout, she inched closer, lifted her tiny hand, and placed it carefully on Eric’s head. Eric went still in an instant, afraid to even breathe.
With careful little taps, Joy’s plump hand rested against her father’s head.
“Did you bump your head? Is it sore?”
Something flickered in Eric’s eyes, sharp and sudden, and a quiet shine of tears began to gather. His voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.
“No, I didn’t hit my head. There’s no pain. You don’t have to be scared, Joy.”
Tilting her head in that curious way of hers, Joy asked, “You mean it?”
A firm nod followed.
“I mean it,” Eric said, every word steady and true.
“Oh, okay.” Joy gave a quick nod. She pulled her tiny hand back, turned on her heel, and darted behind Hadley’s legs.
Eric’s lips curled into a quiet smile. Although Joy was still shy, there was a flicker of warmth in his chest that outweighed the awkwardness. He reached down to pick up the basket brimming with cherries, whispering, “Come on. Your mom picked these for you. Let’s get them cleaned up and share.”
Once they returned to the Crimson House, Eric rinsed the cherries, grabbed a small knife, and began removing the pits with care before dropping each one into Joy’s bowl.
“You don’t need to go that far.” Hadley’s brows drew together as she watched.
“Joy’s old enough to spit them out on her own.”
“It’s fine.” Eric gave a light shake of his head.
“She’s still just a little kid.” The comment left Hadley momentarily speechless. Her gaze drifted to Joy, who was happily munching away, both hands sticky with cherry juice.
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Well then, if he was happy doing it, there was no reason to stop him. A packet of wet wipes landed gently beside Joy’s hand.
“Don’t forget to clean your fingers later.”
“Okay, Mom!”
With her attention shifting, Hadley glanced at Eric.
“Why aren’t you tied up with work today?” It was clear his visit was for Joy. Still, this wasn’t usually a time he’d have a break.
“I came for Joy,” Eric answered with a nod.
“Once she’s had her nap, I’ll take you to Ernest’s place. I’m expected at that afternoon meeting there anyway.”
Eric drove Hadley away from Flynn Mansion. They were headed to Flynn Group.
As the car neared the garage, they noticed someone rushing out of the main entrance of the office building.
“Eric! Eric! Stop the car! I need to talk to you!”
Eric frowned and leaned forward.
“Don’t stop. Speed up.”
“Yes, Mr. Scott.”
Hadley blinked, surprised. She glanced at the rearview mirror, then at Eric.
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