Dirty Boy Read Online Free Page B

down.”
    Shaking his head and chuckling, Max headed out, determined to check on Story as soon as possible.
     

     
    Point Fermin was a series of tree-shaded lawns, comfortable pergolas, and bright gardens situated along the promenade of San Pedro’s seaside bluffs. The view toward Santa Catalina Island was stunning, and removed some of Max’s anxiety. He didn’t trust Kayleigh with the way she’d sounded. This place, so filled with natural beauty, had been the scene of countless tragedies through accidental falls or purposeful jumps. Through the tall palms, the lighthouse rose up, but Max directed his strides toward Kayleigh, where she stood near the edge of the promenade, looking toward the rocky shoreline below.
    His son, Simon, ran in circles near his mother, enjoying his solitary play.
    “Kayleigh,” he called, not wanting to frighten her and send her tumbling over.
    She turned and halted.
    “Max,” Winston called, from behind. He must’ve left not long after Max.
    “Dad! Granddad!” Simon screeched, the breeze blowing through his hair and the sunlight haloing him.
    “Uncle Ryder! Uncle Eric!” he called.
    Max looked over his shoulder to see his two younger brothers approaching.
    “Win and Alan can’t make it,” Eric said.
    They rarely could, always so involved in a business deal.
    “Why don’t we get lunch and then come back for a picnic,” Max suggested, wanting to spend as much time as possible with Simon. “If you all want to go to the course without me, we can do a game some other time.” He’d achieved his goal. His family had seen his son, after months of being denied.
    “We’re fine,” Winston assured him, smiling as Simon ran circles around them.
    At one time, his dad played football and baseball with them. He’d served as little league coach and taught them about cars. Max thought his father would’ve been just as good being a dad to a girl, but he appreciated him for the man he was growing up.
    Simon ran to Max. “I saw a hole over there.” He pointed to the left. “Momma said a fairy lives there.”
    Crouching to eye-level with his son, Max smiled. “Maybe, elves,” he told him, enjoying the way his son’s eyes lit up.
    As a child, Max had wanted to rush and grow up. He hadn’t appreciated the innocence of just being. He thought he’d never recapture that magic but looking at the world through the eyes of Simon brought him back. If only for a moment.
    “Come and kiss momma,” Kayleigh called.
    Immediately, Simon wiggled away from Max and bounded into her arms.
    Max got to his feet and turned to his father. They shared amused looks, collectively happy at Simon’s enthusiasm.
    “Max!” Ryker called, frowning in Kayleigh’s direction, as Simon’s frightened little voice said, “Dad!”
    In the moment he’d looked away, Kayleigh had backed closer to the cliff’s edge, clutching Simon’s hand.
    “Kayleigh,” Max said, his heart starting to beat hard and fast. The terror on his son’s face was like a kick in Max’s gut. “Kayleigh, you’re too close to the edge.” He started toward her.
    She backed up a step and Simon began to struggle away from her.
    “Keep still, son,” Max advised, not wanting him to inadvertently send them over.
    “Kayleigh, let’s talk,” Winston said, beside Max.
    “It’s okay, Simon,” Max soothed, his son’s tears nauseating him. He looked at his wife and took another step toward her.
    “Stay back!” she warned, wildness creeping into her eyes.
    Lifting his hands, Max froze. “I’m not moving another muscle. You come to me. Okay? You’re in control.”
    “Liar!” she screamed. “I’ve never been in control with you. I hate you! I hate your son! I hate all of you.”
    Simon’s little face scrunched up. “Momma?”
    If Max could make himself disappear to settle Kayleigh down, he would. Anything to keep his son safe. “I’ll retire now,” he said, desperate. “Just come to me with Simon. I’m begging you.”
    Eric