Текст книги "Beautiful Misery"

Автор книги: Chandin Whitten

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

15

Gage

It had been five months since Cobie died. The first night I go to my bar and I literally run into the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The way my dick responded to her wasn’t okay. I was attracted to her, just my luck.

Sitting at my desk, I dropped my head into my hands. Running my fingers through my hair I squeezed my eyes shut as my head slid down and rested on my desk. It had only been five months, I couldn’t be having these feelings. What kind of person was I? My wife, the mother of my fucking child just died! I should be sitting at home crying not going out and getting a raging boner from my bartender. Dammit!

Slamming my fists onto the desk I heard a picture frame fall over. Lifting my head just enough to see over my arm I saw the silver frame that held the picture of Londyn, just a few days old snuggled with Cobie. Setting the frame back in place I rubbed my eyes with my index fingers.

Who would have thought it would end up like this?

Scooting my chair back from my desk I put my elbows on the arm rests and laced my fingers together, setting my chin on them. After getting the call from my agent this morning I couldn’t be happier that the trade deal had gone through. Starting quarterback and more money. Leaving New York and coming to New Orleans was the best thing for Londyn and for myself. She would be close to family and I would have more help raising her.

Attempting to clear my thought I heard a hard knock on my door.

“It’s open.”

Not looking at the door I pushed out of the chair and walked to the large window overlooking the ocean.

“Hey, man. You ok? I saw you sittin’ at the bar, looked away, and when I looked back you were gone.”

Larkin. He was the exact person I couldn’t talk to about my problem.

Without looking at Larkin I forced a smile and said, “Everything is fine. Just needed to get away for a minute, everyone out there has something to say to me. Needed a breather.”

Larkin took a few steps so he was standing next to me. Forcing myself I brought my eyes to meet his.

“Gage, I know, you miss her. Fuck, she was my sister, but you have to live your life. I know you loved her. She was your wife and you two had a baby, but she’s gone. As much as I fuckin’ hate it and it tears me apart you have to move on. You know that’s what Co would want. She would want you happy.”

Sighing I dropped my gaze to the floor. “I can’t talk to you about this. She was your sister, my wife, and the mother of my child. I loved her and just thinking about another female should make me sick.”

Larkin placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “You need to talk to someone, Gage. It’s not healthy to keep it all in.”

I tensed. Lifting my head to look him square in the eye I said, “Didn’t know you were a fuckin’ shrink. Thanks for those words of wisdom, but I think I can handle my own damn life. I mean, I was the one who stepped up when you fuckin’ left. I think I got this shit covered.” I saw hurt flash across his face before it morphed into raw anger.

I didn’t care.

Larkin narrowed his eyes and spoke with venom, “You know what, you’re right. You did step up but that wasn’t by my choice and you know it. I’m not offering words of fuckin’ wisdom, just the truth, fucker. You can take it how you want but you need help. Fuckin’ talk to someone, even if it’s not me.”

Larkin dropped his hand from my shoulder, turned and walked out. Slamming the door on his way.

Who did he think he was? I was fine. I didn’t need some shrink telling me I was fucked in the head. I already knew that.

Taking a few deep breaths I pulled my phone out to text my mom, I needed to see how Londyn was doing.

Me: How’s Londyn? How did she do getting a bath? Did she drink all her bottle before she fell asleep?

Slipping my phone back into my pocket I started toward the door when it came flying open and a highly pissed off Jenna came storming through. Normal Jenna didn’t scare me but pissed off Jenna, now that scared me shitless.

“Gage Michael Tucker, you fucking dick jockey! I love you and I will always be there for you but you are going too far. You need to take your depressed ass to therapy.”

Holy fuck! Why won’t people leave me the hell alone?

“Jenna, I am not fuckin’ depressed. I’m living the fuckin’ life,” I said sarcastically. I held my hands up, waving them around my office for show.

“Gage, why won’t you talk to me? We used to talk about everything.” Jenna’s voice was quiet, hurt. She started to reach for me until I opened my mouth.

“And then you left me, got married, and moved to the other side of the country. So, excuse the fuck outta me for not telling you everything,” I bit out.

She drew back. The look on her face told me I had just crushed her. Swallowing, she took a few deep breaths before releasing her rage. “You know what, fuck face, you’re not so perfect yourself. I’m not the one who ended up with a baby after a one night stand. I have a family and a life I love. Can you say that? Can you say you’re happy with your life?”

Jenna’s words felt like a slap in the face.

Clenching my jaw, I drew my hands into fists, slamming my left hand into the wall. Jenna never flinched. Instead I could see her anger only intensify and radiate in waves off of her.

“Aren’t you just so mature? Who goes around punching shit because they got put in their place? You need professional help. You have a daughter and you’re the only parent she has left. If you don’t do it for yourself, at least do it for her. She deserves the Gage Tucker I know. Not this angry, depressed fuck you’re being.”

Grinding my teeth I hissed, “Get out!

Jenna bit her bottom lip, her face red. She shot back, “You can’t throw me out Gage. Not now. Not after everything we have been through. Get mad at me all you want, but one day you will realize just how right I am. You can’t push me outta your life. My stubborn ass ain’t leavin’ so get used to seein’ my face.”

I could feel my jaw ticking. Jenna could piss me off like no one else could. “Fine, I’ll leave.” Walking passed Jenna I made sure to bump her with my shoulder.

“Go to hell, Gage. Do you worst but you won’t break me. Not when it comes to you and your happiness. I will always be there, even when you don’t want me to be.”

I paused at the door, letting out an empty laugh. I jerked the handle and said, “We’ll see about that.” I opened the door and walked out, letting it slam behind me.

Making my way through the crowd and to the bar I ignored person after person trying to talk to me. I didn’t want small talk, I wanted drunk.

Really, really drunk. Forget the world drunk.

Spotting an empty stool at the bar, I grabbed it and slid into the seat.

There she was.

Annie was leaning over grabbing bottles of alcohol. As she was leaning up she sweetly asked, “Can I help ya?”

Setting the bottles on the counter she brought her eyes to mine. Her sapphire blue eyes were soaking me in. Her tight ‘Wet Spot’ t-shirt hugged her large tits and stopped just below her belly button, showing off her athletic stomach and making me fight another hard-on.

Giving her a half smile I said, “Double shot of tequila with salt and lime, please.”

Annie stared for a few seconds before raking her bottom teeth over her upper lip. Jesus fuck that was hot. She sat a shot glass in front of me with a napkin beside it. Reaching under the bar she grabbed a salt shaker and lime wedge, setting them on the napkin. Turning around she stretched her arm up, reaching for the tequila. In doing so she gave me a perfect view of her tight ass and that tattoo on her lower back.

Alis Volat Propriis.

Seeing it earlier I had thought it was a tramp stamp, but up close I could see that it wasn’t in the usual tramp stamp location. It was offset to the right, almost wrapping around her hip.

Pouring the tequila she never took her eyes off the glass. She was nervous. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was her boss or if she felt what I felt. I wanted to know. She sat the bottle of tequila on the bar and finally looked at me again. Those eyes. Those eyes could make me do very bad things to her. There was something about them that pulled me in. Her eyes were mesmerizing.

Keeping my eyes locked with hers, I brought my right hand to my mouth licking a small spot on the back of my hand. I grabbed the salt and shook it onto my hand. Picking up the shot glass, I licked the back of my salt covered hand, downed the shot, replacing the glass with the lime wedge.

Annie’s eyelids were getting heavier with each passing second. If I kept this up I could have her in my bed within an hour. I could fuck her until I forgot all the shit. That is exactly what I plan on doing. Forget.

“Another one, beautiful. This time I want you to do one with me,” I ordered in a gruff voice.

Annie looked torn. She was quiet for a minute before a smile crept across her face and she nodded. “Sure.” She poured two more shots and grabbed two more lime wedges.

“Ladies first.”

Annie brought her hand to her lips. Her tongue darted out of her mouth to quickly to lick the back of her hand. She took the salt shaker and covered the spot she just licked. Setting the salt back on the bar, Annie said, “Your turn, ball boy.”

Raising an eyebrow I smirked. “Sweetheart, I am in no way a ball boy. I could show you just how anti-ball I am.”

Annie slowly shook her head and smiled. “I’m sure you could, but I’ll take your word for it. I already have a guy who keeps me very happy. He’s very over protective and could probably whoop your ass if he found out you’re hitting on me.” Her mouth raised on one side and she tried to hide her smile

Fuck me. I should have known that guy from earlier was Dropping the subject I lick my hand and shake some salt onto the spot.

Both reaching for our glasses I held mine up. “Here’s to wild nights and single parents.”

Annie’s smile faded as she clinked her glass to mine. “Cheers.”

We tossed our shots back and sucked on the lime. Seeing Annie suck the lime made me picture her full lips wrapped around my dick.

And my boner was back.

This girl was going to occupy my dreams. She would be in my bed before I left to start my season. I had to have her.

“One more?” I asked, hopeful.

“Not for me. Some of us have to work around here. We can’t all be gazillionaires and sit on our asses, hitting on bartenders, and getting drunk.” Annie said.

“I’m not a gazillionaire and I am not hitting on you. Trying to get you into my bed, yes. Trying to ask you on a date,” I paused and slowly shook my head. “No.”

Annie’s cheeks turned a light pink before she said, “With an attitude like that, I can see why you’re a single parent.”

Drawing back, I let my gaze fall to the gold band on my finger. I felt like I was cheating on Cobie in some sick and twisted way.

“My wife died from cancer five months ago. We found out when she was pregnant that she had Osteosarcoma. She couldn’t take treatments while pregnant.” Pushing my tears back, I ran my finger around the brim of the glass. “Three months after our daughter was born she died. Nothing to do with my attitude.”

Annie covered her mouth. “Shit. I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.”

Shrugging to play it off I smiled and said, “So, how about that other shot?”

Annie filled our two glasses up again, grabbing two more lime wedges.

Eight shots for me and five shots for Annie later we were both getting sloppy. I needed to walk away. She was my employee, but she was also gorgeous and funny.

“I think your shift is over, Barker can handle the bar for another hour. Let’s get outta here.”

Annie rested her elbows and forearms on the bar, leaning forward just enough that I could see down her shirt. Biggest ‘all natural’ tits I had ever seen. I wanted to rip her shirt off just so I could suck her nipples into my mouth as I let my hands wonder down her curvy body and into her little shorts. I could just imagine sliding my fingers into her tight, wet pussy. The noises she would make, the way her body would shake as she came in my hands.

“We need to get outta here, now. I need to get you in my bed and underneath me,” I gruffed.

Annie’s tongue darted out and wet her bottom lip. “I’m not that easy Mr. Tucker. You’re going to have to try harder than that.” Annie grabbed the towel she had tucked in her back pocket and tossed it on the bar. “I’m out Barker. See you tomorrow.”

Without giving me a second glance she was gone. Shit.

And then I had an idea…….

16

Annie

Did I just walk away from the hottest man I have ever laid eyes on? Yes, yes I did. And for a damn good reason. It wasn’t like he was interested in getting to know me. He wanted me for one reason and I wasn’t going to fall into his bed like most women would. I have respect for myself. I have respect for him, even if he is kinda an ass. Besides, I don’t want to risk getting who knows what kind of disease or more importantly getting pregnant from a one night stand gone wrong.

Now, to figure out how in the hell I would get home. I could call Jase and he would pick me up, but that would leave Gabe with Tristan. I don’t want that. Standing in the middle of the still packed parking lot I looked up to the big night sky.

There is was. Derek’s star was twinkling right beside the moon. I always told Gabe that was Derek’s way of telling us hi and that he loved us.

“Annie, wait up!” Leigha called after me. Stopping I waited on my best friend. “Please tell me what I heard is a lie.”

Looking at her like she had three heads I asked, “Huh? What did you hear?”

Giving me her famous ‘cut the shit’ look, she put one of her hands on her hip and waved between me and the bar with her other. “That you told one very sexy Mr. Tucker no. Barker told me that owner man got all up in some guys Kool-Aid for messin’ with you then kicked him out. He also told me that owner man couldn’t take his eyes off of you and that your eyes seemed pretty distracted as well.”

“Barker is an idiot and needs to learn how to keep his damn mouth shut.”

Leigha squealed, jumping up and down. “Oh my God! Oh my God! Gage Tucker has the hots for my best friend.”

“Um no. He was drunk. He got me drunk. And now I have no idea how I’m getting home.”

“I’ll drive and crash at your house tonight.”

I handed Leigha my keys and sunk into the passenger seat. When my car started the song that always made me think of Derek filled the silence. So Far Away by Avenged Sevenfold. “Do you ever wonder what life would have been like if Derek hadn’t been killed?”

She held my hand and gave me a sad smile. “Sometimes. Especially when I see Gabe playing the guitar. He is a mini me of his dad.”

“I hate Tristan. It’s been six years and I still hate him. A little part of me hates Derek too. He knew what he was doing that night when he got in the car with Tristan. He knew the risk he was taking. He knew he was going to be a father.”

“Oh sweetie. Tristan hate’s himself too. You know he blames himself. We were all young and stupid. You got lucky and ended up pregnant. Derek was so proud he was going to be a dad.” Leigha looked out of my sunroof. “You know as well as I do that if he thought for one minute getting in that car with Tristan would take him away from you and Gabe he never would have went.”

She was right. Derek loved the idea that I was having his baby. I was only seventeen, he was eighteen, but we were in love. “I know. That doesn’t stop me from thinking ‘what if’. Would the boys have made it big and would we be sittin’ fat on our asses on some private island. Would the guys still be playing in the garage and we barely scraping to get by? Or maybe we would be comfortable having nine to five jobs with a couple of kids.”

Leigha shrugged. “Maybe. But we will never know. You can’t keep thinking ‘what if’. Eventually you have to let go and move on. Close that chapter in your life and start writing a new one.”

I didn’t want to move on. I didn’t want to forget Derek. He was the only chapter I knew. I feared change, despised it. Moving on meant starting something new which meant leaving Derek behind. I wasn’t ready for that and didn’t know if I ever would be. Gabe was the guy I snuggled with and loved. He was the spitting image of his daddy with his shaggy light brown hair and soft hazel eyes. His attitude dead on. Gabe did what he wanted and said what he thought. He was a good kid but I could already tell when he got older I would be put through hell.

Not wanting to talk about Derek anymore I lied. “I’ll try. Let’s go home and sleep. I’m so tired.”

“What in the hell?” I yanked my phone off the nightstand to look at the time. A little after nine. Who would be at my house this early? The only people that would need to be here this early have a key. One of those people was still asleep next to me.

“Will you go answer the damn door? It’s too early for me to get up.” Leigha mumbled.

Flinging the sheet off of me, I stomped into the living room and jerked the front door open. There was a younger guy standing in front me, looking me up and down.

“Can I help you?” I asked, irritated.

“Are you Annie Holland?” The boy looked familiar but no way would I know someone as young as him.

“Depends. Who wants to know?”

The boy surpried the shit outta me when he said, “I like you.”

Scrunching my face I asked, “Excuse me?”

Smiling, the boy said, “Nevermind”-shaking his head he added– “I have a delivery for you.”

“I didn’t order anything.”

Rolling his eyes, he said, “You know, people can order stuff for you. You know, like as a surprise.” Leaning over the boy grabbed a huge vase of lillies I hadn’t noticed. “I was told to tell you to make sure you read the card. Have a nice day.”

Taking the flowers I mumbled my thanks and kicked the door shut. Shuffling into the kitchen I sat the vase on the counter and opened the card.

Hope you’re not feeling too bad this morning. Tequila can be a bitch. Asprin and Coffee helps.

“Leigha! Leigha Cole get your ass in here now!” I shouted as loud as I could.

Rubbing her eyes Leigha walked into the kitchen. Even first thing in the morning she looked gorgeous. “You better be dying right now.” Gorgeous, yes…pleasant, no.

“I think I might be. Look at this shit.” I stepped to the side so she could see on the counter behind me.

Blinking a few time, her jaw dropped. “Are those from him?” She took a few steps toward the counter, leaning in to smell them.

“Yes. That fucker! I can’t accept these. I’m taking them to work and shoving them in his face.”

Leigha still had her face in the flowers but looked at me out the side of her eyes. “Why? He’s just trying to be nice.”

Snorting, I said, “More like trying to get in my panties.”

“Eh, whatever. Flowers are flowers, and these are amazing. But, how did he know where you lived? Maybe he’s a stalker.”

They were pretty. “Leigha, he’s our boss. I’m sure he looked at my application. If I keep them he will get the wrong idea. Better to nip this in the ass and say goodbye to the pretty flowers so he knows I’m not interested.”

“Oh, yeah. Forgot about that. But still, you can keep the flowers and still tell him you’re not interested in anything other than being friends.”

“Leigha, I don’t even know the man. Well, he did tell me he was a single parent to his daughter, his wife died a few months ago. Other than that I know nothing. I don’t want to be his friend. He’s my boss.”

Her eyes lit up and she giggled, “Oh, it would be like a dirty, secret office romance.”

“Um, I’m just going to act like I didn’t just hear that.” Shoving the card back into the flowers I said, “I’m going to call your brother and see if he wants to meet me at the beach with Gabe. If you promise to keep your mouth shut you can come.”

Leigha held her hand up to her mouth and pretended she was zipping it shut then throwing the key away. “These lips are sealed.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Taking one last look at the flowers I started to walk away. Today I wouldn’t worry about Gage or his pretty flowers or his sky blue eyes or the way he smelled like walking sex or the way his smile made my stomach flip or how all I could think about was feeling him inside me or the very, very dirty dream I had about him. Nope, no Gage Tucker on my brain. Ha! Who was I kidding?

Stupid men.

I called Jase and we decided to meet at the beach at noon. When we pulled up I saw Jase’s car and Tristan’s truck already there. Inwardly groaning I turned my car off and grabbed my bag from the backseat with towels and sunblock. I didn’t want to be around him today. Gage already had my head in a clusterfuck. I really didn’t need Tristan trying to be my best friend.

“Mommy! Guess what I can do?” Gabe was running out of the ocean as I walked down the beach.

“Wipe your own ass?” I joked. Gabe loved Big Daddy, one of his favorite movies. Yeah, yeah I know what a horrible mom I am for letting him watch movies like that blah blah blah. He either hears it with me or from someone he doesn’t know.

Gabe laughed. “Well yeah mommy. And I still want my name to be Frankenstien but guess what else I can do?”

Bending down, I kissed the top of his head. He was always so happy on the beach. I asked, “What else, buddy?”

“Uncle Jase taught me the first verse of Sweet Home Alabama on the guitar.”

Looking up at Jase he winked. Bringing my attention back to my little boy I asked, “He did? I can’t wait to hear it.”

“Uncle Jase said he will teach me more tonight when you’re at work.”

“That sounds fun baby. I guess you had a lot of fun with Uncle Jase last night?”

Gabe nodded quickly. “Duh mommy. He also told me I can’t show my penis in public.”

“Well, yes he’s right, but why did he tell you that?” I started walking again.

“Tristan was watching some movie and the guy was showing all the girls his penis. And, you know what mommy? That guy had an earring in his penis. It was so gross. I don’t ever want an earring in my penis. The guy in the movie had a big penis, mommy. Why isn’t mine that big?”

My eyes were huge. I was frantically looking around to make sure no one was hearing my five year old repeatedly saying penis or talking about some guy’s penis peircing. Thankfully everyone was ignoring us.

I wanted to laugh but that wouldn’t be right. Instead I dropped to my knees to look Gabe in his eyes. “You don’t pay attention to Tristan, okay. He’s a bad boy. And from now on, lets not say penis in public.”

Wrinkling his nose, Gabe looked back at where the group of guys were sitting. “You don’t like him, huh?”

Why did my child have to be so damn perseptive? No sense in lying. “Nope, buddy, I don’t. He made a very bad mistake a long time ago and mommy can’t forgive him.”

“You tell me all the time if I say sorry you will forgive me. Maybe Tristan just needs to tell you sorry.” Gabe yanked his hands from mine and took off running back to the group. “Tristaaaaan!”

Great. I wanted to avoid him today. Now my son is going to have him trying to talk to me and be friends. I don’t want to be Tristan’s friend. I still wish Tristan would have been the one who died in the wreck, not Derek. I watched as Tristan smiled at my son and listened to every word he said. I may not like him, in fact I hate him, but he does love Gabe. The more Gabe said to Tristan, the more his smile faded. Tristan flashed his eyes to me. Standing, he brushed the sand off his hands and started walking toward me but stopped just a few feet away.

“Didn’t think I would see you until later.”

I froze. That voice. There it was again. I really didn’t want to deal with Gage, even more so than Tristan. This is not my damn day. “Why are you here?” I didn’t bother turning around. There was a small, albeit a teeny tiny part of me that wanted to run into Tristan’s arms and away from Gage. But, I didn’t. I stood frozen in place and watched as Tristan retreated back to our group of friends.

I heard Gage snicker. “It’s a public beach and last I checked, I’m the public.” His voice was getting closer.

“Oh. I thought with all your ball playing that you would be above all us common public folk.”

I couldn’t be sure, but I think he growled. He was right behind me now, his breath brushing my neck. “I’ve told you before, Annie, I don’t play with balls. I’m more than willing to show you.”

I needed to get away from him. He already had my heart racing and my brain mushing. “Didn’t I read something in the employee handbook about fraternizing with the help? Pretty sure if you show me your balls, that would be the definition of fraternize.”

“Not when I’m the boss.”

My gaurdian angels were watching over me. Jase and Ryker were walking in my direction. Thank you, thank you, thank you! When they were close enough Jase pulled me to him, spinning me so I was finally facing Gage. Wrapping his arm low on my waist he asked, “You going to introduce us to your friend?”

Was this man human? I was used to being around attractive guys. Gage made them all look homeless. He was shirtless, of course, why wouldn’t he be. It has already been established that today is not my day so why not kick Annie while she’s down? His black and green swim trunks were low on his hips showing his toned stomach. Letting my eyes slowly travel his body I saw all the tattoos on his arms, chest, and ribs. He looked like a walking story. I wanted to know what his tattoos were about. But, I would never ask.

Finally bringing my eyes to meet Gage’s I answered Jase, “Nope.”

That didn’t matter. Gage held his hand out, “I’m Gage Tucker, nice to meet you.”

Jase and Ryker introduced themselves. Ryker said, “You know, I bet Gabe would love to meet you. If you don’t care.” Snapping my head to Ryker I glared. He ignored me.

Gage smirked. “I would love to meet him. Let me check on my daughter then I will be over.”

“You have got to be kidding me right now, Ryker Duncan. I am trying to avoid this man not invite him into my life.”

Ryker played with his lip ring, almost looking sorry. “It’s not like I invited him to dinner, damn Annie. You know your son would love meeting him.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I pouted like a four year old. “But, I don’t want to!”

Jase and Ryker laughed. Jase said, “Now, now princess. No need to get your panties up your ass. You only have to play nice for a few minutes. If you’re a good girl I will buy you something shiney.”

“Humph. How about a nice shiney baseball bat so I can knock the shit outta you stupid men.” Stepping out of Jase’s hold I stomped to my son. Leigha and Lydia were sitting next to him, helping him build a sand castle.

“I saw owner man talking to you.” Leigha said, her voice a litle too happy for my liking.

“And twat biscuit over there,”– I pointed to Ryker– “invited him to play.” My voice laced with anger.

“Aw now be nice, Ms. Holland. What is that saying? ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.’ I’m sure Ryker was just being friendly to your new male friend.”

“If that’s the saying I might as well have my voice box surgically removed now. Gage Tucker is not my friend. He is my boss. He is a conceited cock jockey.”

Gabe popped his head up. “You have a new friend, mommy?”

I ran my hand through his hair and said, “No, buddy.”

Lydia laughed. “On a first name basis, are we? How interesting. I don’t call my boss by his first name.”

Jase sat down beside Lydia, bumping her with his shoulder and joked, “No, it’s more like ‘Oh God’ or ‘Fuck Yes’.”

Leigha stuck her fingers in her ears and shut her eyes. “Eww eww eww! I don’t want to hear about my brother and his so called assistant like that.”

Leaning over Lydia kissed Jase. “Sorry, Le. Your brother is the best boss I’ve ever had.”

“Damn straight baby.” Jase winked.

“And speaking of best bosses, look who is walking this way. Oh my God! Look at that little girl he’s carrying.”

Taking my eyes off of Gabe I glanced at Gage. He was smiling and looking at his daughter. This Gage looked different from the Gage I had met last night or the Gage that was talking to me earlier. That Gage was rough, sexual. The Gage that was walking toward me looked soft, loving. And damn if my heartstrings weren’t being tugged.

“Hello, ladies,” Gage greeted us.

Huffing I sat back. He didn’t come over here for me. He came for Gabe. No need to talk to him. Gabe stopped packing the sand and looked up. His light green eyes sparkling. “My mommy doesn’t like you.”

That’s my boy.

Gage looked from Gabe to me. “Is that so? That’s a shame because I like your mommy. Maybe if you like me you could talk your mom into being my friend.”

Gabe gave me his watery grin and laughed. “She said you were a conceited cock jockey.”

Leigha, Lydia, and Jase busted out laughing. I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. I chanced looking at Gage to see his reaction. Laughing. That ass nugget was laughing.

“I think we should be friends, little man. What do you say?” Gage asked. He sat his daughter in the sand next to my son. “This is Londyn. She likes to play in the sand, too.”

Gabe stared at the baby. “She’s cool as long as she doesn’t poop. I don’t change poopy diapers.”

And that my friends sealed the deal. Gabe and Gage were inseperable the rest of the afternoon. Which also meant, Gage and I were inseperable the rest of the afternoon, too.

I watched as Gage taught Gabe how to toss a football. Something felt different having Gage around. He seemed to fill that father figure role for mys on just fine and never blinked an eye.

…And I liked it.

Oh yeah, I was screwed.