Free That One Night (That One Series Book 1) by Josie Wright Page B

move, Frankie. They nearly ate me alive.”
    “It’s called karma, Ben. She is a vengeful little bitch. It was her way to say thank you for this current arrangement. And as for your second statement, welcome to my life.” With that, I let the car roll down the driveway and onto the street, before I hit the gas and finally am home-bound, not looking back once. I hear him huffing and puffing next to me, clearly annoyed with the number I pulled on him. I would be too, but damn it felt good. And the truth is now out as well, whatever comes of it.
    I decide to ignore his annoyed scowl and turn on the radio—low enough not to raise Archer from his slumber. Despite the uninvited guest sitting next to me, I’m looking forward to being back home. I can’t wait to sit around in the sunroom with Dean and Alex in the evening, Viv occasionally joining us when she’s not out and about. I look forward to our Sunday brunch tomorrow, with Archer crawling around on the floor while we eat and talk. I can’t wait to sit down with Dean, talk, drink tea, and do some yoga together. My home in Northampton—it isn’t just the house I live in. It’s the people I share my life with who help me keep my equilibrium. I hope Ben doesn’t ruin it, but for some reason I feel like he will fit right in. I’m annoyed by it, yet I know it’s true. I still need to call and tell them about our unexpected guest who’s tagging along, but I don’t want to do it with Ben listening in, so I have to wait until we stop somewhere to eat, or have to refuel.             

Chapter 8
Road Trip
 
     
    For about two hours, we drive without talking. Instead both of us seem to be lost in our own thoughts, listening to music and to Archers tiny, feeble snores.
    At least until our thoughts are interrupted by a cranky Archer, who’s complaining, and guessing from the smell that suddenly inhibits the car I’m fairly sure the reason for the complaint is a dirty diaper.
    “I think it might be time for a pit stop. Cranky back there needs his diaper changed. You up for that task?” I glance sideways at Ben to notice him go a little pale. I’m not sure if it’s the smell, or the task at hand that causes him to lose all color. I can’t help but laugh, which earns me a glare.
    Pulling into the next gas station, I climb out of the car and get Archer, rubbing his back and nuzzling his head to soothe him.
    “Let’s get to work,” I call over my shoulder, while marching towards the restrooms, with Archer on one arm and the diaper bag over my shoulder. Thankfully, they have a separate changing room here and not just a changing station in the women’s restrooms. This is somewhat of a luxury that I don’t take for granted. I don’t wait for Ben to catch up with me since Archer is getting crankier by the second, but I know Ben isn’t far behind. Before the door of the changing room can fall shut, he catches the door with his foot and hurries inside.
    “You couldn’t wait five seconds?” He sounds annoyed, but I detect something else, and if I wouldn’t know any better, I’d say it’s a hint of hurt lacing his voice.
    “Sorry. Archer calls the shots,” I shrug my shoulders.
    I lay Archer on the changing table. His face is red from crying.
    “Just a few more minutes, baby boy, and you’ll be all clean and happy again,” I reassure him in a soothing tone, regardless whether or not he understands what I’m saying.
    I feel Ben coming up behind me; his breath tickles my neck and I involuntarily shiver from the close proximity. For the next ten minutes, I try to coach him through changing a diaper and it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever witnessed. At some point, he couldn’t help gagging, which made me laugh even harder.
    Archer seemed to be enthralled by the whole situation, looking back and forth between us and giggling along with my laughs. As I lift Archer up, he goes straight for my boob so I decide to use the break to feed him as well.