Playing With Fire

55

He spent his evening with the kids, helping them do their homework, cooking and watching tv with them. Sitting on the sofa, surrounded and covered by his kids, he felt good, blessed but his thoughts travelled to Jamie again, thinking what she was doing there all alone when she should be home with them.

"Hey kids." he said and sat more up, all of them watching him "What if we surprise mommy?"

"Yeah!" they cheered, almost immediately excited and ready to go."

"Lets bake her a cake!" Ivy said loud, everybody agreeing to that.

"Okay." he was all in, looking at the kids already rushing to the kitchen, washing hands and taking ingrediences out. They made her an apple pie, Eric trying to keep the chaos in the kitchen under control. After that they cleaned the kitchen and got themselves ready and headed to the Infirmary.

He peeked in from the door, seeing her sitting in the chair and reading "Hey." She looked up, surprised "Hi."

"I have a surprise for you." he said smirking "Are you ready?"

"Um.. yeah." she said bit confused, tiding her hair a bit. He pushed the door open and the kids walked in politely, Ethan carrying the pie.

"Oh my, this is a surprise!" she said bit awkwardly but welcomed the kids, widening her hands. The last steps they rushed into her arms, murmuring something in her shoulders. Eric looked at them, smile on his face. She gave him a questioning stare. He mouthed 'sorry' to her.

"Oh my god, what is that delicious smell!?" she asked pulling away from the hugs, trying to get over the awkwardness.

Ethan stepped closer "We baked you a pie, mom."

"Ethan..." she said sweet, reaching her hand to him. He gave the pie to Eric and stepped closer, hugging her. Out of four kids, she felt connected to the two eldest kids more because she had read about them from the diaries. When he pulled away, she cupped his face, looking into his eyes "How are you?"

"I'm good." he said reserved.

"Bullshit!" Eric blurted out and said to Jamie "He won the running competition at school."

"You did?" she looked at Ethan surprised and in awe, making him smile.

"Number one." Eric said proud.

"I'm so proud, Ethan." Jamie said to him sweet.

"So we're celebrating!" Eric said and took out the forks, eager to dig in "Lemme have this cake!" making everyone laugh. Jamie looked at him, seeing he's actually a funny guy, too.

They sat on the bed, facing Jamie in the chair and ate the cake straight from the dish. She hummed to the taste "Oh my god, this is good!" making eyes. Seeing this made Eric think what else he could make to blow her mind. He smirked barely noticeably, his eyes on her. As soon as she looked at him, he looked away.

"Did they really made this on their own?!" she asked from Eric and seeing him chuckle, she demanded "Tell me the truth!" making him laugh out. When he got over it, he said "No, they really baked it, I was just keeping an eye on things."

"Well, this was really a surprise, thank you." she said gazing over everyone and chuckled "I seem to be very popular today."

"Yeah?" he asked, looking at her under his brows, thinking, You're always popular to me, honey.

"Yeah, um.. Uh, this Laura...No... Lauren? Yeah, Lauren came by." she said thoughtfully.

"Oh yeah, she uh... They asked about you at the meeting." Eric said.

"You talk about me?" she was surprised and bit alarmed.

"They are your friends, yeah." Eric said "Lauren, Tris, Four... They all miss you."

"That's nice." she said bit sad that she didn't remember much. Only bits and pieces were mentioned in her diaries.

"I'm sure you'll be receiving more quests in the near future." Eric said smirking.

"Oh, okay." she said in thoughts.

"I hope it's okay." Eric said and she quickly answered "Yeah."

"Okay." he said smiling to her.

"Now tell me, what more have you guys been upto?" she asked, taking another piece from the pie. He looked at them for a moment, appreciating the view, the emotions written on his children faces. Thinking about whether she was an awesome actress or she really enjoyed the time with her kids.

When they were hugging their mother and saying goodbye, he said "I'll get you some clean clothes tomorrow morning. Is there anything else you need?"

"I think not." she said in thoughts then looked at him, smiling "Thanks." placing her hand on his shoulder, squeezing it slightly.

"Aren't you gonna kiss mom?" Ivy teased, putting them both in an awkward situation. He looked at Ivy, then the other kids then Jamie who had the same expression in her face as he had.

"Oh, um..." he said awkward and said "You guys, go ahead then, I'll catch you up."

"No!" Rose demanded "Kiss her already!" He chuckled to her demanding and then looked at Jamie. She seemed nervous but not repulsed to the thought. It seemed too early for her. But despite that she nodded barely noticeably. He took a step closer, placing his hand around her and leaning closer to her. He could hear her breath shivering, he barely could keep his own calm. He placed his lips on hers, everything seemed to slow down, tho the kiss was brief, over too quickly for his liking. She pulled away, leaving him wanting more. She could see it in his eyes staring at her lips.

"Alright then." he said pulling away as soon as he got over from the feelings he had. Constantly pushing his feelings and urges aside.

"See you." she said smiling to them. He glanced at her the last time before closing the door behind them. She was barely holding it together, her chest seemingly moving. As soon the door was closed, she let out a breath, completely taken by the kiss. She ventilated, touching her lips. He had rocked her world with just in one brief moment, with just one kiss.

Eric and the kids went home and got ready for the next day. He got Lily to help Rose to pick the clothes for the next day while he checked Ivy's last homework.

When the kids were asleep, he sat on the couch, reminding the kiss. It had to be right! It felt right! pleased by the way she left staring at him.